Top GLE Accessories — Quick List
| Accessory | Top Pick | Price | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floor Mats | WeatherTech FloorLiner | $199–$239 | Day 1 |
| Cargo Liner | WeatherTech CargoBiner | $119–$149 | Day 1 |
| Dash Cam | Vantrue N4 (3-channel) | $199–$259 | Day 1 |
| Phone Mount | iOttie Velox MagSafe | $39–$59 | Week 1 |
| Seat Covers | Covercraft SeatSaver | $199–$279 | Week 1 |
| Roof Rack | Thule WingBar Evo | $380–$480 | As needed |
| Wireless CarPlay | Carlinkit 5.0 | $49–$79 | As needed |
The GLE is Mercedes' mid-size luxury SUV and a default family hauler in its segment. The W167 generation (2020+) is significantly larger than the W166 it replaced, added an optional third row, and brought the full MBUX system. Because the GLE carries more people, more gear, and more miles than almost any other Mercedes, the accessories that matter most are the ones that protect a large, costly interior from daily family use.
1. Floor Liners and Cargo Liner — Cover the Whole Cabin
A GLE has a lot of carpet to protect. WeatherTech FloorLiners ($199–$239 for the full set) wrap up the sides of each footwell and across the transmission tunnel, catching the snow, sand, and spills a family SUV collects. On three-row W167 models, order the set that includes third-row pieces. We've run FloorLiners in a GLE 350 W167 through two winters — the OEM carpet beneath is spotless.
The trunk is the GLE's busiest surface. The WeatherTech CargoBiner ($119–$149) has 1.5" raised edges that contain a spilled bag of groceries or a leaking cooler. If your GLE has the third row, buy the liner cut for the seats-folded configuration so it lies flat across the full load floor.
2. Dash Cam — Three-Channel for a Big SUV
A GLE's size makes a wide-angle, multi-channel dash cam worthwhile. The Vantrue N4 ($199–$259) records front, cabin, and rear simultaneously — useful for documenting a long vehicle in parking lots and protecting against rear-end claims. It tucks behind the GLE's large rearview mirror housing, and the power cable routes cleanly along the A-pillar to a hardwire kit at the fuse box. For owners who only want forward recording, the single-channel Vantrue E1 Lite ($99–$149) hides even more easily.
3. Roof Rack — Flush Rails on the W167
Most W167 GLE trims ship with flush integrated roof rails. The Thule WingBar Evo flush-rail crossbar set ($380–$480) clicks into the factory channels and accepts the full Thule accessory range — bike carriers, ski racks, and roof boxes. The older W166 GLE/ML usually has raised rails, which take Thule SquareBar or WingBar Edge clamp-on feet instead. Because the GLE roof is tall, a hitch-mounted Thule T2 Pro XT bike rack ($599–$649, 2" receiver) is far easier to load than a roof-mounted carrier. The GLE's tow package supports the receiver on both generations.
4. Seat Covers — Protect the Second Row
For families, the GLE's second row takes the most punishment — car seats, snacks, muddy cleats. Covercraft SeatSaver covers ($199–$279 for the rear bench) are custom-cut for the GLE's 40/20/40 split and leave the center armrest and cupholders usable. Add seat-back kick mats behind the front seats to stop the inevitable shoe scuffs. For the front sport seats, choose the GLE-specific Covercraft front set rather than a universal cover, which won't clear the side airbags correctly.
5. Wireless CarPlay — GLE MBUX Generations
The W167 GLE (2020+) has wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, with wireless CarPlay arriving on later model years and updated head units. For 2020–2022 W167 owners with the wired-only setup, a Carlinkit 5.0 adapter ($49–$79) plugs into the center-console USB port and adds wireless CarPlay in minutes. The older W166 GLE used the Command Online system; pre-2016 cars don't support CarPlay at all, and a head-unit upgrade is the only route there.
GLE W166 vs W167: Accessory Compatibility Summary
| Accessory | W166 (2012–2019) | W167 (2020+) |
|---|---|---|
| WeatherTech mats | W166/ML part number | W167 part number |
| Cargo liner | W166 part number | W167 (third-row option) |
| Wireless CarPlay | Head-unit upgrade only | Carlinkit or built-in |
| Roof rack | Raised-rail clamp feet | Flush-rail bars |
| Third row | Not available | Optional |
FAQ
What are the best accessories for a Mercedes GLE?
WeatherTech FloorLiners ($199–$239) and a CargoBiner ($119–$149) first — they protect the surfaces a family SUV wears out fastest. Add a Vantrue N4 three-channel dash cam for full coverage. Around $500 total.
Do WeatherTech mats fit both W166 and W167?
Yes, but different part numbers. Order by exact model year, and confirm whether your W167 has the optional third row, which changes the rear and cargo pieces.
Does the GLE have a roof rack?
Most W167 trims have flush factory rails — use Thule WingBar Evo flush bars. W166 typically has raised rails taking clamp-on feet. Confirm your trim has rails before ordering.
What cargo liner fits the GLE?
WeatherTech CargoBiner or 3D MAXpider GLE liner. Choose the version cut for your third-row configuration, and confirm W166 vs W167.
See also: GLC Accessories · Best Cargo Liners · All Mercedes Accessories
