The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE is not a new model. It just carries a new name. It’s part of the shifting and sliding the Germans have to go through to accommodate new models in their already extensive range.
This new GLE is actually the facelifted third-generation M-Class, Mercedes’ best-selling SUV. There’s a plenty of new things to be excited about, both visually and technologically. But the big news comes on the powertrain front, with the first plug-in hybrid in Mercedes SUV history.
The side view reveals the distinctive feature that the model has been carrying since its inception, under the old ML name. We’re talking about the design of the C-pillar and the quarter glass. Well, it might have been a distinctive feature back in 1997, but nowadays… not so much. The wing design has been tinkered with. They feature flares on the AMG GLE63 model, to accommodate the standard 20-inch wheels or the available 21-inch ones. The base model comes standard with 18-inch rims, and 19-inch ones are available.
At the rear, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE has LED tail lamps with the new signature twin-torch design and redesigned integrated exhaust tips. The AMG GLE63 comes with two chrome-plated dual tailpipes and a black diffuser. The GLE is offered with a choice of nine colors. Among the interesting exterior options available, we feel the need to name the illuminated star emblem on the grille and the illuminated brushed aluminum running boards.
The instrument panel is comprised of two round dials and a 4.4-inch display. A 7-inch display comes with the standard infotainment system and is partially integrated into the console. Buyers can opt for an 8-inch display. Audiophiles with (very) deep pockets might also opt for the 14-speaker, 900-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system. Less picky people can try the Harman Kardon 13-speaker, 830-watt system instead. Another available feature that piqued our interest is the heating and cooling function for the front cupholders. Simple, yet very handy!
Rear passengers are not forgotten. For them, there’s an optional entertainment system with two LCD monitors, two wireless headsets, and two remotes. The rear seats also come with an optional heating function. Comfort is just as important as the features, and the rear seat passengers get almost as much space as the front passengers, with 38.5 in headroom and 38.4 legroom. Trunk capacity is 38.2 cu ft.
For another monthly fee, payable after a three-month free trial, you get access to mbrace Concierge services, like turn-by-turn navigation assistance, or location-based traffic and weather information. The mbrace Connect range of services is also available, with a 5-year complimentary subscription. These include remote start and remote lock/unlock via mobile app, vehicle finder, dealer information, valet mode alerts, gas stations and fuel price information, financial services, weather information, traffic camera locations and more.
The base model is the GLE 300d 4Matic and it’s the only one that comes with a diesel engine, a 2.1-liter twin-turbo inline-four, with 201 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 350, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, is the only model that comes without all-wheel drive. There is the option of an AWD model with this engine, the GLE 350 4Matic. Next up is the GLE 400 4Matic, and it has a 3-liter biturbo V6 under the good, which is good for 329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Finally, there’s a plug-in hybrid version, pairing the 3-liter V6 with an electric motor, for a combined output of 436 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.
Stepping into AMG territory, the GLE63 is powered by a 5.5-liter biturbo V8, putting out 550 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The GLE63 S takes the same engine to 577 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque. It takes just 4.2 seconds for the GLE63 S to reach 62 mph, and it has an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph. Fuel economy for this latter beast is given as 13 mpg city and 17 highway. The diesel model is rated at 22 mpg city and 29 highway. No numbers have been released for the hybrid.
All GLE models come with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Up to seven drive programs are available through the Dynamic Select handling control system. All models get the Individual, Comfort, Slippery and Sport modes. 4Matic versions of the GLE have an additional Offroad setting and models equipped with the optional Off-Road Engineering package come with an Offroad+ mode. AMG models also have the Sport+ setting. With the optional Airmatic air suspension, the GLE has a maximum ride height of 11 in and a fording depth of 23 in.
The forward collision warning system comes with autonomous braking from speeds up to 65 mph. The driver attention system monitors up to 70 parameters of driving behavior and alerts the driver both visually and acoustically if it detects drowsiness. The proprietary Pre-safe system detects imminent collisions or rollovers and prepares the car for impact by tightening the front seatbelts, adjusting the front passenger seat, and closing the windows and sunroof.
A six-month trial subscription to the mbrace Secure services is offered as an option on the GLE 300d, providing automatic emergency call, stolen vehicle locator, and more. Other features available in the GLE range include adaptive cruise control with steering assist, pedestrian recognition with autonomous braking from speeds up to 35 mph, blind spot monitor with steering assist, lane keeping assist, and surround video system.
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