2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580

The GLE 580 won't be on most people's radar, but that makes it even more appealing once you're in on the secret. Sure, you could pay $40k more for the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 with its twin-turbo V8, but the 580 has a twin-turbo V8, too, and it's quite similar in design and feel. Alternatively, you could get an AMG GLE 53 for the same price as the 580, but it's hard to see the GLE 53's inline-6 engine as an upgrade, and in fact it makes you half a second slower to 60 mph — 4.9 seconds versus the GLE 580's 4.3. Overall, there's not a bad apple in the barrel of GLE variants, but the 580 is our favorite. If you appreciate the precision of German engineering and you're not ready to go all-in on an EV, the GLE 580 could be a great near-term solution.

Driving Performance: 9.0/10

The GLE 580 is all about what's under the hood: a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that pumps out 510 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. As noted above, that's enough oomph to hit 60 mph from rest in just 4.3 seconds. The nine-speed automatic — designed and built by Mercedes, per usual — fires off rapid yet velvety upshifts whenever you're hard on the throttle. Very few midsize SUVs can be genuinely thrilling, but the GLE 580 is absolutely on that short list despite its lack of AMG credentials. We actually prefer the 580's combination of big V8 power and supple ride comfort, which harks back to classic Mercedes V8 cruisers. The harder-edged AMG GLE 63 will seem like overkill for most.

Comfort & Interior: 9.5/10

Hushed and smooth over virtually any surface, the GLE 580 is a paragon of refinement at speed. The V8 burbles faintly when accelerating — just enough to remind you that there are 510 horses in the stable — but quiet elegance is the name of the 580's game. That extends to both the first- and second-row seats, which provide plenty of adult-sized space along with firm support that won't wane even after hours on the road. The optional third row is predictably low and cramped, but the point is to have the option in a pinch, so why not check the box and just keep that seat folded most of the time? If you need big-kid room in the third row, that's what the GLS is for, but now you're getting into family-bus territory versus the GLE's pleasantly midsize proportions.

Notably, the smallest wheels you can get on a GLE 580 are 20-inchers, so you may occasionally feel some amplified impacts on broken pavement, as there's ultimately no substitute for smaller wheels with taller sidewalls. Those wouldn't look as good, though, and the 580's standard AIRMATIC air suspension does an admirable job of filtering out unwanted feedback most of the time. We'd just advise sticking with 20s — they're handsome enough, and you shouldn't sacrifice ride quality if you don't have to.

Cargo & Versatility: 7.5/10

Flip down the GLE 580's second-row seats and you'll have about 75 cubic feet of space, a standout figure in this class. You also get an ample 33.3 cubes in the rear cargo area when those seats are in use. That's one of the main advantages of upgrading from a compact SUV to a midsizer — there's a lot more room for cargo, whether it's weekend-getaway luggage or a few golf bags. To wit, the compact Mercedes GLC has just 21.9 cubic feet of space behind the second row and a maximum of 56.9 cubes.

By the way, the GLE 580's 7,700-pound towing capacity makes it one of the most capable midsize luxury SUVs when it comes to trailering, too, and the turbo V8's effortless torque should make it a particularly enjoyable experience.

MPG & Range: 5.0/10

Not shockingly, when you combine a 510-horsepower V8 with a 5,368-pound SUV, you don't get great fuel economy. The EPA says the 580 tops out at 20 mpg on the highway and just 15 mpg in the city. The 22.5-gallon fuel tank makes a 400-mile freeway run theoretically possible, but the 580 definitely isn't the range champ in the GLE lineup, either.

Technology Features: 9.0/10

The GLE's standard widescreen infotainment interface pairs dual 12.3-inch screens within a single-frame unit that's artfully integrated into the dashboard. The screen on the right — i.e., the central infotainment screen — is touch-activated, but there's also a touchpad on the center console between the front seats that you can use to fiddle with various functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as does Mercedes' MBUX voice-recognition system, so there's no shortage of ways to interact with this vehicle's technology. Overall, from the crisp and responsive screens to the dizzying array of features, the GLE is inarguably a class leader on the tech front.

Value & Warranty: 7.0/10

Can a $90,000 luxury SUV be a good value? Not if you're thinking a few years down the road, when the GLE 580 will be worth far less on the used market. But here's the argument in its favor: thanks to the phenomenal twin-turbo V8, you get AMG GLE 63-adjacent performance for tens of thousands less, and the GLE 580's rarity and V8 pedigree will make it relatively desirable when it's time to part ways. If you're looking for the best combination of value and real performance in the GLE lineup, the 580 is the one.

X Factor: 9.0/10

The electric age appears to be getting closer by the day, but how cool is it that you can still get a 510-horsepower V8 in a luxury-focused midsize Mercedes SUV? The GLE 580 reminds us of classic Benzes like the 450SEL 6.9, or perhaps the '90s-era W140 S500. Granted, those were sedans, yet the philosophy carries over: put a big V8 in a big car, but keep it comfy. You could argue that there's no better way to motor, and at least for now, the GLE 580 is keeping that dream alive.

Bottom Line

You do have other delectable options if you're looking to spend $90k-plus on a V8-powered luxury SUV. Definitely don't sleep on the Audi SQ8, BMW X5 M60 or Porsche Cayenne S, though keep in mind that none of those offers a third-row seat. That trio and the Benz would make for a fantastic afternoon of test drives. You can't go wrong, clearly. But it will be hard to say no to the GLE 580, which brings together thrilling performance and old-school luxury like few vehicles on the market.