Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, GLE 450e, GLE 580 & More

Last updated August 4, 2026

Mercedes-Benz GLE

The core Mercedes-Benz GLE models are the GLE 300d 4MATIC, GLE 350, and GLE 350 4MATIC. They deliver the lineup’s roomy luxury and everyday comfort with four-cylinder power, plus rear- or all-wheel drive depending on the model. The lineup then branches by priority. The 2016 GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC is the sporty, coupe-shaped choice. The GLE 450e 4MATIC and GLE 550e 4MATIC Plug-In Hybrid focus on electric commuting with gasoline backup. The GLE 400 4MATIC and GLE 450 4MATIC are the smoother six-cylinder step, while the GLE 580 4MATIC sits at the top of the non-AMG range with V8 power, air suspension, and richer standard equipment.

What each trim is known for

Mercedes-Benz GLE Base Model

Base Model

GLE 300d 4MATICGLE 350GLE 350 4MATIC

The Base Model trim level—GLE 300d 4MATIC, GLE 350, and GLE 350 4MATIC—is the core GLE experience, built around space, everyday luxury, and four-cylinder efficiency.

Best for: Drivers who want GLE comfort, towing ability, and usefulness without prioritizing six-cylinder or V8 performance.

Highlights

  • Turbocharged four-cylinder power, with diesel or gasoline depending on the model and year
  • Rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive
  • Heated power front seats
  • Roomy, upscale SUV cabin
131 in stock
Mercedes-Benz GLE Performance

Performance

GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC

The Performance trim level—the 2016 GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC—is the coupe-shaped, AMG-tuned branch with a more dramatic look and a sharper road feel.

Best for: Someone shopping for a 2016 GLE who values acceleration, sporty styling, and handling feel as much as SUV practicality.

Highlights

  • AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter biturbo V6
  • Performance-oriented 4MATIC all-wheel drive with a 40:60 torque split
  • AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive damping
  • GLE Coupe body style

Adds AMG-tuned V6 power, performance-focused all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension, and the more dramatic GLE Coupe shape over the core models.

0 in stock
Mercedes-Benz GLE Plug-in Hybrid

Plug-in Hybrid

GLE 450e 4MATICGLE 550e 4MATIC Plug-In Hybrid

The Plug-in Hybrid trim level—GLE 450e 4MATIC and GLE 550e 4MATIC Plug-In Hybrid—is the electric-commuting branch that keeps a gasoline engine for longer trips.

Best for: Drivers who can charge regularly and want quiet electric driving without giving up GLE space, luxury, or road-trip flexibility.

Highlights

  • Plug-in hybrid power with gasoline backup
  • Electric-only driving for shorter trips
  • 4MATIC all-wheel drive
  • Regular GLE SUV body and roomy cabin

Adds plug-in charging and electric commuting capability, while moving from the 2016 AMG Coupe’s performance focus to the regular GLE SUV’s efficiency-and-comfort focus.

10 in stock
Mercedes-Benz GLE Premium Upgrade

Premium Upgrade

GLE 400 4MATICGLE 450 4MATIC

The Premium Upgrade trim level—GLE 400 4MATIC and GLE 450 4MATIC—is the six-cylinder sweet spot, known for smoother power and effortless everyday performance.

Best for: Drivers who want stronger, smoother highway power than the four-cylinder GLE without moving to a plug-in hybrid or V8.

Highlights

  • Turbocharged V6 or inline-six power, depending on the model and year
  • 4MATIC all-wheel drive
  • Heated front seats
  • AMG body styling on the 2026 GLE 450

Shifts the focus from plug-in electric driving to conventional six-cylinder refinement; the 2026 GLE 450 also brings AMG body styling as standard.

9 in stock
Mercedes-Benz GLE Top Tier

Top Tier

GLE 580 4MATIC

The Top Tier trim level—the GLE 580 4MATIC—is the luxury-muscle GLE, pairing non-AMG manners with V8 power and richer comfort equipment.

Best for: Drivers who want strong acceleration, a quiet luxury-SUV character, and more standard comfort equipment without moving into a full AMG model.

Highlights

  • 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8
  • Self-leveling AIRMATIC air suspension
  • Burmester surround-sound system
  • AMG body styling

Adds twin-turbo V8 power, self-leveling air suspension, Burmester audio, and AMG body styling over the six-cylinder level.

3 in stock

Trim comparison

FeatureTop TierBase ModelPerformancePlug-in HybridPremium Upgrade
Includes
GLE 580 4MATIC3 in stock
GLE 300d 4MATIC, GLE 350, GLE 350 4MATIC131 in stock
GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC0 in stock
GLE 450e 4MATIC, GLE 550e 4MATIC Plug-In Hybrid10 in stock
GLE 400 4MATIC, GLE 450 4MATIC9 in stock
Models in this trim levelGLE 580 4MATICGLE 300d; GLE 350; GLE 350 4MATICGLE 450 AMG 4MATICGLE 450e; GLE 550e Plug-In HybridGLE 400; GLE 450
Main identityV8-powered non-AMG flagshipCore everyday luxurySporty AMG-tuned branchElectric commuting with gas backupSix-cylinder sweet spot
Body styleRegular GLE SUVRegular GLE SUVGLE CoupeRegular GLE SUVRegular GLE SUV
Powertrain character4.0L twin-turbo V8Turbo four-cylinder; diesel or gasAMG-enhanced 3.0L biturbo V6Gas engine and electric motorTurbo V6 or inline-six by year
Driven wheels4MATIC AWDRear-wheel drive or 4MATIC AWDPerformance 4MATIC AWD4MATIC AWD4MATIC AWD
Plug-in electric drivingNoNoNoYes; recent GLE 450e up to 49 milesNo
Defining hardwareAir suspension and Burmester audioHeated power front seatsAdaptive air suspensionPlug-in charging systemTurbocharged six-cylinder

Frequently asked questions

What does 4MATIC mean on a Mercedes-Benz GLE?

4MATIC means the GLE has Mercedes-Benz all-wheel drive. On newer regular GLE trims, it sends power where traction is needed, making it the more reassuring setup for rain, snow, and loose surfaces.

What’s the difference between the GLE 350 and GLE 350 4MATIC?

The main difference is traction. In newer lineups, the GLE 350 uses rear-wheel drive, while the GLE 350 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive. Both use the base 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and share the same basic luxury and screen technology.

What does the GLE 450 4MATIC add over the GLE 350 4MATIC?

The GLE 450 4MATIC mainly adds a smoother, stronger 3.0-liter turbo inline-six. It keeps all-wheel drive and the roomy GLE cabin, while providing easier highway passing and quicker acceleration than the four-cylinder GLE 350 4MATIC.

What’s the difference between the GLE 450e and GLE 450?

The newer GLE 450e is a plug-in hybrid with up to 49 miles of electric range and gasoline backup. The GLE 450 is a non-plug-in model with a turbo inline-six. Both have all-wheel drive, but they suit different routines.

What does the GLE 580 add over the GLE 450?

The GLE 580 steps up to a twin-turbo V8 and richer standard equipment. In recent years it also includes self-leveling air suspension, Burmester surround sound, all-wheel drive, and AMG body styling. It is stronger and more lavish than the six-cylinder GLE 450.

What is the GLE 300d 4MATIC?

The GLE 300d 4MATIC is an older diesel version aimed at long highway drives and lower fuel use rather than quick acceleration. It combines a torque-rich 2.1-liter diesel four-cylinder with all-wheel drive and the regular GLE SUV cabin.

What is the GLE 400 4MATIC?

The GLE 400 4MATIC is an older six-cylinder step-up model. It uses a 329-hp twin-turbo V6, a nine-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive, placing it above the basic GLE versions without turning it into a full AMG performance model.

How are the GLE 550e and GLE 450e plug-in hybrids different?

They belong to different eras. The older GLE 550e pairs an electric motor with a twin-turbo V6 and an 8.7-kWh battery. The newer GLE 450e uses a four-cylinder plug-in system, provides up to 49 miles of electric range, and supports DC fast charging.

What is the GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC?

The GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC was a sporty GLE Coupe offered in the earlier lineup. It combined a twin-turbo V6, performance-focused all-wheel drive, air suspension, and AMG tuning with the GLE Coupe’s more dramatic body shape.

Is the regular GLE 450 4MATIC an AMG model?

No. The regular GLE 450 4MATIC is a six-cylinder GLE rather than a full AMG model. Some newer examples have AMG body styling, but that appearance package does not turn the vehicle into an AMG performance version.

Which GLE trim makes sense for frequent winter driving?

The GLE 350 4MATIC is the straightforward winter-weather pick. It keeps the base four-cylinder and everyday comfort while adding all-wheel drive. The GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580 also have all-wheel drive if you want a different powertrain.

Which GLE trim suits a commute that can be done mostly on electricity?

The newer GLE 450e fits that routine. It provides up to 49 miles of electric range, supports DC fast charging, and keeps a gasoline engine for longer trips. The older GLE 550e is also a plug-in hybrid, but it uses an earlier system.

Which non-AMG GLE trim has the strongest performance?

The GLE 580 is the strongest non-AMG version in recent lineups. Its twin-turbo V8 delivers more effortless acceleration than the four-cylinder, plug-in hybrid, and inline-six trims while keeping the GLE’s comfort-focused character.

Do all Mercedes-Benz GLE trims have the same screens?

No. Newer core trims use dual 12.3-inch displays with touchscreen infotainment and built-in navigation. Older versions differ; for example, the earlier GLE 550e used an 8-inch navigation system, so cabin technology depends heavily on the model’s era.

Is the GLE 350 well equipped, or is it a bare-bones trim?

The newer GLE 350 is well equipped despite being the entry model. Its core equipment includes dual 12.3-inch displays, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a surround-view camera, and heated power front seats with memory and lumbar support.