Mercedes-Benz GLE
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Mercedes-Benz GLE

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Pros: Good range of engine choices; classy, well-finished cabin; quietness; blistering acceleration in high-performance GLE63 models

Cons: Thirsty for premium gasoline, especially GLE63; high prices on upper trim levels; some complicated controls

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.

The Facts
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

Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63
2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63
Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 S Coupe
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE63 S coupe
NHTSA Ratings
Overall - NA
0%

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Crash - NA
0%
Side Crash - NA
0%
Rollover - 4
80%

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