The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV in India is expected to be offered with refined petrol and diesel engine options, both incorporating 48V mild-hybrid technology for enhanced efficiency and smoother operation. The petrol variant, likely the GLE 450 4MATIC, is expected to be powered by a 3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged engine producing around 381 PS of power and 500 Nm of torque, with the mild-hybrid system adding a temporary boost. 

The diesel variant, likely the GLE 300d 4MATIC or GLE 450d 4MATIC, is expected to feature a 2.0-litre or 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine (e.g., GLE 300d around 269 PS/550 Nm, GLE 450d around 367 PS/750 Nm), with the mild-hybrid system adding a temporary boost. Both engines are paired with a smooth and quick-shifting 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The mild-hybrid system improves the start/stop system and aids in coasting. 

Performance is effortless and refined across the range, suitable for urban driving and comfortable highway cruising, with sufficient power for overtakes. Real-world fuel efficiency is reasonable for the segment, particularly with the diesel engines and mild-hybrid tech. All-wheel drive (4MATIC) is standard.

Ride and Handling

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV offers a remarkably comfortable and composed ride quality, prioritizing passenger comfort. The suspension setup, featuring independent suspension at both ends, is tuned to provide a smooth and plush ride, absorbing most road imperfections effectively. Optional AIRMATIC air suspension with Adaptive Damping System Plus further enhances ride comfort and allows for adjustment of ride height and damping, effectively gliding over uneven surfaces. The cabin is exceptionally well-insulated, minimizing road and wind noise for a tranquil experience.

Handling is safe and predictable, leaning towards comfort and stability rather than sporty dynamics. The steering is light and precise at low speeds, making city maneuvering easier, and gains weight at higher speeds for stability. Body roll is well-controlled for a vehicle of this stature. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent grip and stability. The GLE provides a refined and relaxed driving experience, suitable for daily use and comfortable long-distance travel, with enough capability for mild off-road trails.

The interior of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV offers a luxurious and spacious cabin experience. The design is modern and sophisticated, featuring the widescreen cockpit which seamlessly integrates the digital instrument cluster and central touchscreen infotainment system. Material quality is high for the segment, with premium upholstery options, metallic accents, and fine trim finishers available, creating a sense of luxury and comfort.

Seating is for five occupants as standard, with comfortable and supportive seats. The cabin feels airy and spacious, with ample head, shoulder, and legroom for both front and rear passengers, making it comfortable for long journeys. Cargo space is generous, with a boot capacity of around 630 litres, expandable significantly by folding the rear seats. Storage spaces within the cabin are well-integrated. Features like multi-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof enhance the luxurious ambiance. An optional third row is available in some markets, but the focus in India is primarily on the comfortable five-seater configuration.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV is powered by the latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system. This is displayed on a large, integrated widescreen cockpit, which typically consists of two 12.3-inch displays (digital instrument cluster and central touchscreen) seamlessly integrated under a single glass panel. The system is highly intuitive, responsive, and features impressive high-resolution graphics.

Control inputs include the touchscreen, a touchpad on the center console, touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel, and advanced "Hey Mercedes" voice control. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, integrated navigation with augmented reality view, and a comprehensive suite of Mercedes me connect services. The digital instrument cluster is highly configurable, allowing drivers to customize the information displayed. A premium sound system, such as a Burmester® surround sound system, is available on higher variants, providing exceptional audio quality.

The exterior design of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV is elegant and muscular, reflecting its premium status. It features a prominent grille with the Mercedes-Benz star, flanked by sleek LED headlamps with distinctive daytime running light signatures. The design is characterized by smooth surfaces and balanced proportions, giving it a sophisticated yet capable appearance.

From the side, the GLE showcases its classic SUV silhouette with a strong shoulder line and prominent wheel arches. Stylish alloy wheel designs (varying by variant) contribute to its premium stance. The rear features elegant two-piece LED taillights and a well-integrated bumper design. Key dimensions include a length of around 4924 mm, a width of 1947 mm (excluding mirrors), and a height of 1795 mm. The wheelbase measures 2995 mm, contributing significantly to interior space. Ground clearance is around 180 mm (with standard suspension), which is adequate for urban conditions and tackling moderate rough patches, further enhanced by optional air suspension.

Safety is a paramount concern for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV, and it is built on a highly rigid platform designed for maximum occupant protection. The current generation GLE has received excellent safety ratings from international bodies like Euro NCAP, typically achieving 5-star ratings. While a specific BNCAP or the latest Global NCAP ratings for the 2025 model might be pending, the GLE's structure and extensive safety features are designed to provide a very high level of protection.

Standard safety equipment is comprehensive and includes multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Traction Control. A wide array of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) is available, potentially including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, active steering assist, lane keeping assist, blind-spot assist, front and rear cross-traffic alert, and automated parking assist. Features like a 360-degree camera system are standard on higher trims, aiding in maneuvering this large vehicle.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV competes in the highly competitive mid-size luxury SUV segment in India. Its primary rivals include the BMW X5, which offers a blend of luxury, technology, and dynamic capability; the Audi Q7, which offers a spacious and luxurious cabin, comfortable ride, and standard quattro AWD (though slightly larger); and the Volvo XC90, which stands out with its focus on safety and Scandinavian design and offers a 7-seater option. 

The Mercedes-Benz GLE differentiates itself with its focus on passenger comfort, luxurious interior ambiance, and sophisticated technology features, particularly with the inclusion of mild-hybrid tech on both petrol and diesel engines and standard 4MATIC. While the X5 offers a sportier edge and the Q7 offers 7-seater flexibility, the GLE appeals to buyers who seek a strong sense of luxury, comfort, and refinement in a mid-size SUV package. Its pricing is competitive within this premium segment.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV is expected to remain a very strong contender in the Indian mid-size luxury SUV market. It successfully combines elegant styling with a luxurious and comfortable interior and refined engine options, both with mild-hybrid technology and standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The integration of the MBUX widescreen cockpit provides a high-tech and premium cabin experience.

For buyers in India who need a luxury SUV that offers a strong sense of luxury, a comfortable ride, and a blend of on-road refinement and mild off-road capability, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV is an excellent choice. Its blend of sophisticated design, luxurious interior, and versatile performance makes it a very desirable option. While it faces strong competition, the GLE's focus on comfort, luxury, and Mercedes-Benz prestige makes it a top contender in its segment. Both petrol and diesel variants offer capable and refined performance, catering to different preferences.