2026 GLE 450e 4MATIC® SUV Review
Specs and Features: 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4MATIC®® SUV
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4MATIC®® SUV delivers 381 combined horsepower, 49 miles of electric range, and up to 7,700 pounds of towing capability. Available at Mercedes-Benz of New Orleans in Metairie, LA, this plug-in hybrid midsize SUV pairs a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with an advanced hybrid powertrain and 4MATIC®® fully variable all-wheel drive.
When comparing vehicles like the BMW X5 xDrive50e or Volvo XC90 Recharge, the GLE 450e stands out with its AIRMATIC® suspension package, advanced MBUX system, and extensive premium options. Within the Mercedes-Benz GLE lineup, the GLE 450e 4MATIC®® SUV blends electric efficiency with long-distance touring comfort.
Interior Comfort and Measurements
The five-passenger cabin prioritizes space and refinement. A 117.9-inch wheelbase supports generous second-row legroom, and cargo capacity expands from 31.5 to 74.9 cubic feet.
Interior Dimensions
- Front headroom: 40.5 inches
- Front legroom: 40.3 inches
- Rear legroom: 40.9 inches
- Rear shoulder room: 58.3 inches
- Cargo capacity: 31.5 to 74.9 cubic feet
Standard Comfort Features
- Power front seats with memory
- Heated front seats
- MB-Tex upholstery
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Power tilt or sliding sunroof
Both the power driver seat and power passenger seat include memory settings. A power tilt or telescoping steering column and a front center armrest improve ergonomics, while a rear center armrest enhances comfort for rear seat occupants.
Premium Interior Options
Available upgrades include ventilated front seats, multicontour front seats with massage, rapid-heating front seats, heated front armrests, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled cupholders, and four-zone climate control.
Additional available features include:
- Leather upholstery
- Nappa leather upholstery
- Black Exclusive Nappa leather
- MANUFAKTUR Nappa leather upholstery
- Soft-close doors
The AMG® Line Interior package adds sport front seats, brushed stainless steel pedals, AMG® floor mats, and topstitched MB-Tex trim.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4MATIC®® SUV maintains a confident stance with LED headlamps, LED Daytime Running Lamps, aluminum roof rails, and privacy glass.
Standard Exterior Highlights
- 19-inch 10-spoke wheels
- Aluminum roof rails
- LED headlamps and taillamps
- Privacy glass
- Power liftgate with HANDS-FREE ACCESS
Overall length measures 194.3 inches, height is 70.7 inches, and width without mirrors is 76.7 inches. The turning circle measures 39.4 feet.
Available Exterior Enhancements
- Optional upgrades include:
- 20-inch twin 5-spoke wheels
- 21-inch AMG® multispoke wheels
- AMG® body styling
- Gloss Black exterior accents
- Black roof rails
Additional options include illuminated running boards, chrome door handle inserts, a roof spoiler, and Animated Mercedes Star Pattern logo projectors.
Exterior paint colors include:
- MANUFAKTUR Ireland Mid Green metallic
- MANUFAKTUR Côte d’Azur Light Blue metallic
- MANUFAKTUR Mystic Blue Metallic
- MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Metallic
- MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey
Other available exterior paint colors include Cirrus Silver Metallic, Selenite Grey Metallic, Twilight Blue Metallic, Obsidian Black Metallic, Polar White, and Black.
Hybrid Performance and Drivetrain
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e uses a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo engine with Plug-In Hybrid technology paired with an electric motor. Combined output reaches 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph takes 5.8 seconds.
Powertrain Highlights
- 4MATIC® fully variable all-wheel drive
- 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission
- DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes
- Selective damping suspension
The electric range reaches 49 miles. Fuel economy is rated at 57 city and 63 highway MPGe by EPA estimates.
Charging Capabilities
- AC charging speed: 9.6 kW
- AC charging time: approximately 2.75 hours
- DC fast charging: 60 kW
- DC 10 to 80 percent: about 20 minutes
- Charging connector: CCS
The available AIRMATIC® suspension package adds AIRMATIC® suspension and the Adaptive Damping System. A sport brake system enhances stopping control. A sport brake system enhances stopping control. The OFFROAD menu, with the Transparent Hood display and Downhill Speed Regulation, improves capability.
Maximum towing capacity reaches 7,700 pounds when properly equipped.
Technology and MBUX Interface
The Mercedes-Benz User Experience system anchors the cabin with dual 12.3-inch displays.
Standard Technology
- 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia display
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Voice Control with Natural Language Understanding
- Wireless Apple CarPlay®
- Wireless Android Auto™
Additional features include front-cabin wireless charging, MB Navigation with one year of map updates, Live Traffic Information, HD Radio, SiriusXM trial subscription, Bluetooth®® audio streaming, biometric authentication, and Steering-wheel Touch Control Buttons.
Available Tech Upgrades
- Burmester® Surround Sound System
- Dolby Atmos with Sound Personalization
- Head-Up Display
- MBUX Augmented Video for Navigation
- In-car WiFi
Exclusive trim and Pinnacle trim bundles further expand these features.
Safety and Driver Assistance Systems
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4MATIC® SUV integrates advanced active safety systems with structural protection.
Standard Safety Systems
- Active Brake Assist
- Blind Spot Assist with Exit Warning Assist
- PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist
- Surround View System
- PRESAFE®® and PRESAFE®® Sound
Additional standard protections include seven airbags, Electronic Stability Program, Brake Assist, Crosswind Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST®, Car-to-X Communication, GUARD 360° security system, rain-sensing wipers, and auto-dimming mirrors.
Driver Assistance Package
Available features include:
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC®
- Active Steering Assist
- Active Lane Keeping Assist
- Active Lane Change Assist
- Active Stop-and-Go Assist
Additional available systems include Traffic Sign Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, PRESAFE®® PLUS, rear side-impact air bags, LED Intelligent Light System, MAGIC VISION CONTROL, and Dashcam integration.
Experience the 2026 GLE 450e in Metairie, LA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4MATIC® SUV delivers plug-in hybrid efficiency, 381 horsepower, advanced MBUX technology, and a refined interior designed for everyday comfort. If you are comparing vehicles or reviewing vehicle details, this model stands out for its electric range, AIRMATIC® suspension options, and comprehensive driver assistance package.
Visit Mercedes-Benz of New Orleans in Metairie, LA, to explore available inventory, compare vehicles within the Mercedes-Benz GLE lineup, and schedule your test drive today.
* Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth® SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Mercedes-Benz is under license. A compatible Bluetooth®-enabled phone must first be paired. Phone performance depends on software, coverage, and carrier.
* Burmester is a registered trademark of Burmester Audiosysteme GmbH, Berlin, Germany.
* All fuel economy mpg listing in the content above are EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary.
*Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.