The 2025 Mercedes GLE arrives in Australia with the quiet confidence of a seasoned pro. It is familiar, because the big changes landed in 2024, yet it feels sharpened where it matters. The cabin is calm and beautifully screwed together, the tech behaves like a helpful co‑pilot rather than a nag, and the engines now use a 48‑volt mild‑hybrid system for smoother getaways. If you are cross‑shopping the BMW X5, Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90, the 2025 Mercedes GLE makes its case with comfort first, then a wink of athleticism.
Pros and Cons
Pros
• Plush ride and low cabin noise, even on coarse‑chip highways
• Excellent infotainment with crisp graphics, plus a proper head‑up display and Burmester audio now widespread across the range
• Strong towing capacity and effortless long‑distance pace, particularly the six‑cylinder options
Cons
• Pricing climbs quickly with desirable packs and AMG models
• Third row suits kids more than adults
• Touch‑sensitive steering wheel buttons can be fiddly
How Much Does It Cost?
Official list pricing for the 2025 Mercedes GLE spans roughly the mid‑$130,000s to just over $270,000 before on‑roads, depending on variant. In plain English, think from about $135,000 MLRP for a GLE 300 d through to about $273,300 for the AMG GLE 63 S. Coupe bodies and AMG badges nudge the numbers up. Always check drive‑away calculators, as dealer delivery and state charges vary.
Features and Benefits
Mercedes kept the good stuff and tidied the details. You get twin 12.3‑inch screens running the latest MBUX, wireless phone mirroring, a quality head‑up display and a 590‑watt Burmester system that actually sounds premium rather than just loud. Multi‑beam LED headlights, panoramic sunroof and an AMG Line look are widely standard after last year’s update, which is why the cabin now feels “complete” at base level. The result is a 2025 Mercedes GLE interior that is properly upmarket without screaming for attention.
Under the bonnet, every 2025 variant runs a nine‑speed auto and all‑wheel drive. The GLE 300 d uses a 2.0‑litre diesel with 198 kW and 550 Nm, the GLE 450 d steps up to a 3.0‑litre diesel with a thumping 270 kW and 750 Nm, while the petrol GLE 450 and AMG grades bring the smooth inline‑six or the V8 for those who prefer their commute with extra thunder. The mild‑hybrid system lends a small electric shove off the line and helps coast neatly in traffic, which is where many luxury SUVs spend their lives.
Safety
The GLE carries a five‑star ANCAP rating for this generation, with the current rating datestamped 2019 and applicable to non‑AMG variants in Australia and New Zealand. The score expires December 2025 unless retested, which still covers today’s showroom cars. Standard assists include AEB with junction support, adaptive cruise, lane‑keeping, blind‑spot assist and a comprehensive airbag set, backed by clear camera tech.
Running Costs
Official combined economy varies by engine. Across the 2025 range, figures span roughly 6.6 to 13.0 L/100 km on the ADR combined cycle, with the diesels obviously sipping least and the AMG 63 S enjoying life most at the bowser. Servicing is every 12 months or 25,000 km for core variants, and Mercedes Australia offers pre‑paid plans; AMG models have slightly different intervals and pricing. Warranty sits at five years, unlimited kilometres. If you tour, note the rated 3,500 kg braked towing capacity across the range.
A quick word on the 2025 Mercedes GLE hybrid angle: Australia’s range focuses on mild‑hybrid petrol and diesel engines. Overseas plug‑in hybrid versions exist, but local buyers should expect the 48‑volt setup that smooths responses and trims fuel use rather than full EV commuting range.
Comparison To Its Competitors
Against a BMW X5, the 2025 Mercedes GLE trades some edge for serenity. The X5 still feels a touch sportier on a winding road; the GLE counters with a calmer ride and less tyre roar. Versus an Audi Q7, the GLE cabin looks warmer and more luxurious, though the Q7’s third row is a fraction airier. If your shortlist includes a Volvo XC90, the Merc’s drivetrain breadth and infotainment polish are decisive. Porsche Cayenne remains the driver’s pick if money grows on trees, yet the GLE’s value equation, especially in GLE 300 d or 450 d form, is hard to ignore in the real world.
2025 Mercedes GLE Walkaround Review: Interior and Exterior Tour
Conclusion
If your week flips between school run, client lunch and a weekend towing the boat, the 2025 Mercedes GLE is the kind of SUV that makes the grind feel shorter. The driving experience is refined, the technology is easy to live with, and the cabin earns its luxury badge without flashy gimmicks. Stack it up against the usual suspects and it belongs at the pointy end of any Australian buyer’s list looking for comfort first, pace second and polish everywhere.
Rating: 9/10
It nails long‑haul comfort, technology and everyday usability, and the mild‑hybrid range is well judged for Australia. Pricing is not shy and the third row is occasional‑use, but the overall package feels deeply resolved.