The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 stands as a compelling luxury SUV, offering a blend of comfort, performance, and advanced features. This model year provides a range of options and packages to tailor the vehicle to individual preferences. Let’s delve into the details of what makes the 2018 GLE 350 a noteworthy contender in its class.
Under the hood of the standard 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 lies a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a smooth seven-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain provides ample power for daily driving and confident highway cruising. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, while the Mercedes-Benz 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is available for enhanced traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
The GLE 350 doesn’t skimp on standard features. Exterior highlights include stylish 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic wipers for convenience, a sunroof to brighten the cabin, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, and a power liftgate for easy cargo access.
Moving inside, the cabin of the 2018 GLE 350 is well-appointed with dual-zone automatic climate control, ensuring optimal comfort for both driver and passengers. A power-adjustable steering wheel and heated front seats add to the driver and front passenger comfort. The driver benefits from a 10-way power-adjustable seat with four-way power lumbar support and memory functions. Simulated leather upholstery provides a premium feel, while Mercedes’ COMAND electronics interface, featuring an 8-inch display and an eight-speaker audio system with a CD player and two USB ports, manages infotainment. Standard advanced safety features include a rearview camera and a forward collision warning system, along with the Mercedes-Benz Mbrace telematics system for added peace of mind.
For those seeking even more features, Mercedes-Benz offers several optional packages for the 2018 GLE 350. The Premium 1 package is a popular choice, adding keyless ignition and entry for convenience, a navigation system to guide your journeys, a touchpad controller for the central display, satellite radio for entertainment, and smartphone integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the upgraded 14-speaker premium Harman Kardon sound system, and a 115-volt household-style power outlet adds practicality. Safety is further enhanced with a blind-spot monitoring system and a lane departure warning system.
Stepping up to the Premium 2 package includes adaptive LED headlights and automatic high-beam control for improved visibility, heated and cooled front cupholders for added comfort, interior ambient lighting to set the mood, illuminated doorsills, rear-window sunshades for passenger comfort, and a fold-down pass-through behind the rear-center armrest for added cargo flexibility (excluding the GLE 550e). The Premium 3 package represents the pinnacle of available features, boasting a 360-degree parking camera for easier maneuvering, adaptive cruise control for relaxed highway driving, an automated steering system, a collision avoidance system, lane departure intervention, and an automated parking system.
Beyond the GLE 350, the 2018 GLE lineup offers further choices. The GLE 550e plug-in hybrid combines a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 and an electric motor, boosting output to a combined 436 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. It also includes leather upholstery and the features of the Premium 1 package as standard. For performance enthusiasts, the AMG GLE 43 features a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 385 hp, a nine-speed automatic transmission, AMG-tuned suspension and styling, and also includes the Premium 1 package. The AMG GLE 63 steps up with a turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 (550 hp), upgraded brakes and tires, and the Premium 2 package. Finally, the top-tier AMG GLE 63 S pushes the V8 to 577 hp and adds further performance enhancements and 21-inch wheels.
Many features found in higher trims and packages are also available as standalone options for the 2018 GLE 350. These include a panoramic sunroof, a trailer hitch for towing, tri-zone climate control for enhanced passenger comfort, multicontour front seats with massage, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a rear-seat entertainment system, and upgraded premium audio systems from Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen.
In conclusion, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 offers a well-rounded luxury SUV experience with a powerful V6 engine, a generous list of standard features, and a wide array of optional packages and standalone options to personalize your vehicle. Whether you prioritize comfort, technology, or performance, the GLE 350 and the broader GLE lineup provide compelling choices in the luxury SUV segment.
