Modern Luxury Meets Affordability: Shopping for a Used Mercedes-Benz GLE

Are you looking for a well-rounded and luxurious midsize SUV that doesn't require you to adjust your budget or compromise on your must-haves? Shopping for a used Mercedes-Benz for sale near Ashland means finding exactly what you're looking for and far more. How so? It puts you at our dealership and in the driver's seat of a best-selling model like the GLE.

The GLE showcases the luxury, reliability, and ingenuity ingrained in the Mercedes-Benz lineup for the last century. As a used model, the GLE offers outstanding value and broad appeal because it makes opulence and engaging performance more affordable and accessible. So, how do you know what to look for and what model years are the best as you shop for a used GLE? Here are a few highlights you don't want to miss.

The GLE Legacy: A History of Excellence

When you climb into the driver's seat of a used GLE, you're investing in a legacy that started decades ago. Mercedes-Benz introduced the GLE in 2016, but the midsize luxury SUV wasn't a new model. Instead, the GLE represented a new name for the popular M-Class to clarify its position in the growing Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup.

The M-Class debuted in the late 1990s as Mercedes-Benz saw an opportunity to expand its market and establish a new class of luxury SUVs. Building on its reputation for opulence, Mercedes-Benz designed the M-Class as a more affordable midsize SUV with the luxury, performance, and features expected of the brand. Fast forward to 2016, and the M-Class transformed into the GLE, remaining true to its value-oriented roots but adopting a more modern design with more engaging powertrains and a long list of features to heighten its appeal.

Revolutionary Ride Quality and Handling: A Testament of Ingenuity

The GLE showcases Mercedes-Benz's ingenuity, making shopping for a used GLE even more appealing. In 2020, the GLE made history when it debuted the all-new E-Active Body Control suspension system. So, what's the big deal about the suspension?

As drivers, we want it all--the spaciousness of an SUV but the handling and cornering capabilities of a sedan. For most automakers, striking this balance is impossible, but that isn't true for Mercedes-Benz and the GLE. The E-Active Body Control system was the world's first fully networked, 48-volt hydropneumatic suspension. With electric motors driving the hydraulic pumps, the suspension system adjusts the spring and damping forces at each wheel.

This revolutionary system does wonders for the GLE's handling and responsiveness. The system continuously adjusts the ride height to optimize aerodynamics and stability, enhancing the GLE's performance in every condition. As a result, the GLE handles more like a sedan, especially when navigating tight corners along one of the many scenic roads around Ashland.

Engaging Performance: A Broad Band of Power

Shopping for a used GLE guarantees plenty of excitement in the driver's seat, thanks to the SUV's revolutionary suspension and engaging powertrain lineup. Mercedes-Benz fine-tuned the GLE's multi-engine lineup in 2020 when it debuted the SUV's fourth generation. Because of this, shopping for a 2020 or newer GLE on the used lot is a must for drivers looking for a broader band of power.

The 2020 GLE family includes the GLE 350, the GLE 450, and the GLE 580. The base powerplant for the GLE 350 models is a 2.0L inline-four turbocharged engine that produces 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. As expected, the GLE 450 is a stronger performer, courtesy of a turbocharged inline-six 3.0L engine with EQ Boost hybrid assist. The GLE 450's heartbeat makes 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with EQ Boost adding up to 21 hp in short bursts when engaged.

While impressive, the GLE 480 is easily outshined by the V8-powered GLE 580. New for 2020, the GLE 580 is an undeniable powerhouse and an outstanding find on our used lot. Its potent V8 heartbeat produces 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. With EQ Boost, you can push the GLE 580's output by 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque for next-level off-the-line acceleration and handling.

For Ashland drivers looking for a more efficient alternative that doesn't compromise performance, models like the GLE 450e are a must. Mercedes-Benz introduced the plug-in hybrid for the GLE's 2024 lineup, and drivers have responded positively. The hybrid powertrain adds a 134 hp synchronous motor to the GLE's heartbeat, yielding a combined output of 381 hp and 479 lb-ft of near-instant torque.

Versatility at Its Finest: A Blend of Luxury and Functionality

Where does life in Ashland take you? Whether you spend most of your time commuting along I-5 or running errands around town, the GLE is the perfect complement to every outing. Just as the M-Class introduced a new type of luxury SUV, the GLE continues that legacy by blending luxury with functionality in an upscale package with head-turning style and next-level versatility.

You'll see these characteristics throughout the GLE's cabin, from the premium leather upholstery to the exquisite details that define every area. These features embody luxury, but Mercedes-Benz compliments that luxury by making the GLE's cabin functional and accommodating. The fourth-generation GLE introduced a longer wheelbase, translating to a more spacious cabin with an optional third-row seat. Because of this, 2020 and newer GLE models offer outstanding head and legroom.

Mercedes-Benz prioritizes passenger comfort with the world's first fully adjustable second row. First introduced in 2020, the GLE's second row is six-way power-adjustable with adjustable backrests for optimal comfort. This guarantees your passengers are always comfortable, but it also heightens the flexibility of the cabin when you need to store larger items and bulkier cargo. With fully adjustable seats, it's easy to adapt the cabin to your needs at the touch of a button.

Tech-Centric: A Connected and Engaging Experience in the Driver's Seat

As you shop for a used SUV, you'll typically find that you have to spend more for a newer model if you want a larger digital display and advanced connectivity, safety, and driver-assist technologies. While these features have been standard throughout the industry for years, automakers are only now offering larger, more extensive digital displays. However, Mercedes-Benz has always been ahead of the curve.

The 2020 GLE introduced an updated version of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system. The infotainment system was revolutionary for several reasons beyond its intuitive design and advanced voice recognition software. It was centralized on an expansive 12.3-inch touchscreen display that works seamlessly with the 12.3-inch Instrument Cluster Display. This display size was remarkable for the year, and it adds outstanding value when shopping for a used GLE.

Beyond the sheer size of the displays, the GLE's MBUX system is also customizable to reflect your style and the aesthetic you want in the cabin. For example, you can switch between Classic, Sport, Understated, and Progressive displays that add to the GLE's interior aesthetic. Moreover, switching between these styles doesn't hinder the system's functionality. You still have access to features like the MBUX Interior Assistant, the expansive rear-view camera, and the advanced voice control feature that anticipates your needs and responds when it hears, "Hey Mercedes."

The Bigger Picture

Ashland drivers don't have to compromise their wants or needs when shopping for a used Mercedes-Benz, at least not when investing in a best-selling model like the GLE. The GLE continues a legacy that began with the M-Class when Mercedes-Benz introduced a new segment of luxury SUVs designed to offer maximum value without minimizing luxury, innovation, or convenience. Today, a used GLE embodies that approach and guarantees you get more for your money while bringing your luxury dreams to life.