Comparison - Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 450 4MATIC 2020 - vs - Ford Explorer Timberline 2021

General

Other Names:

Also called:

M-Class

Also called:

--

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Average Price: 
$
61,150
Updated: 
14 May 2019
$
45,765
Updated: 
21 May 2021
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2020
2021
Total Seating: 
5
6
Transmission: 
9-speed Shiftable Automatic
10-speed Shiftable Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
yes
yes
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
4
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
22.50gals
17.90gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Brilliant Blue Metallic
#0f0f96
Obsidian Black Metallic
#211810
Polar White
#e1e0de
Black
#000000
designo Cardinal Red Metallic
#a02c32
designo Diamond White Metallic
#ede4d7
Iridium Silver Metallic
#adb1b2
Lunar Blue Metallic
#18294b
Mojave Silver Metallic
#999594
Emerald Green Metallic
#445044
Selenite Grey Metallic
#74849f
Color: 
Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
#FDFFFB
Agate Black Metallic
#303030
Iconic Silver Metallic
#C7CAD0
Forged Green Metallic
#374448
Carbonized Gray Metallic
#4F453E

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class delivers no-compromise crossover SUV comfort and luxury.

Pros
Sublime interior
Comfortable ride
Strong engines
Luxurious options list

Cons
Price will climb fast
More wind and road noise than expected
Where's the AMG?
Tight third row

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class comes with all wheel drive, and rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 9-speed shiftable automatic.The GLE has been fully redesigned for 2020.Part of the second GLE generation introduced for 2020.

Pros
Attractive, roomy and upscale cabin
MBUX infotainment system is an industry leader
GLE 450's optional E-Active suspension provides impressive handling stability
Excellent outward visibility

Cons
Options quickly drive the price up
Midgrade Airmatic suspension feels too floaty
Transmission shifts are more pronounced than we'd like

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class ranked #2 in Luxury Midsize SUVs. Currently the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has a score of 8.4 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 9 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

Pros
State-of-the-art infotainment and safety technology
Cabin is opulent, serene, and spacious
Vibrant powertrains
Comfortable, balanced handling

Cons
Infotainment system can be distracting to use

By: 
usnews.com

For 2021 New Sport Appearance package available on XLT trim.More affordable version of the Explorer ST debuts.Platinum trim is now available for the Hybrid model.New off-road-themed Timberline debuts midway through the model year.

Pros
Strong engines for quick acceleration
Rear-wheel-drive platform improves handling and towing
Roomy cargo area

Cons
Too much wind noise at highway speeds
The price can get frighteningly expensive in a hurry
Lackluster interior material quality

By: 
edmunds.com

Ford has made a few tweaks to its mid-size crossover for 2021, Off-road enthusiasts may find the new Timberline trim interesting; it features a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and more rugged exterior styling cues.

Pros
Smooth and controlled ride,
cargo friendly interior design,
comfortable front seats.

Cons
Third row space is tight,
plasticky interior bits,
most desirable models are pricey.

By: 
caranddriver.com

The 2021 Ford Explorer's #16 ranking is based on its score within the Midsize SUVs category. Currently the Ford Explorer has a score of 7.6 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 28 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

Pros
Good cargo capacity
Powerful engines
Plenty of features
Composed ride and handling

Cons
Low-rent interior
Second- and third-row seats less comfortable than in rivals
Upgraded infotainment system not much of an upgrade

By: 
usnews.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Premium Unleaded
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
19.00mpg
20.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
24.00mpg
27.00mpg
Engine type: 
Hybrid
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
24
16
Cylinders: 
6
inline
4
Inline
Engine Size/Displacement: 
3.00L
2.30L
Torque: 
369ft-lbs
at 1 600rpm
310ft-lbs
at 3 500rpm
Horsepower: 
362hp
at 5 500rpm
300hp
at 5 500rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
39.40Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
yes
yes
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
no
yes
Side view Camera: 
no
yes
On steering wheel: 
Transmission, Cruise And Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
Transmission, Cruise And Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
More in Convenience: 
driver assisted parking assist
leather steering wheel
keyless ignition
turn signal in mirrors
universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
Adaptive Cruise Control
Keyless Ignition
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry
Rear Parking Sensors
Leather Steering Wheel

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
194.30in
198.80in
Width: 
76.70in
78.90in
Height: 
70.70in
69.90in
Front Track: 
65.60in
Wheel Base: 
117.90in
119.10in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
40.50
40.70
Rear Head Room: 
39.60
40.50
Front Leg Room: 
40.30in
43.00in
Rear leg room: 
40.90in
39.00in
Front Hip Room: 
59.20in
Front Shoulder Room: 
59.30in
61.80in
Rear Hip Room: 
59.10in
Rear Shoulder room: 
58.30in
61.90in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
87.80cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
7700lbs
5300lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
18.20cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
21.00degrees
Angle of Departure: 
22.00degrees
Curb Weight: 
4991.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
yes
yes
More Instruments: 
descent control
Center limited slip differential
electronic hi-lo gear selection

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
hands-free entry
Heated mirrors
4 One-Touch Power Windows
2 One-Touch Power Windows
Hands-Free Entry
Heated Mirrors

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
10 -way power passenger seat
bucket front seats
height adjustable passenger seat
multi-level heating driver seat
leatherette
10 -way power driver seat
height adjustable driver seat
multi-level heating passenger seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support
2 -Way Manual Passenger Seat Adjustment
4 -Way Power Passenger Seat
8 -Way Power Driver Seat
Bucket Front Seats
Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Height Adjustable Passenger Seat
Leatherette
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Driver Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
Passenger Seat With Manual Adjustable Lumbar Support
Rear Seats Features: 
rear ventilation ducts
Split-folding rear seatback
folding center armrest
Folding center armrest
Manual Folding Split-Bench Third Row Seats
Multi-Level Heating
Rear Ventilation Ducts With Fan Control
Folding Rear Seatback

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Front Stabilizer Bar
Stabilizer Bar
Rear Suspension: 
Rear Stabilizer Bar
Stabilizer Bar
Suspension Info: 
four-wheel independent suspension
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
Three Zone Climate Control

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
no
yes
Video monitor: 
no
no
More Entertainment: 
USB connection
3 Months Of Provided Satellite Radio Service
6 Total Speakers
USB Connection
USB With External Media Control
Speed Sensitive Volume Control

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
no
yes
Rear defogger: 
no
yes
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
19 x 8.0 in.
18 In.
Wheels more: 
inside mounted spare tire
temporary spare tire
All season tires
Temporary Spare Tire
Underbody Mounted Spare Tire
All Terrain Tires
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
50
Diameter: 
R19
Width: 
265.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
65
Diameter: 
R18

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Ventilated front disc brakes
Ventilated Disc Brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
Rear ventilated disc brakes
Ventilated Disc Brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
no
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Turn signal mirrors
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Rear height adjustable headrests
remote anti-theft alarm system
blind spot warning accident avoidance system
pre-collision safety system
brake drying
emergency braking preparation
Rear center 3-point belt
post-collision safety system
LED headlamp
LED Headlamp
Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
Dual Front With Head Protection Chambers Side-Mounted Airbags
Emergency Braking Preparation
Front, Rear And Third Row Head Airbags
Post-Collision Safety System
Pre-Collision Safety System
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
4-Wheel ABS
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests

Options

Packages: 
Advanced Lighting Package
AMG Line Interior
ENERGIZING Package Plus
Driver Assistance Package PLUS
MBUX Technology Package
Warmth and Comfort Package
AMG Line Exterior
Premium Package
AIR-BALANCE Package
Acoustic Comfort Package
3rd Row Seat Package
Parking Assistance Package
AMG Line w/Night Package
Equipment Group 800A
Smoker's Package
Exterior Options: 
21" AMG Multispoke Wheels w/Black Accents
21" Twin 5-Spoke Wheels
19" Multispoke Wheels Black
21" AMG Multispoke Wheels
Illuminated Running Boards
Wheel Locking Bolts - Silver
Soft Close Doors
20" AMG Twin 5-Spoke Wheels
Load Sill Protector
Illuminated Star
Wheel Locking Bolts - Black
Panorama Sliding Sunroof
Trailer Hitch
Roof Spoiler
20" Twin 5-Spoke Wheels
20" AMG 5-Spoke Wheels w/Black Accents
Surround View System
Black Side Cladding
Chrome Door Handle Inserts
Outfitters Cargo - MegaWarrior
Roof-Rail Crossbars
Outfitters Bike - Front Loader
Outfitters Cargo - Skybox
Splash Guards
Dual Panel Moonroof
Wheel Lock Kit
License Plate Bracket
Interior Options: 
Wood/Leather Steering Wheel
Front Passenger Seat Memory
Headliner DINAMICA Black
Heated 2nd Row Seats
Active Multicontour Front Seats with Massage Feature
Heated/Cooled Front Cup Holders
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound System
Power 2nd Row Side-Window Sunshades
Topstitched Nappa Leather Upper Dash and Door Trim
Heated Steering Wheel
MBUX Augmented Video for Navigation
Topstitched MB-Tex Upper Dash and Door Trim
Cargo Mat
Dual-Headrest DVD Rear Seat Entertainment System

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Black Nappa, premium leather
#12151d
Black/White Nappa, premium leather
#151820
Black/Tartufo, leather
#151820
Black w/DINAMICA, leatherette/suede
#333942
Black/Magma Grey Exclusive Nappa, premium leather
#1b1f27
Macchiato/Magma Grey, leather
#151820
Macchiato Beige/Magma Grey, leather
#aca4a0
Espresso Brown/Magma Grey, leather
#40352e
Black, leather
#12151d
Black, leatherette
#12151d
Espresso Brown, leatherette
#3c312b
Macchiato Beige/Magma Grey, leatherette
#aca4a0
Color: 
Deep Cypress, leatherette
#556C75