The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE Has Some Major Drawbacks
All it takes is a single glance at Consumer Reports to realize that’s something’s not right with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE. It has a stunningly low overall score, not at all what you expect from any Mercedes vehicle. It turns out that while the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE is luxurious and roomy, there’s a major drawback that drivers need to know about.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE and Consumers Reports
Consumers Reports has given the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE the shockingly low overall score of just 43 out of 100. If it was a math exam, the GLE would have failed epically.
Why such a low score? The problem appears to be the predicted reliability. This score is determined by looking at the reliability of past models. Based on reliability problems older GLE owners encountered, the predicted reliability score for the 2021 GLE is a depressing one out of five.
The 2020 GLE had problems with the electrical system, the in-car electronics, some minor engine issues, and the power equipment. Reported problems with the 2018 version include climate system malfunctions and some minor engine issues. Drivers of the 2016 GLE struggled with suspension problems.
While the 2021 GLE scored an 80 out of 100 during the Consumers Reports road test, there were some problems. The biggest issue is that the luxury SUV’s fuel economy is poor, drivers should only expect to get an average of 20 MPG. The team also reported that they weren’t happy with the vehicle’s controls.
“The controls present a real roadblock, and were unanimously scorned by the staff for being unintuitive and distracting to use,” Consumers Reports wrote. “Many functions are buried deep in multi-level menus; for example, it takes a vexing six steps to adjust the lumbar support on the front seats.”
Not all the reviews are negative
While Consumers Reports casts a shadow over the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE it’s important to understand that some reviewers really liked the vehicle. Byron Hurd from MSN Auto Blog was thrilled with the vehicle. He was especially happy with how it handled snowy road conditions.
“Just want to cruise along an ice-and-snow covered street with lots of hills and bends and unpredictable surfaces lurking below? No problem,” Hurd wrote in the MSN Auto Blog. “Want to let loose in an empty parking lot with nothing nearby to hit? Go nuts.”
Hurd’s only real complaint was that the vehicle he drove lacked a heated steering wheel.
Drew Dorian was also impressed with the GLE.
“As the spiritual successor to the original M-class SUV,” Dorian stated in his Car and Driver review, “the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-class is a rolling technology showpiece that offers a spacious, family-friendly cabin and legit off-road credentials to boot.
Is buying a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE worth it?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a luxury midsize SUV and it comes with a luxury price tag. If you’re interested in purchasing this Kelly Blue Books suggests you should plan on spending $54,750 – $113,950. You have five different trim options to choose from.
The base-level GLE comes with a low-performance four-cylinder engine. The GLE 350 comes with a choice of all-wheel or rear-wheel drive, while the other trims are equipped with just all-wheel drive.
Blind-spot assist, a moon roof, front heated seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power side mirrors, automatic parallel parking, keyless entry, and climate control are some of the features that come found on each version of the 2021 GLE.
The most exclusive trim option is the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe. The base version of the GLE 63 S Coupe is equipped with Bluetooth streaming audio and a Hybrid 4.0L V8 Turbo engine.