Cons: Thirsty for premium gasoline, especially GLE63; high prices on upper trim levels; some complicated controls[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”padding_space” margin_top=”10″ margin_bottom=”10″][vc_column_text]CG Says: The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class sees a horsepower gain for its GLE43 model. The GLE43’s turbocharged V6 is now rated at 385 hp— an increase of 23. Otherwise, GLE is essentially unchanged. GLE-Class is a premium midsize crossover SUV that occupies a place in the Mercedes’ lineup that was held by the M-Class through 2015. GLE is offered as a conventional wagon and in a “coupe” bodystyle. The coupe is a 4-door fastback version that sacrifices rear headroom and cargo space for style. The base GLE350 has a 302-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. The AMG GLE43 has 385-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. A turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 is rated at 550 hp in AMG GLE63 and 577 in AMG GLE63 S. There is also a plug-in hybrid GLE550e model that has a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and an electric motor with a combined horsepower of 436. All engines are paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission—except the AMG GLE43 turbo 3.0-liter V6 which has a new nine-speed automatic. GLE350 offers both rear- and all-wheel drive, while all other models have standard all-wheel drive. Available features include park assist, surround-view cameras, LED headlights, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot alert, drowsiness monitor, and cross-traffic alert. GLE-Class is very refined, solidly built, and pleasant to drive. High points include the comfortable, well-finished interior and excellent powertrains. Think of the high-performance GLE63 S as a suede- and leather-lined cruise missile. It commands a significant price premium, but it is arguably the most well rounded high-power luxury SUV on the market with its admirable blend of performance, comfort, and refinement. The long list of available options can quickly raise the sticker’s bottom line, but the GLE-Class is a fine premium midsize SUV that deserves serious consideration.[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”padding_space” margin_top=”10″ margin_bottom=”10″][mk_content_box heading=”The Facts”][mk_table el_class=”new-review-specs”]
| Class | Premium Midsize SUV |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon, 4-door hatchback |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
| Nation of Manufacture | USA |
| Base Prices | GLE350 wagon: $53,195 AWD GLE350 wagon: $55,695 AWD AMG GLE43 wagon: $69,465 AWD AMG GLE43 coupe: $71,495 AWD GLE550e Plug-in Hybrid wagon: $67,695 AWD AMG GLE63 wagon: $103,695 AWD AMG GLE63 S wagon: $110,695 AWD AMG GLE63 S coupe: $112,855 |
| Base Engine 3.5-liter V6 (GLE350) |
| Horsepower 302 |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 18 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 22-23 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (GLE43) |
| Horsepower 385 |
| Std. Transmission 9-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 17 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 22-23 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 (GLE63, GLE63 S) |
| Horsepower 550 (GLE63) 577 (GLE63 S) |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 14 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 18 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter V6/electric (GLE550e) |
| Horsepower 436 |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA Gas Engine Combined (mpg) 21 |
| EPA Electric Motor Combined (MPGe) 43 |
Road Tests and Additional Info
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Review
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Review
Guide to Electric Charging[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
