“Beware. In less than four months, my brand new GLE 350 4 Matic vehicle broke down and I'm currently in a terrible, cheap, stink, low quality rental, despite having to pay $1288.08 a month. My loaner should've been another Mercedes Benz. Not a Nissan Altima that handles terribly!”
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE is that automatic high-beam headlights become standard across the lineup. Otherwise, this is a light-update year with no redesign or major powertrain and cabin changes.
About the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE
2nd generation GLE (2020-2023), third year before the 2024 refresh.
The GLE is Mercedes-Benz’s midsize luxury SUV for shoppers who want a roomy, upscale cabin, big-screen tech, and a broader range of powertrains than many rivals. Its identity is less about being the sportiest choice and more about blending comfort, prestige, family usefulness, and available capability. Compared with key rivals, the GLE stands out for its polished interior presentation, wide engine spread, and more genuine off-road hardware than most luxury SUVs in this class.
The GLE 350 is the straightforward entry model, with a 255-hp turbo four-cylinder engine, twin 12.3-inch displays, smartphone integration, and heated front seats; the GLE 350 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive. The GLE 450 4MATIC pairs all-wheel drive with a smoother, stronger 362-hp turbo inline-six and mild-hybrid assist. At the top of the regular lineup, the GLE 580 4MATIC combines a twin-turbo V8 with air suspension, upgraded exterior styling, and Burmester surround-sound audio.
What changed, by category
Safety
Automatic high-beam headlights become standard across the GLE lineup. They automatically switch between high and low beams based on traffic and lighting conditions.
2022 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, MHEV, 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 | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 26 mpg | 25 mpg | 21 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 | |
| Rear Legroom | 40.9 in | 40.9 in | 40.9 in | 40.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Anti-Lock Brakes | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Driver Attention Assist Monitor | ||||
| Hill Start Assist | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Stability Control | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Traction Control | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Massage Front Seat | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Memory Front Seats | ||||
| Power Locks | ||||
| Power Steering | ||||
| Power Windows | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Reclining Rear Seats | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE compared with the 2021 model?
Automatic high-beam headlights are the main change for 2022, becoming standard across the GLE lineup. The basic engines, body, cabin layout, and twin-screen technology carry over from 2021.
Is the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE a redesign?
No, the 2022 GLE is not a redesign. It is the third model year of the generation introduced for 2020, and it receives only a light equipment update.
Does every 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE have automatic high-beam headlights?
Yes, automatic high-beam headlights are standard across the 2022 GLE lineup. This is the year's main lineup-wide equipment change.
Is the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 a mild hybrid?
Yes, the 2022 GLE 450 4MATIC uses a 362-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with mild-hybrid assist and all-wheel drive. This powertrain carries over rather than being newly introduced for 2022.
What distinguishes the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 from the other regular GLE models?
The 2022 GLE 580 4MATIC is the V8-powered model at the top of the regular GLE lineup. It also has all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension, upgraded exterior styling, and Burmester surround-sound audio.
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE.
4.3
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE
(2,339 reviews)
“Be aware that both the GLE 53 and the GLE 63S have tricky transmissions. Due to the extreme power, they can have issues that need adjustments, and you have to LOVE the vehicle and stick with it during the process of all the upgrades to the software.”
“if you like SUV's, Mercedes is BEST: consider extensive digital features, long driving trip comfort, easy maneuvering, safety, gas mileage, interior design, sound cancelation, sound system, seat comfort.”