22 MPG combined won’t win any fuel efficiency awards, but for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 with its 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, it’s an acceptable compromise for buyers prioritizing luxury, space, and the Mercedes star on the hood. This isn’t a Prius competitor; it’s a comfortable, tech-filled SUV aimed at affluent suburbanites and empty-nesters who value a premium driving experience more than squeezing every last mile from a gallon of gas. They’re willing to trade a few MPG for the prestige, comfort, and features the GLE350 offers. These buyers likely cross-shop against other luxury SUVs and understand the fuel economy in this segment; they accept it as part of the cost.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the GLE350 will achieve 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go of urban driving, where the relatively small 2.0L engine works harder to move the GLE350’s considerable mass. The highway number is more palatable, showcasing the benefits of the nine-speed automatic transmission, which allows the engine to cruise at lower RPMs, improving fuel efficiency on long drives. Highway MPG can fluctuate significantly based on speed; pushing above 75 mph will invariably lead to decreased fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 2.0L 4-cyl to be $2,650. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a blend of city and highway driving, and assuming national average fuel prices. This is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs may be higher or lower depending on your driving habits, location, and fluctuations in gasoline prices. The EPA uses current fuel prices to determine this number.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary. Factors like driving style, terrain, and even tire pressure can influence MPG. Aggressive acceleration and frequent hard braking will negatively impact fuel efficiency. Hills and mountainous regions will also force the engine to work harder, reducing MPG. Conversely, consistent highway driving at moderate speeds can often yield results closer to, or even slightly exceeding, the EPA’s 27 MPG estimate. Many owners report numbers within 1-2 MPG of the EPA’s estimates, suggesting the ratings are reasonably accurate for average driving conditions.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2020 GLE350’s fuel economy is generally in line with other luxury SUVs in its class. The BMW X5 sDrive40i, with its inline-six engine, achieves a slightly better 23 MPG combined. However, the Audi Q7 45 TFSI, another four-cylinder competitor, mirrors the GLE350’s 22 MPG combined. Stepping up to the more powerful GLE450 with its inline-six and mild-hybrid system drops the combined MPG to around 21 (20 city/24 highway). For those cross-shopping, the Lexus RX 350 offers similar space and luxury with a V6 engine, achieving 23 MPG combined. The slightly better fuel economy of some competitors might sway buyers particularly sensitive to fuel costs, but the GLE350’s balanced offering of luxury, technology, and performance justifies its position in the market. Explore GLE350 MPG across all years for a more detailed comparison across different model years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the GLE350’s driving modes. The “Eco” mode optimizes throttle response and transmission shift points for maximum fuel efficiency. This softens acceleration, encouraging a gentler driving style that consumes less fuel. Select this mode for everyday commuting and highway cruising to help keep fuel consumption down.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate to the recommended PSI found on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. This simple step can improve fuel efficiency by a noticeable margin.

Minimize unnecessary weight. Hauling around extra cargo increases the vehicle’s weight, impacting fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need from the trunk or cargo area to reduce the load on the engine. A lighter vehicle requires less energy to accelerate and maintain speed.

Avoid aggressive driving. Hard acceleration, frequent braking, and high speeds consume significantly more fuel. Drive smoothly and anticipate traffic flow to minimize these fuel-wasting maneuvers. Gentle acceleration and consistent speeds are key to maximizing fuel efficiency.

Consider using cruise control on highway drives. Maintaining a consistent speed with cruise control can optimize fuel efficiency on long stretches of highway. This eliminates fluctuations in speed that can occur with manual throttle control, helping the engine operate more efficiently. For all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data, review all Mercedes-Benz MPG figures.