The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a versatile midsize luxury SUV. It can be equipped with three rows of seating for maximum effectiveness as a road tripper or optional twin-turbo V8, transforming it into an outrageous performance machine.
Changes for the 2022 model year are limited to minor color and trim modifications, plus newly standard automatic high-beam headlights on every trim.
Rivals to the 2022 GLE-Class include the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Acura MDX, Volvo XC90, Cadillac XT6, and Genesis GV80, to name only a few. The market for luxury SUVs is red hot, and the GLE’s degree of customization allows it to fill a wide variety of driving needs and a wide range of budgets.
Of course, the primary goal of the GLE is to transport people in a premium environment, complete with all the safety, tech, and comfort touches expected from a sport-utility ranging in price from $55,700 to $80,200. .
In total, there are four engines offered in the 2022 GLE, along with a choice of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) and standard SUV or coupe-like body styles covered elsewhere
Since there are so many engines to talk about, along with innumerable ways to make the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE faster and more luxurious, let’s jump straight into the model lineup. There are four primary trims.
Let’s take a look at the powertrains, standard features, and options at each step of the trim ladder of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE.
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 ($55,700)
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 comes in RWD format, powered by a 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder coupled to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Adding AWD costs roughly $2,500 extra, though many luxury SUV shoppers will consider the added all-weather grip necessary. In Mercedes-speak, its AWD system is known as 4Matic, and it’s standard equipment on all trims except the GLE 350.
Standard features on the GLE 350 and 350 4Matic include a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, LED headlights and taillights, heated and power operated front seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, wireless smartphone charging, hands-free tailgate, and more.
In other words, even in base format, the 2022 GLE is hardly what anyone would call a Spartan ride!
When it comes to active safety features, every 2022 GLE is equipped with automatic emergency braking, rearview camera, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, hands-free parking, pedestrian detection, driver drowsiness monitor, plus front and rear parking sensors.
There is no shortage of ways to upgrade the GLE. Options range from AMG-themed exterior trim packages and larger alloy wheels (up to 21-inches in diameter) to stand-alone items like a panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, heated and cooled front cupholders, head-up display, ventilated front seats, and third-row seating.
While three rows of seating can be perfect for moments when you need to haul lots of people, the ones in the GLE are snug for adults during anything but short cross-town jaunts.
There are also groupings of popular extras, such as the Warmth & Comfort Package that adds rapid-warning front seats, plus heated front armrests and upper door panels.
Then there’s the safety-related Driver Assistance Package PLUS, which bundles features like adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, and much more. For approximately $2,000, this could be one of the smartest and safest items to add to the GLE.
With an MSRP of $55,700 plus a destination charge of $1,050, the GLE 350 has a price of $56,750. Financing that amount (with no money down) for 60 months at a 3% interest rate works out to a monthly payment of $1,020. See Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 models for sale
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 includes:
- 4-cylinder economy – While the GLE can have more than 600 horsepower, the 255-hp turbo 4-cylinder in the GLE 350 is perfectly fine and gets the job done.
- Safety features – The GLE comes with an impressive list of standard active safety features.
- Lots of screens – Two 12.3-inch touch screens dominate the dashboard of the GLE.
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic ($63,500)
Climbing the GLE trims, next up is the GLE 450 4Matic with its 362-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 paired to a 9-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. Many of the same option packages and stand-alone extras offered in the GLE 350 and GLE 350 4Matic are the same here in the 450 trim.
However, a few items offered on the 450 aren’t available on the 350 trim. These include power-operated soft-close front and rear doors, air suspension system, 22-inch alloys, and AMG Sport exhaust system.
With an MSRP of $63,500 plus a destination charge of $1,050, the GLE 450 4Matic has a price of $64,550. Financing that amount (with no money down) for 60 months at a 3% interest rate works out to a monthly payment of $1,160. See 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic models for sale
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic includes:
- Smooth ride – An air suspension becomes available on the 450 4Matic
- Bigger footprint – Wheels ranging up to 22-inches in diameter are available.
- Fuel savings – The GLE 450 4Matic engine is fitted with a fuel-saving, 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4Matic ($80,200)
The Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4Matic has a 483-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, standard all-wheel drive, and a 9-speed automatic transmission. According to Mercedes, this is good enough to allow the GLE 580 to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in only 4.9 seconds (versus 7.0 seconds in the standard GLE 350).
Once again, the bulk of comfort, safety, and tech add-ons found on the 450 4Matic are found on the option sheet of the GLE 580. There are a few added standard features, and these include leather seating and a 360-degree parking camera.
With an MSRP of $80,200 plus a destination charge of $1,050, the GLE 580 4Matic has a price of $81,250. Financing that amount (with no money down) for 60 months at a 3% interest rate works out to a monthly payment of $1,460. See 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4Matic models for sale
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4Matic includes:
- Power – The twin-turbo V8 gives the 580 4Matic serious thrust.
- Snazzier seats – Real leather seating (not synthetic MB-Tex upholstery) is standard.
- Easier to park – Standard 360-degree parking camera is great in tight spots.
2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic ($73,550)
While the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic wears the German automaker’s performance-oriented badge, it’s technically less expensive than the GLE 580 4Matic. Performance between the two is negligible. However, the AMG GLE 53 is only a few tenths of a second slower from zero to 60 mph than the GLE 580.
Credit the 429-hp turbocharged inline-6 and standard AWD powertrain lighter than the turbo V8 found in the heftier GLE 580.
The AMG GLE 53 is also notable for coming standard with an air suspension, AMG sport exhaust, a thumping Burmester stereo, and red interior stitching. Since it wears the AMG label, performance upgrades are abundant. Options like AMG brakes, AMG steering wheel, AMG performance exhaust, and even an AMG-themed head-up display are offered.
Other notable and opulent items include a fragrance diffuser for the cabin, a Burmester 3-D surround-sound audio system, and safety aids like active lane keep assist, speed limit assist, and route-based speed adaptation.
The AMG GLE 53 is offered with an optional third row.
With an MSRP of $73,550 plus a destination charge of $1,050, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic has a price of $74,600. Financing that amount (with no money down) for 60 months at a 3% interest rate works out to a monthly payment of $1,340. See 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic models for sale
2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic includes:
- AMG extras – Options include AMG-tuned brakes, exhaust, and choice of sportier AMG steering wheels.
- Turbo 6-cylinder – While it doesn’t have a twin-turbo V8, this AMG SUV is nearly as fast as the GLE 580.
- Serious sounds – A 25-speaker Burmester surround-sound audio system is available.
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