The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 stands as a testament to luxury and innovation in the SUV segment. Building on Mercedes-Benz’s legacy of excellence, this model year offers a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and advanced technology, making it a sought-after vehicle for discerning drivers. Let’s delve into the key aspects that define the 2021 GLE 350 and understand why it remains a relevant choice in the pre-owned luxury SUV market.
Performance and Powertrain
Under the hood, the 2021 GLE 350 is powered by a responsive 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine. This engine delivers 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for daily driving and confident highway cruising. The engine is paired with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and efficient gear changes. The 2021 GLE 350 is available in both rear-wheel drive and 4MATIC® all-wheel drive configurations, catering to different driving preferences and weather conditions. The 4MATIC® system enhances traction and stability, making it a reliable choice for drivers in areas with varied climates.
Alt text: 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 side profile dimensions showcasing vehicle length, height, and wheelbase.
The acceleration of the 2021 GLE 350 is brisk, achieving 0-60 mph in approximately 7.0 seconds. This performance figure is commendable for a vehicle of its size, offering a balance of agility and comfort. Fuel economy is also a consideration, with the GLE 350 delivering an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. These figures are competitive for the luxury SUV class, making it a practical option for both city commutes and longer journeys.
Dimensions and Capacity
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 provides a spacious and versatile cabin, comfortably seating five passengers with an optional third-row configuration available for those needing to accommodate up to seven. The dimensions of the GLE 350 contribute to its commanding presence and interior comfort:
- Wheelbase: 117.9 inches
- Overall Length: 194.3 inches
- Overall Height: 70.7 inches
- Overall Width (with mirrors): 84.9 inches
- Overall Width (without mirrors): 76.7 inches
Alt text: 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 front and rear dimensions illustrating vehicle width and track width.
Inside, the GLE 350 offers generous headroom and legroom for both front and rear occupants. Cargo capacity is a significant advantage, ranging from 33.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up to a substantial 74.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This ample space makes the GLE 350 ideal for families, road trips, and anyone requiring significant cargo hauling capability.
- Passenger Capacity: 5 (7 optional)
- Headroom (Front): 40.5 inches
- Legroom (Front): 40.3 inches
- Shoulder Room (Front): 59.3 inches
- Headroom (Rear): 36.9 inches
- Legroom (Rear): 40.9 inches
- Shoulder Room (Rear): 58.3 inches
- Cargo Capacity: 33.3-74.9 cu ft
Features and Options
The 2021 GLE 350 is well-equipped with a range of standard features expected in a luxury SUV, including advanced safety systems, premium materials, and user-friendly technology. Notable standard features include the MBUX infotainment system with a large touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a suite of driver assistance features.
For those seeking to personalize their GLE 350, a variety of optional packages and standalone features were available. These options allowed buyers to enhance the vehicle’s aesthetics, comfort, and technology. Popular optional packages for the 2021 GLE 350 included:
- AMG Line Exterior: For a sportier appearance, this package added AMG body styling, 20-inch AMG wheels, and a sport brake system.
- Night Package: This package provided a distinctive look with gloss black exterior accents, black wheels, and black roof rails.
- AMG Line Interior: Enhancing the interior ambiance with sport seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and AMG-specific trim elements.
- 3rd-Row Seat Package: Adding a third row of seats, power second-row seats, and additional USB-C ports for rear passengers.
- Exclusive Trim: Elevating comfort with ventilated front seats and a Burmester Surround Sound System.
- Pinnacle Trim: The top-tier trim level, including all features of the Exclusive Trim, plus advanced lighting, multicontour seats with massage, a head-up display, and more.
- Driver Assistance Package: A comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot assist, and more, enhancing safety and convenience.
Conclusion
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 remains a compelling option in the luxury SUV market, offering a refined driving experience, a spacious and luxurious interior, and a wealth of technology and features. Its blend of performance, versatility, and Mercedes-Benz’s renowned quality makes it a smart choice for those seeking a pre-owned luxury SUV that continues to deliver on its promises of sophistication and capability. Whether prioritizing daily commutes, family adventures, or simply enjoying the finer things in driving, the 2021 GLE 350 is a vehicle that deserves serious consideration.
