The 10 Best Tires for the Mercedes GLE 350

Mercedes is at the forefront, making excellent models designed primarily towards luxury. I’m not criticizing the brand that it doesn’t have performance models, but overall people buy a Mercedes for the luxury. Take the GLE 350 – an excellent mid-size SUV or crossover, however you want to look at things.

The car has a lot to offer, decent performance, comfortable ride, luxurious interior – everything you could ask of it. We can say that it’s not a track weapon, but at the end of the day, it’s not designed for it.

The tires are an important part of how a vehicle drives. Poor tires, means that you won’t get what you paid for and the GLE 350 isn’t a cheap option.

With this in mind, you’re probably wondering which tires would be the best for this car and I have the answer to that. There are multiple options you can go for and today present to you my top 10 picks.

Since the tire industry doesn’t rely on a one-size-fits-all, so these won’t be tires for every model. I don’t think many owners need a new set already because the latest generation of the GLE came out in 2019. With this in mind, I’ll be covering the previous generation with the 19-inch sizes, as they are the more popular choice. Keep in mind that many of these tires will be available for the newer generation and the 20-inch sizes.

Mercedes is at the forefront, making excellent models designed primarily towards luxury. I’m not criticizing the brand that it doesn’t have performance models, but overall people buy a Mercedes for the luxury. Take the GLE 350 – an excellent mid-size SUV or crossover, however you want to look at things.

#1. Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3

Last year, Pirelli announced an upgrade for its Scorpion lineup, adding the new Scorpion AS Plus 3. We know Pirelli to be an excellent manufacturer, making some of the best models on the market, which is why it’s my list-opener.

We expect the newer model to perform better than some of the older options and the Scorpion AS Plus 3 doesn’t disappoint there. In dry conditions, the grip and traction levels are excellent. The tire offers far more than what you’d need for daily driving scenarios. Even though the GLE 350 won’t be anyone’s first choice for spirited driving, the tires will deliver on that front. You have quite a lot of headroom to push it on a twisty road and have no issues. The same goes for the braking distances, which are among the shortest in the category. Handling is as you’d expect from a touring tire. It’s precise and responsive enough, but not comparable to a performance tire.

For wet performance, things aren’t as impressive. The Scorpion AS Plus 3 is an excellent performer, and the tire won’t slip in normal driving situations. This means that your daily commute will go uneventful and safe. With short braking distances and pretty good aquaplaning resistance, safety isn’t something that this tire lacks. Going for some more aggressive driving will reveal a slight weakness. The tire does not handle getting pushed too much. For a car like the GLE 350, this is sufficient.

As an all-season tire, you shouldn’t expect wonders in winter, so keep your expectations realistic. The Scorpion AS Plus 3 is an M+S rated tire, so with that, you’re getting usable performance in lighter conditions. The grip and traction levels won’t be anywhere near to what a proper winter tire can offer, but as long as you’re careful, you shouldn’t have any issues. It’s a similar story in the handling and braking department, where if you go overboard, you’ll be greeted with plenty of understeer.

Many models in this family are excellently refined ones, and the Scorpion AS Plus 3 doesn’t disappoint. The comfort levels are near the top, making this a very comfortable tire. It absorbs minor bums and road imperfections. The only thing you may notice is a slight vibration when you hit a larger pothole. Another part of the refinement section is the noise levels. They are on the lower end of the spectrum and work well with the insulated cabin of the GLE 350.

Pirelli has nailed it with the warranty of the Scorpion AS Plus 3. The tire comes with a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is more than some of its premium rivals.

#2. Continental CrossContact LX25

As a direct competitor to the earlier tire, we have Continental’s CrossContact LX25. The tire was released a few years ago, but as far as performance is concerned, I ranked it as a very recommendable tire. Sure, there are some downsides, but that doesn’t make it a poor choice.

If you look at the CrossContact LX25 as a touring tire, you won’t be disappointed. As a commuter tire, this one will offer plenty of grip and traction to get you from point A to point B with no issues. You can get it to slip, but you’ll need to be very aggressive, something that most people don’t do. Normal drivers will find the handling to be excellent, while enthusiasts will want more. You won’t know what the tires are doing because there isn’t much feedback. On a positive note, the responsiveness is decent for a touring tire.

I often praise Continental for making excellent tires for wet conditions, and the CrossContact LX25 is no exception. The tire’s ability to stick on wet roads is excellent. Like in dry situations, you’ll need to be aggressive to get the tire to break traction. All of this, combined with the short braking distances and excellent aquaplaning resistance, means you’re looking at a leader in the touring segment.

Winter performance is okay, but not the best. The CrossContact LX25 will handle light snow without too many problems. You’ll have dependable levels of grip and traction as long as you’re aware of the limitations. As part of the package, you’re getting very short braking distances and a tire that’s easy to handle and control in these conditions.

Tires from premium brands rarely disappoint in the refinement area and I can say the same about the CrossContact LX25. The comfort levels are excellent, and the tire has no issues smoothing out bumps and road imperfections. You’ll also get a quiet tire, that may not be the absolute best, but is near the top. The only thing worth mentioning is the thump when you hit a larger pothole.

As far as warranty is concerned, the CrossContact LX25 is on the same level as the previous tire. You have a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is what you should expect from a premium model.

#3. Yokohama Geolandar CV G058

Another tire from the premium segment with a similar price point as the previous two is the Geolandar CV G058. Sometimes Yokohama flies under the radar, which is a shame because in this case it’s an excellent choice for your GLE 350.

The Japanese premium model does an excellent job of delivering superb performance in dry conditions. There’s more than enough grip and traction for normal driving. Even if you’re a more spirited driver, you won’t find the tire struggling. At a certain point, the Geolandar CV G058 will slip, but only in very extreme situations. Handling-wise, there are two sides. The tire handles pretty good, it’s progressive and decently responsive for a touring tire. With that said, the feedback is a bit muted.

Wet conditions are another situation where the Geolandar CV G058 won’t have any issues with. The tire is on top when driving in these conditions, thanks to the high levels of grip and traction. Naturally, it won’t be the same as on dry roads, but it’s among the best there is. Another area that’s great is the aquaplaning resistance, thanks to which the tire remains stable even at higher speeds. Finally, you have very short braking distances, considering the conditions.

Don’t expect wonders when driving in winter conditions. The Geolandar CV G058 delivers usable performance in lighter conditions and does a decent job on packed snow. The braking distances are decently short and the tire is easy to control. Surprisingly, the tire can offer some acceptable traction on ice.

The refinement levels of the Geolandar CV G058 are good, but there are some things you should know. Comfort is good, and the tire is soft, but not the best. It can absorb road imperfections but may feel bumpy at times. Also, some vibrations can be felt in the cabin. On a positive note, the noise levels are very good and the road noise is minimal.

For warranty, the Geolandar CV G058 is good, but not on the same level as the previous two. The 65,000-mile treadwear warranty is slightly lower than some of its competitors, so some may consider it to be a slight drawback.

#4. Kumho Crugen HP71

I have chosen models that are premium, so what if you want to save money? A good option for your GLE 350 would be to go for something like the Crugen HP71. The tire offers a good balance between price and performance.

On dry roads, the Crugen HP71 behaves like a touring tire would. It delivers high levels of grip and traction, keeping the car in check and safe. You can push it a bit, but not as much as the previous tires. With that said, most people wouldn’t drive their GLE 350 that way, so they wouldn’t have any issues. Kumho’s design of the tire enables to be a well handling option for a touring model. Unfortunately, the feedback is almost non-existent.

Going over to wet conditions, the Crugen HP71 doesn’t disappoint. Even though the levels of performance are a bit behind the premium, the tire is a solid performer. It remains stable with no issues, thanks to the grip and traction levels. The tire may not be the best in the industry, but as a mid-range option, it’s near the top. You also get short braking distances and class-leading aquaplaning resistance.

The biggest difference between the premium and the Crugen HP71 is the winter performance. It’s not like the tire is poor, but I’d categorize it as usable. The tread pattern does an acceptable job of providing traction. Regardless if the snow is packed or unpacked, in lighter conditions, the tire will be acceptable.

So far, the Crugen HP71 was an excellent performer in its class. In terms of refinement, the tire can go up against some of its premium rivals. The smaller holes are not a problem and the tire will smooth things out. Some minor vibrations can be felt only when you hit a larger pothole. The noise levels are also very low, better than some premium tires. At highway speeds, the tire remains relatively quiet and the most you’ll hear is over a rougher road.

Despite being a mid-range tire, the Crugen HP71 doesn’t fall back too much in terms of warranty. The tire comes with a 65,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is the same as the Yokohama model.

#5. Michelin Premier LXT

On the opposite side of the spectrum, we have an expensive tire with almost no compromises. Of course, I’m talking about the Michelin Premier LXT, which is one of the best tires you can get for your GLE 350.

When driving in dry conditions, you’ll have no complaints. The Premier LTX offers some of the highest levels of grip and traction in this category. As a result, even more aggressive driving won’t be an issue, regardless if it’s straight line acceleration or going around a corner. Considering that it’s a touring model, this tire won’t disappoint in the handling department. It’s acceptably dynamic, with pretty good responsiveness and feedback. I wouldn’t compare it with a performance tire, but it’s very good when compared to its touring rivals.

As impressive as the Continental tire is in wet conditions, Michelin’s model is a bit better. There’s more than enough grip and traction for daily driving scenarios. Even if you’re a more aggressive driver, you won’t find the tire struggling too much. Thanks to the handling characteristics, it’s an easy tire to control at the limit. With the very short braking distances and excellent aquaplaning resistance, you’re looking at one of the safest tires you can get.

All-season tires aren’t the best in winter conditions, so the Premier LTX won’t be any better. The tire does well in lighter conditions and remains stable enough to keep you safe. An important thing to note here is that you should be mindful of the limitations. Harsher conditions like deep snow or ice are something that the tire won’t be able to handle.

Premium tires are usually the best in terms of refinement, and the Premier LXT is no exception. The tire’s ability to smooth out and absorb bumps is excellent, offering a very comfortable ride. Noise levels are also on the lower end, regardless of the surface you’re driving one. In a worst-case scenario, the tire will be audible on rougher roads, but even that is quiet when compared with other models.

We come to the weakest point of the Premier LTX – the warranty. Michelin offers the tire with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, less than some mid-range models.

#6. Continental VikingContact 7

I’ve talked about the VikingContact 7 in the past, especially for passenger cars. The good news here is the Continental offers it in a size option for a GLE 350, so it’s too good of an offer to pass.

As far as winter tires are concerned, you won’t find many models that will outperform the VikingContact 7 in dry conditions. The tire offers some of the highest levels of grip and traction, which are far more than what you’d need for normal driving. Even if you want to push it, the tire will comply without too many issues. Safety is another aspect of the tire that deserves high praises thanks to the short braking distances. Winter tires aren’t known for the best handling characteristics, but this one doesn’t do too bad. It’s responsive enough even for enthusiasts and you’ll also get some decent feedback through the steering wheel.

The VikingContact 7 doesn’t disappoint in wet conditions, putting it near the top in its class. Regardless if we’re talking about acceleration or going around a corner, the tire will have no issues putting the power down. Since the tire can stick to the road in these conditions, it won’t have any problems in more aggressive scenarios. With aquaplaning resistance, Continental didn’t disappoint. The tire’s tread design enables it to evacuate water with ease, keeping it stable even at higher speeds. The only slight downside is the braking distances. While they are short, there are some competitors that can stop better.

You get winter tires for their ability to perform on snow, something the VikingContact 7 does very well. Packed and unpacked snow are situations where the tire will have no issues with traction. Deep snow is also something the tire can tackle without too much drama. Keep in mind that any tire can slip in these conditions, so don’t expect it to drive like on dry roads. While some winter tires are poor on ice, this one seems so do a decent job. I wouldn’t compare it with a studded tire, but when compared with most of its rivals, you won’t be disappointed.

The performance of the VikingContact 7 is excellent, but for refinement, things aren’t as impressive. While the tire is comfortable enough as a premium model, it’s not as good as some of its rivals. It can absorb bumps, but on bad roads it will feel bouncy. As for the noise levels, it’s a winter tire, so don’t expect the quietest ride. It’s not too bad on smooth roads, but on rougher surfaces you will hear it more.

#7. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV

Unlike the previous tire, which comes in sizes for multiple vehicle types, this Nokian model is an SUV exclusive. The Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV is a tire that’s very like the previous one, but you can find it at a more affordable price.

Starting with the dry performance, I have some good news and some not so good news. The Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV is a tire that has high levels of grip and traction, which is a positive thing. In some cases, it’s comparable or slightly better than some of its premium rivals. The handling is also satisfactory, considering that it’s a winter touring tire. It’s adequately responsive and not the numbest tire on the market. One thing that stands out is the braking distances. They are short and safe, but fall behind the premium models.

The wet performance of the Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV is similar to how it behaves in dry conditions. The grip and traction levels are more than enough for daily driving scenarios or even if you want to push it a bit. With that said, the braking distances could use a bit of work. They are like the Continental tire, which wasn’t its strongest side. With the Nokian tire, you’re also looking at average aquaplaning resistance – good enough, but not the best.

If you’re looking for a tire with exceptional snow and ice performance for your GLE 350, the Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV is the best there is. It outperforms the VikingContact 7 in terms of grip and traction, remaining more planted. It’s also a tire that won’t be a handful when driven on the limit and will keep you safe thanks to the short braking distances. Surprisingly, it’s a very capable tire on icy surfaces. There’s just enough traction to get the car going and grip to prevent you from sliding all over the place.

In terms of refinement, the Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV is one of those tires that’s just good. The tire’s comfort levels are good enough to be called a touring tire. It deals with bumps and road imperfections adequately. The noise levels are also acceptable if you consider that it’s a winter tire.

#8. Vredestein Wintrac Pro

For a while, we’ve seen Vredestein put some very solid performers on the market. With this in mind, my pick from this brand for your GLE 350 is the Wintrac Pro. It may not be the best, but at that price point, it’s a hard bargain to beat.

In dry conditions, the Wintrac Pro is a tire that can easily trade blows with the premium competitors. It can offer high levels of grip and traction, which is what you’d expect from a performance winter tire. The handling is also pretty good, and the tire is very responsive considering it’s a winter model. Finally, the braking distances are the star of the show. They are among the shorter ones easily outperforming many premium models.

The good grades continue even when the roads are wet. Vredestein did its magic and enabled the Wintrac Pro to have high levels of grip and traction. This means that the tire won’t struggle when accelerating more aggressively or going into a corner faster. The best part is that even at the limit, it will remain calm and you’ll be able to predict and handle it. The braking distances are also very short, again, outperforming its more expensive competitors. A slight complaint is the aquaplaning resistance. Even though it’s not poor, there are better performers out there, even from the mid-range segment.

Snow is something that the Wintrac Pro struggles a bit, but will still get the job done. In lighter conditions, the tire’s ability to dig into the snow is very good and you won’t have too many issues. It may struggle a bit over packed snow, but only if you’re more aggressive. The performance in deeper snow is good enough. Overall, it’s a solid tire for normal daily driving scenarios. The best part is the braking distances, which are quite short, considering the rest of the performance.

With refinement, like the previous tire, don’t expect wonders. The Wintrac Pro isn’t the quietest tire of the bunch and you can certainly tell it’s a mid-range option. Across the board, the tire’s noise levels are higher than the premium models. Comfort levels are solid, considering it’s a performance tire. It can feel bouncy and unsteady at times, but only on rough roads. As for the occasional imperfections or potholes, it will absorb them and decrease vibrations.

#9.Cooper Evolution Winter

Let’s say you’re looking for a winter option that can be used regularly on ice. To help you in your search, I’ve included the Cooper Evolution Winter. The tire may not surprise with its “regular” performance, but with the studs, you won’t be disappointed.

Considering that we’re looking at a mid-range tire, the Evolution Winter does pretty good in dry conditions. It will offer more than enough performance for everyday driving and maybe a bit more. There’s enough grip and traction to keep you safe as long as you’re not overly aggressive with it. The braking distances are longer when compared with its premium rivals, but in the mid-range segment it does pretty well. Handling isn’t something that will wow any enthusiast. The tire is soft and is far from the most responsive one.

A slightly more positive note is the wet performance. The Evolution Winter does a wonderful job of putting the power down in these conditions. You can accelerate or go around a corner with no issues, even when you get a bit carried away. Don’t expect wonders, as it’s not a performance oriented option. The safety is something I have to praise here. Cooper’s tread design paid off, and the tire has excellent aquaplaning resistance. Besides that, the braking distances are among the shortest in the mid-range class.

Now we come to the fun stuff. The snow performance of the Evolution Winter is good enough for most driving scenarios. It can handle lighter and moderately harsh conditions. The tread pattern does a good job of providing traction in multiple conditions without too much slip. Ice is a bigger problem, like most tires. You can say that it’s usable, but you’ll need to be careful. Once you fit the studs, you get a different experience. The tire hooks up much better and you have less slip or in some cases no slip at all. This also results in shorter braking distances.

Most mid-range tires are well refined, and the same goes for the Evolution Winter. The tire delivers a decent ride experience and softens up holes or road imperfections. Unfortunately, bad roads aren’t this tire’s best friend, as it feels bouncy at times. The noise levels are good for a mid-range tire. It’s quiet enough to rank high in its class, which is a good thing. Overall, you won’t hear it too much around town, but the noise will increase on the highway.

#10. Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail

I know few will get to drive their GLE 350 away from paved roads, but for the ones that will, here’s a good option. The Wildpeak A/T Trail is an all-terrain tire from a manufacturer that has an excellent reputation of making excellent off-roaders.

One side of any all-terrain tire is its ability to perform on paved roads, something the Wildpeak A/T Trail does well. The tire offers solid levels of grip and traction, which are far more than what you’d need for everyday situations. In addition to this, you’ll get decently short braking distances, meaning that the safety isn’t compromised. While it is stable enough, the tire doesn’t fare well with more aggressive scenarios. It will handle decently, but you should expect some more flex in the sidewall. Also, while it’s responsive enough, some may want a bit more.

The tire continues to deliver very good results even in non-ideal situations, like wet roads. Falken did an excellent job with the compound and design, enabling the tire to keep things in check. Naturally, you can get it so slip, but only if you want to. Under normal conditions, the tire will stick to the road without too much drama. Another positive side of the design is the aquaplaning resistance. The tire evacuates water very effectively, enabling it to remain stable even at higher speeds.

Despite technically being an all-season tire, the Wildpeak A/T Trail comes with the 3PMSF rating, meaning improved winter performance. Shallow unpacked snow poses no problem for this tire as it consistently provides decent levels of traction. It’s a similar story over unpacked or deep snow and the tire continues to deliver. Things slightly take a turn for the worse in the ice department, but the tire remains drivable enough in a pinch. It’s not on the same level as the Evolution Winter with the studs, but it’s usable. As good as all of this seems, the tire will satisfy most people’s needs, which is fine. The problem is that there are some better performers out there.

Off-road is the main reason you’re here, so let’s dive in. The Wildpeak A/T Trail is an all-terrain tire, so you should expect to get some decent off-road performance. Dirt poses no problem for the tire and it delivers some solid results. In mud and sand you’re looking at good enough performance, but you’ll notice it struggling with finer sand. Even though rock crawling isn’t something you’ll do to your GLE 350, this tire won’t do the best job. It’s fine on roads with smaller rocks or going over some medium ones. For the most extreme situations, a mud-terrain tire is required.

All-terrain tires aren’t the best in terms of refinement, but the Wildpeak A/T Trail seems to do good in this regard. The ride quality is a bit firm, but the tires still smooth out road imperfections. Even when you hit larger holes, the tire will absorb the hit. Speaking of hitting larger holes, you will notice a louder thump. As for the rest of the noise, the tire is impressive, considering the tread design. It’s not as quiet as a touring tire, but in the all-terrain segment it’s pretty good.