“This car rides great, is fun to drive and people stop us frequently to comment how nice looking it is.”
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE is that ambient interior lighting and wireless phone charging become standard across the lineup. Otherwise, this is a light equipment update with no redesign or meaningful changes to the main engines.
About the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
2nd generation GLE (V167), second model year after the 2020 redesign
Mercedes positions the GLE as a midsize luxury SUV that mixes a roomy family-friendly cabin with showpiece cabin tech and more real capability than many rivals. Its appeal is not just badge prestige: the GLE offers generous passenger space, strong towing ability, upscale interior design, and advanced driver-assist features, while still being available with everything from an efficient turbo four to a smooth inline-six or V8. It is the Mercedes choice for buyers who want luxury and versatility in one vehicle.
The GLE 350 is the roomy, comfort-focused core model, with dual 12.3-inch screens, navigation, smartphone integration, and parking assistance; the GLE 350 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive. The GLE 450 4MATIC steps up to a smoother turbocharged inline-six, while the GLE 580 4MATIC pairs a twin-turbo V8 with air suspension and a richer cabin.
What changed, by category
Tech
Ambient interior lighting and wireless phone charging became standard across the lineup. On the GLE 450 4MATIC, premium audio moved from standard to optional.
Safety
A 360-degree parking camera became standard on the GLE 580 4MATIC instead of optional.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 255 hp | 362 hp | 483 hp |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5950 lb | 7700 lb | 7700 lb | 7700 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 40.9 in | 40.9 in | 40.9 in | 40.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Front Seats | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE?
The biggest change is that ambient interior lighting and a wireless phone charging pad became standard across the 2021 GLE lineup. Most other parts of the SUV carried over from 2020.
Was the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE redesigned?
No, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was not redesigned. It was the second model year after the 2020 redesign, with no major exterior, chassis, or suspension update.
Did the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE get new engines?
No, the core 2021 GLE 350, GLE 450, and GLE 580 models had no meaningful engine, transmission, or drivetrain changes. The main lineup continued with four-cylinder, inline-six, and V8 power, depending on trim.
What changed on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC?
The 2021 GLE 450 4MATIC gained standard ambient interior lighting and wireless phone charging, while its premium audio system moved from standard equipment to optional. Its turbocharged inline-six and all-wheel-drive layout carried over.
What changed on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4MATIC?
The 2021 GLE 580 4MATIC gained standard ambient interior lighting, wireless phone charging, and a 360-degree parking camera. Its twin-turbo V8, all-wheel drive, and air suspension carried over.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE.
4.2
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
(1,379 reviews)
“You will love the durable feel of the Turbo Extra Power and comfort this SUV gas powered engine provides. The classy look and feel of driving this heavy built machine down the road will give you confidence you expect in a vehicle.”
“Would highly recommend the GLE 350. Dependable. After leasing 3 different times and now owning the 4th one. I tried a BMW X5 and after 6 months I hated it. Rode like a truck. So I went back to my GLE 350.”