The Mercedes-Benz GLE (2016–2023) is known for blending luxury, performance, and innovation into a stylish SUV package. While it’s loaded with upscale features, there’s still plenty of room for customization—especially when it comes to practical, affordable interior upgrades.
Whether you’re looking to protect your cabin from wear and tear, personalize the styling, or simply make cleaning easier, there are several cost-effective ways to elevate your GLE’s interior without spending a fortune.
This comprehensive guide covers the most impactful and budget-friendly upgrades for GLE owners, including seat covers, floor mats, cargo liners, and other accessories—all optimized for long-term comfort and resale value.
Why Interior Upgrades Are Worth It
Even premium vehicles like the GLE can benefit from added protection and personalization. Affordable upgrades offer:
- Preservation of resale value by protecting factory materials
- Improved daily comfort for drivers and passengers
- Better resistance against kids, pets, spills, and messy weather
- Personalized style that reflects your taste
Best of all, many upgrades take minutes to install and require no tools or technical skills.
1. Custom Floor Mats for Complete Protection
The first and most effective upgrade is a high-quality set of floor mats. Factory carpets in the GLE are luxurious, but they stain easily and are costly to replace. That’s where custom-fit floor mats step in.
Luxury Floor Mat Set (Front + Rear)
This set is precision-made for the Mercedes-Benz GLE and offers full-coverage protection with waterproof, textured surfaces. The elegant stitched pattern complements the premium feel of the GLE cabin while offering superior resistance to mud, crumbs, and spills.
- Easy to clean: Just wipe or rinse
- Non-slip fit: Stays firmly in place
- Stylish and functional: Adds an upscale look
Floor mats are a foundational upgrade that makes cleaning easier and keeps your GLE looking sharp year-round.
2. Add Luxury with Custom Seat Covers
The GLE’s seats are one of its most admired features. But they’re also among the first areas to show wear, especially in family vehicles or those exposed to frequent sunlight. Custom seat covers preserve your original upholstery while giving the cabin a fresh look.
Luxury Leather Seat Cover Set
This set is custom-fit for GLE models from 2016 to 2023 and offers full protection for front and rear seats. The leather-blend material is water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and extremely easy to maintain.
- Quick installation with secure straps
- Breathable comfort for long drives
- Matches luxury interiors without breaking the bank
Pairing these seat covers with luxury floor mats creates a clean, cohesive look while shielding your investment.
3. Trunk Protection for Active Lifestyles
If you use your GLE for errands, sports gear, pets, or travel, your trunk area is vulnerable to stains, scuffs, and scratches. A custom trunk mat offers full cargo protection.
Matching Trunk Mat (Full Coverage)
This custom-fit liner covers the full cargo area—including the sides—and is ideal for pet owners, parents, or weekend adventurers. It resists water, dirt, and cargo shifting while providing a sleek look that matches your other Car Mats Customs accessories.
Base Trunk Mat
Need something simpler? The base trunk mat offers protection on a budget. It’s made from the same easy-to-clean material and fits snugly into the rear cargo space of the 2016–2023 GLE.
4. Interior Cleaning Essentials
Even with protective accessories, your GLE’s interior needs regular cleaning. Having the right tools and cleaning techniques can help you maintain that luxurious feel without harsh chemicals or wear-and-tear.
Quick Tips for Keeping the GLE Clean
- Use microfiber cloths for all surfaces to avoid scratching
- Vacuum seat crevices weekly—especially if you have kids or pets
- Apply UV protection spray to dashboards and leather surfaces to reduce cracking
- Wipe down custom mats and seat covers regularly with warm water and mild soap
Check out our guide on how to clean your custom car mats without damaging them for more tips tailored to our products.
5. Cabin-Wide Coordination: The Complete Set
If you want to upgrade your entire cabin in one go, consider a full interior bundle that includes front/rear mats, a trunk liner, and seat covers. This creates a clean, cohesive aesthetic while giving every inch of your GLE the protection it deserves.
Recommended combo: Luxury Mat Set + Full-Cover Trunk Mat + Custom Seat Cover Set.
Want to explore more before choosing? Read our step-by-step guide to buying the perfect floor mats.
6. Seat Back Kick Protectors
If you have kids in the back seat, you know how quickly the backs of your front seats can get scuffed up with shoes, snacks, and fingerprints. Kick protectors are an affordable upgrade that helps keep your GLE’s interior looking newer longer.
- Protect against scratches and stains caused by little feet or cargo
- Easy to install and remove for cleaning
- Some come with storage pockets for added utility
While not a full seat cover replacement, these accessories complement your Custom Leather Seat Covers and help preserve every part of your cabin.
7. Sunshades & Interior UV Protection
UV rays can damage your dashboard, fade your upholstery, and cause leather to dry and crack. A simple folding sunshade is one of the most affordable and effective ways to protect your GLE’s interior.
- Blocks harmful UV rays to extend dashboard and trim lifespan
- Reduces interior temperature during hot weather
- Folds compactly when not in use
Pair it with UV protection sprays and regular interior conditioning to keep surfaces looking new, especially in sunny climates.
8. Storage & Organization Accessories
While the GLE already has generous storage, adding a few organizing accessories can make your daily drive more efficient. These include:
- Center console organizers that sort small items
- Trunk organizers for groceries, sports gear, or emergency supplies
- Under-seat storage bins to keep things hidden but accessible
Even a basic organizer can reduce clutter and make cleaning easier—a win-win for busy GLE owners.
9. Allergen & Air Quality Improvements
Keeping your cabin clean goes beyond surfaces—air quality plays a huge role in comfort. Simple and affordable upgrades can help reduce dust, allergens, and unwanted odors.
- Replace cabin air filters every 12,000–15,000 miles or as needed
- Add charcoal-based air purifiers under the seats for odor control
- Use non-toxic interior sprays that neutralize airborne particles
These upgrades pair well with interior cleaning accessories like luxury floor mats that trap dust before it circulates.
10. Interior Lighting Upgrades
Ambient lighting can transform the feel of your GLE’s cabin—especially for night drives. While some trims come with ambient lighting pre-installed, there are budget-friendly aftermarket kits that plug into your power outlet and offer customizable colors.
- Enhances luxury feel with minimal investment
- Easy to install without modifying electrical systems
- Remote or app control options for added personalization
Just be sure to choose lighting kits that are non-invasive and easy to remove if needed.
How to Prioritize Your Upgrades
Not sure where to start? Prioritize based on your lifestyle:
- Families: Start with seat covers and kick protectors
- Pet owners: Add trunk protection and odor control
- Daily commuters: Focus on floor mats and center console organizers
- Outdoor enthusiasts: Invest in waterproof gear and UV protection
If you’re ready for a full transformation, bundle your upgrades with our complete custom mat set and luxury seat covers designed to fit the GLE perfectly.
More Expert Guides from Car Mats Customs
We’ve written several helpful guides to help you protect your vehicle’s interior while staying within budget:
- Durability Technology in Our Custom Car Mats
- Step-by-Step Guide to Buying the Perfect Floor Mats
- How to Clean Custom Car Mats Without Damaging Them
These resources walk you through every step of choosing and maintaining your accessories so they last as long as your vehicle does.
FAQ: Interior Upgrades for Mercedes-Benz GLE 2016–2023
Are custom seat covers worth it for a luxury SUV like the GLE?
Absolutely. Custom-fit seat covers not only protect your original upholstery from wear, spills, and UV damage—they also enhance the interior's visual appeal. Our Luxury Leather Seat Cover Set is tailored specifically for the Mercedes-Benz GLE and offers a premium feel with easy maintenance.
What’s the most affordable upgrade that makes a big impact?
Custom floor mats are one of the best upgrades you can make on a budget. They instantly upgrade the look of your cabin while protecting against everyday messes. Our Luxury Mat Set is waterproof, easy to clean, and built to last.
How can I protect my GLE’s trunk from pets and heavy gear?
Use a custom-fit trunk liner like our Matching Trunk Mat. It covers the cargo area entirely, resists water and dirt, and helps keep your interior scratch-free—perfect for dog owners or anyone with an active lifestyle.
Can I install these upgrades myself, or do I need a professional?
All the upgrades mentioned in this guide—from floor mats to seat covers—are designed for DIY installation. No tools or modifications are required, and each product includes installation instructions.
How do I keep my interior upgrades clean over time?
Most of our products, including mats and seat covers, require only a simple wipe with a damp cloth or light vacuuming. For long-term care, see our guide: How to Clean Your Custom Car Mats Without Damaging Them.
Will these accessories fit my specific GLE model?
Yes. Our interior accessories are precision-engineered to fit the Mercedes-Benz GLE from model years 2016 through 2023. Just select your model year during checkout to ensure a perfect fit.
Disclaimer: Car Mats Customs is an independent seller of custom-fit automotive accessories and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any vehicle manufacturer. All vehicle names, model years, and trim levels mentioned are used solely to describe product compatibility. All trademarks, including but not limited to Mercedes-Benz and GLE, are the property of their respective owners.