DecodedCars2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline, Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 20 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints1 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 28 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 14 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and 4-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), 6% worse than the 2020 small SUV average of 23.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the vehicle speed control.
What changed for 2020
- New hybrid version
- Engines added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 5.5L 8-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 20 to 22
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 GLE-Class →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLE350 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -6% | $3,750 | 404 |
| GLE350 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | -6% | $3,750 | 397 |
| GLE450 4matic Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | +12% | $3,900 | 422 |
| GLE580 4matic Hybrid | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 19 | +1% | $4,350 | 470 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
Similar 2020 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Tesla Model Y | 316 mi | ★★★★★ | 24 |
| 2020 BMW X3 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 16 |
| 2020 Porsche Macan | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2020 Acura MDX | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2020 BMW X4 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2020 Jaguar I-Pace | 234 mi | Not rated | 8 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 2,025 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other GLE-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 GLE-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 GLE-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 GLE-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 GLE-Class | 24 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 GLE-Class | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 GLE-Class | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 GLE-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 GLE-Class | 20 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2018 GLE-Class | 21 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2017 GLE-Class | 21 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2016 GLE-Class | 25 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →