To get a real-world indication of the latest GLE’s value retention, we looked at the 2020-vintage SUVs listed here on AutoTrader, as this was the first full year of the latest model’s availability. We also imposed a mileage limit of 15 000 km per year, giving a distance cap of 30 000 km.
Comparing their current market values to what they cost when new, we determined how much they are currently worth in the marketplace, expressed as a percentage of their original value. Take note that this is only an indication of initial depreciation, and does not predict future value losses or gains.
Seeing as the latest Mercedes-Benz GLE launched with three engine choices, that’s how we’ll divide this comparison as well. Extra trim packs and added options are excluded in the interest of simplicity, although those can have a substantial impact on individual cars’ new price and resale values. AMG variants are likewise discounted, because they carry a different brand name, and only arrived on local shores long after the mainstream variants appeared.
Related: Shop for new and used Mercedes-Benz GLE cars for sale here.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d 4Matic
New Price: R 1 427 080
Current Market Value: R 1 400 597
Percentage of value retained: 98.2%
This variant represents the lower end of the GLE range, with a 4-cylinder turbodiesel delivering 180 kW and 500 Nm. Its first-year value retention is very impressive at 98.2%, but the AMG Line-optioned GLE 300d performs even better, with a 108.6% value retention. In fact, a new (but option-free) AMG Line actually has a lower list price than the used ones on site, making it a better option to just buy new instead of a used example.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d 4Matic
New Price: R 1 501 840
Current Market Value: R 1 614 724
Percentage of value retained: 107.5%
The mid-line GLE 400d continues this trend, as even non-AMG Line 2020-vintage examples are currently worth 107.5% of their new-car values. Once again, a brand-new GLE 400d can be had for less than a year-old one, in spite of good stock levels at used-car dealerships. This difference may be accounted for by added options on the used cars, but even so, this variant’s used-car value is still higher than a new one’s (base) list price.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic
New Price: R 1 570 640
Current Market Value: R 1 577 448
Percentage of value retained: 100.4%
The only petrol-powered non-AMG derivative is not quite as popular in the used market as its diesel siblings, but still posts a first-year value retention of 100.4%. AMG Line-equipped examples again performs slightly better, and retain 101.9% of their new-car value. Nonetheless, the GLE 450 AMG Line is the only variant which costs less as a year-old car than a new one does, making this the only one that really makes sense as a used buy.
Verdict
The diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz GLE derivatives hold their market values better than the petrol-powered ones, as is to be expected in a segment where the bulk of new vehicles run on diesel. If short-term value retention is important to the buyer, a GLE 300d AMG Line seems to be the best bet, but those looking for the most bang for their bucks may want to consider a GLE 300d (non-AMG Line) or GLE 450 instead.
