Mercedes-Benz is well known for building some of the most luxurious vehicles on the road, including SUVs. In fact, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE midsize crossover is the brand's top seller and one of the best-selling luxury models in America. With its elegant cabin, advanced technology, and powerful V8 engine, it did not take long behind the wheel to understand why the GLE is so popular.
Photo: Perry Stern
Mercedes-Benz offers the 2026 GLE SUV in six trim levels: GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, GLE 580, AMG GLE 53, and AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE 450 and AMG variants are also offered with the sleeker GLE Coupe body style. Except for the GLE 350, all trims come standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD). Base prices range from around $63,000 to $135,000, including the destination charge.
For this 2026 GLE review, Mercedes-Benz provided a GLE 580 in Dexter, Michigan (just outside Detroit), equipped with the following significant options:
The test vehicle's manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $122,910, including the $1,250 destination charge to ship the SUV from the Vance, Alabama, assembly plant to a local dealership. The price does not reflect any current rebates, incentives, or price adjustments since Mercedes-Benz manufactured the test vehicle.
Photo: Perry Stern
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 may have the basic shape of a traditional SUV. Still, with its bold fenders, classic Mercedes-Benz grille, 22-inch AMG wheels, and the special $6,500 Manufaktur Signature Cote d'Azur Light Blue Metallic paint, it easily stands out.
A look inside shows a sleek design with a pleasing blend of high quality materials. The elegant Yacht Blue Nappa leather is featured throughout the cabin, complementing the Piano Black Lacquer trim that extends across the dashboard and onto both front doors. Dual 12.3-inch displays housed within a single screen enhance the high-tech feel, as does the adjustable ambient lighting.
While most functions are accessible through the infotainment display, climate controls remain separate with physical buttons and toggles for quick access. A touch pad in the center console serves as an alternative infotainment interface, surrounded by shortcut buttons for navigation, communications, media, and vehicle settings. There is even a volume roller dial.
A wireless smartphone charger as well as heated and cooled cupholders are located at the front of the center console. However, besides the bin under the armrest, there is not much readily accessible space for storing smaller items.
Adding to the overall elegant surroundings are the luxurious front seats, trimmed in that stylish Yacht Blue. Not only do they look good, but these seats also offer excellent comfort with multiple power adjustments, including a seat bottom extender for better thigh support. They also feature heating, ventilation, and multiple massage options.
Rear seat passengers will enjoy ample legroom and headroom, and while the seats might not be on par with those up front, they are still comfortable. Dual-zone rear climate control, two USB-C ports, and the panoramic roof enhance the experience. The Mercedes-Benz GLE is also available with a third-row seat, but my test vehicle did not have this option.
It may have a spacious back seat, but that does not mean the GLE sacrifices cargo space. With over 33 cubic feet of storage, there is plenty of room for the family's luggage. Fold the 40/20/40 split rear seats flat, and you get nearly 75 cubic feet of storage. Press the button on the side of the cargo area to lower the rear of the GLE for easier loading.
Photo: Perry Stern
While many car companies are shifting to a Google-based infotainment system, Mercedes-Benz continues to use its reliable MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) platform. The GLE features the latest version of MBUX, displayed on a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a digital gauge cluster of the same size. Additionally, Mercedes offers a 9.5-inch head-up display with full color graphics that can show navigation, speed, driver-assist system status, and more.
The fully featured MBUX system includes:
The MBUX system features a touchscreen interface with large icons and swipeable screens. With quick response times and a bright, clear screen, the system navigation is very intuitive.
For added convenience, Mercedes provides multiple ways to interact with MBUX. A touchpad in the center console with a handy wrist rest can simulate touchscreen use, or you can use the right-side steering wheel controls to scroll and select items on the screen. However, after several days of use, I found the voice interface the easiest.
Activated by saying "Hey, Mercedes," the system uses AI for a more natural interaction. For example, instead of telling it to set the temperature to 72 degrees, I said I was cold, and it increased the temperature a few degrees. Without taking my hands off the wheel or my eyes off the road, I was able to close the sunshade, change the ambient lighting color, adjust the audio system, turn on the seat massagers, get directions to the closest coffee shop, and call my wife to see if she wanted a coffee.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come with a standard wireless connection. While I usually use Google Maps on Android Auto, I have grown to prefer the integrated MBUX system because of its augmented video feature for navigation. When a turn approaches, a live front-facing video appears in the center display with superimposed street names and arrows. The arrows grow larger as you get closer to the turn, making it almost impossible to miss.
Photo: Perry Stern
Under the hood of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 is a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine generating 510 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque, making it the second most powerful option in the GLE lineup. The engine has a mild hybrid system with an integrated starter-generator that powers electronic features and ensures seamless operation of the start/stop system.
There is a fuel-efficiency cost to having a powerful V8 under the hood. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE is estimated to get 17 mpg combined. On my typical driving route, which mixes city and highway driving, the trip computer showed a slightly better 18.2 mpg.
It may not be the most fuel efficient crossover on the market, but the GLE 580 is definitely quick. Full throttle will push everyone back in their seats, and according to Mercedes, zero to 60 mph happens in just 4.3 seconds. While it is nice to know the GLE can launch quickly from a stop, the SUV is more of a grand touring cruiser than a hot rod. Still, it is convenient to get across a busy intersection quickly or reach highway speeds effortlessly for a safe merge.
Whether driving through town or cruising on the freeway, the GLE 580's ride is quiet and comfortable, almost peaceful. Even at highway speeds, there is hardly any wind or road noise, and rough pavement is well masked by the GLE's air suspension.
While the GLE 580 never lacks power, I would not call it sporty. On my favorite winding roads north of Dexter, Michigan, the Mercedes offered a confident ride with sharp steering and strong brakes. However, the GLE felt heavy, and with its softer suspension, I did not feel comfortable pushing it too hard. If you want a GLE with more athletic performance, the AMG GLE 53 might be a better option.
Photo: Perry Stern
For a luxury SUV with a base MSRP nearing $100,000, the GLE 580 lacks the standard advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) I would expect. However, most of the anticipated features are available for an additional cost.
Standard or available ADAS on the 2026 GLE 580 include:
The GLE 580 also comes standard with Pre Safe, which activates when it detects an imminent crash. In just a few seconds, Pre Safe tightens the front seat belt, closes the sunroof and windows, and emits a "pink noise" tone that triggers a natural reflex in the ear to block out the loud noises of a crash.
Most of the optional ADAS are in the Driver Assist package. With adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane centering active, the GLE can operate semi-autonomously; however, the driver must still keep their hands on the wheel.
On my drive to the airport on Interstate 94 outside Ann Arbor, Michigan, I set the ACC to the 70-mph limit, and the icon in the driver's display showed that lane centering was also active. While the ACC slowed and sped up smoothly as needed, the lane centering caused the GLE to move left and right in the lane more than I would have liked. The Driver Assist package also included an automatic lane changing system, which steers into the next lane when the turn signal is activated.
As of this writing, there is no 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the structurally similar 2025 model received the organization's highest rating, “Top Safety Pick+,” but only when equipped with the optional Driver Assist package. At the time of writing, no crashworthiness ratings for the 2026 GLE are available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
According to the JD Power 2025 Initial Quality Study (IQS), the BMW X6 ranks highest in the Upper Midsize Premium SUV segment. The Genesis GV80 and the Porsche Cayenne are the next highest-ranked models.
According to the JD Power 2025 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, the BMW X6 ranks highest in the Upper Midsize Premium SUV segment. The Porsche Cayenne ranks second, and the Genesis GV80 and Land Rover Range Rover Sport rank third (in a tie).
Other 2026 GLE competitors include the Audi Q7, BMW X5, and Volvo XC90.
With elegant styling inside and out, extensive advanced technology features, and robust power from its turbocharged V8 engine, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 is a notable competitor in the luxury SUV market. Although its V8 is not very fuel-efficient and it is not the sportiest SUV available, the comfortable seating, spacious interior, great voice-activated controls, and smooth driving experience make the GLE 580 an excellent choice for luxury SUV buyers.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving nearly every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for JDPower.com. Recently relocated to southeast Michigan, Perry remains passionate about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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