Comparison: Ground clearance Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. competitors 2025

Now, let's indulge in a spot of history, shall we? The GLE's ground clearance has seen its fair share of evolution. In its earlier avatar, the GLE 166/292 (2015-2019), the vehicle sported a respectable 191 mm of ground clearance. Come 2019, Mercedes decided that higher was better, bumping it up to 205 mm with the release of the GLE 167. This elevation carried through to the first facelift in 2023, keeping the bar set at 205 mm. Clearly, the engineers at Mercedes-Benz are not ones for half-measures when it comes to navigating uneven terrains.

So, where does our beloved GLE sit in the Mercedes-Benz lineup? Let's just say it's towering above most. Compared to the likes of the A-Class AMG Limousine, AMG GT Coupé, and most of the E-Class range, which hover around a measly 81-85 mm ground clearance, the GLE is practically the Eiffel Tower. Even the futuristic EQE SUV, with its 131 mm, and the architectural wonder that is the GLS, that boasts a ground clearance of 215 mm, fall short of the GLE's commanding presence. Only the godlike G-Class models, with their sky-high 266-270 mm clearance, surpass the GLE, proving once again that bigger often is better.

Time to drag in the usual suspects – the rivals! The GLE goes toe-to-toe with some formidable competitors in the market. Take the Dacia Duster: it's got the same 205 mm ground clearance but is shorter both in length (4315 mm) and wheelbase (2673 mm). Then there's the Smart #1 with a ground clearance of 182 mm, length of 4270 mm, and wheelbase of 2750 mm – clearly left in the dust by the GLE’s height advantage. The BYD Atto 3 also falls behind with its 175 mm clearance, 4455 mm length, and 2720 mm wheelbase. Toyota’s new electric marvel, the bZ4X, at a ground clearance of 180 mm, and the Mazda CX-60 gives us a slight jolt at 176 mm - both are no match for the mighty GLE, which still reigns supreme in its category. Let's not mince words: when it comes to ground clearance, the GLE is king. And in the game's ongoing quest for automotive supremacy, having the high ground can often mean the difference between conquering and capitulating.