The 2017 Mercedes-benz Gle-class stands as a versatile luxury SUV, offering a blend of comfort, performance, and advanced technology. This detailed overview explores the various trims and features available, providing a comprehensive understanding for potential buyers and automotive enthusiasts.
The base GLE 350 model is well-equipped with a range of standard features designed for convenience and style. Exterior highlights include 19-inch alloy wheels that provide a solid stance and enhance the vehicle’s appearance. LED daytime running lights and taillights ensure visibility and add a modern touch, complemented by front and rear foglights for enhanced safety in adverse weather conditions. Automatic wipers offer convenience during rain, while the inclusion of a sunroof brings natural light into the cabin. Practicality is further enhanced by a roof rack for additional cargo carrying capacity, rear privacy glass for passenger comfort, and power-folding, auto-dimming mirrors for ease of use and safety. A power liftgate adds convenience to cargo access.
Inside the GLE 350, the cabin is appointed with dual-zone automatic climate control, ensuring personalized comfort for both driver and passengers. Wood trim accents provide a touch of classic luxury, while the power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel allows drivers to find their ideal driving position. Heated and power front seats, along with driver memory functions, enhance comfort and convenience for daily commutes or long journeys. MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery offers a durable and refined seating surface, and LED accent lighting creates an inviting interior ambiance.
The technology within the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is centered around Mercedes’ COMAND electronics interface, displayed on an 8-inch screen. This system manages various vehicle functions and entertainment features. A backup camera enhances safety and ease of parking. Connectivity is modern with a 4G LTE data connection, Bluetooth for phone and audio streaming, and an eight-speaker audio system including HD radio, a CD player, and a USB port for media access. Furthermore, a comprehensive suite of standard safety features contributes to the GLE 350’s appeal, ensuring peace of mind for occupants.
For those seeking enhanced features, the optional Premium 1 package significantly upgrades the GLE 350. Keyless ignition and entry add a layer of modern convenience, while a navigation system ensures seamless route guidance. Satellite radio expands entertainment options, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration provides seamless connectivity for mobile devices. Audio quality is elevated with a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system. Practical additions include a rear 115-volt household-style power outlet, and safety is bolstered by a blind-spot monitoring system and a lane departure warning system.
Moving up, the Premium 2 package incorporates all the features of Premium 1 and adds further sophistication. Adaptive LED headlights improve nighttime visibility and aesthetics, complemented by automatic high-beam headlights for enhanced safety on dark roads. Heated and cooled cupholders add a touch of luxury and convenience, and rear sunshades enhance passenger comfort in sunny conditions.
The Premium 3 package represents the pinnacle of optional features, building upon Premium 2 with advanced driver assistance systems. Adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, while a collision avoidance system enhances safety by mitigating potential accidents. A lane departure warning system further assists in safe driving, and an automated parking system simplifies parking maneuvers.
For a sportier aesthetic, the Exterior Sport package offers 20-inch wheels and an AMG body kit, giving the GLE-Class a more aggressive and dynamic appearance. The Night package expands on the Exterior Sport package by adding gloss-black exterior trim pieces and wheels, creating a distinctive and stylish look. Leather upholstery is available as a standalone option for the GLE 350, allowing for a more luxurious interior finish.
The GLE 400 trim level includes many of the desirable optional packages as standard. It incorporates all features from the Premium 1 and Exterior Sport packages, along with a more powerful turbocharged engine for enhanced performance. Multicolor ambient interior lighting elevates the cabin ambiance, and leather upholstery is standard, further enhancing the luxury feel. Exclusively for the GLE 400, an Off-Road package is available, adding a low-range gearing, a unique Dynamic Select calibration for varied terrains, and a front underbody skid plate, making it more capable for off-pavement adventures.
The GLE 550e plug-in hybrid focuses on efficiency and combines luxury with eco-consciousness. It includes all the Premium 1 features and adds leather upholstery and unique cabin treatments to distinguish it as a hybrid model.
The AMG GLE 43 serves as the performance-oriented replacement for the GLE 400. It boasts a more powerful engine tuned by AMG, along with AMG-exclusive 20-inch wheels and an AMG-tuned adaptive air suspension for superior handling. A sport exhaust system enhances the auditory experience, and exterior styling upgrades further differentiate it. Inside, a flat-bottom steering wheel and aluminum shift paddles and pedals create a sporty cockpit. Simulated leather upholstery and the contents of the Premium 1 package complete the AMG GLE 43’s enhanced features.
The Parking Assist package, available across the range, incorporates a 360-degree camera system to provide a comprehensive view around the vehicle, and the automated parking system further simplifies parking in tight spaces.
Stepping up in performance, the AMG GLE 63 includes the features of the GLE 43, plus the Premium 2 and Parking Assist packages. It features a potent turbocharged V8 engine for exhilarating performance, larger brakes for enhanced stopping power, and active stabilizer bars for improved handling. Front and rear parking sensors aid in maneuvering, special leather upholstery elevates the interior, and heated and ventilated seats ensure comfort in all climates.
The top-tier AMG GLE 63 S pushes performance even further. It increases the horsepower of the turbocharged V8 engine and adds 21-inch wheels for an aggressive stance and improved handling. A carbon-fiber engine cover adds a touch of motorsport-inspired style, while a sport steering wheel and suede headliner enhance the sporty interior ambiance. Unique upholstery further distinguishes the AMG GLE 63 S as the ultimate performance variant.
Standalone options for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offer further customization. A panoramic sunroof expands the sense of spaciousness and light within the cabin. A trailer hitch increases versatility for towing. Adaptive air and off-road suspensions provide enhanced ride comfort and capability. Tri-zone climate control allows for personalized temperature settings for rear passengers. Multi-contour front seats with massage function and ventilated front seats elevate comfort levels significantly. Heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel provide warmth in colder climates. A rear-seat entertainment system keeps rear passengers occupied on long journeys, and upgraded audio systems, including a 13-speaker Harman Kardon or a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, cater to audiophiles.
Powering the 2017 GLE-Class are four distinct powertrains. All-wheel drive (4Matic) is standard on most models, and optional on the GLE 350, replacing the standard rear-wheel drive. All engines feature fuel-saving automatic engine stop-start technology.
The GLE 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated by the EPA at 20 mpg combined (18 city/23 highway) for rear-wheel drive and 19 mpg combined (18 city/22 highway) for all-wheel drive. Performance testing shows the GLE 350 4Matic accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, competitive for its class.
The GLE 400 utilizes a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates are 20 mpg combined (18 city/23 highway). An optional low-range transfer case and locking center differential enhance its off-road capabilities.
The GLE 550e plug-in hybrid combines a 114-hp electric motor with the turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission, resulting in a combined output of 436 hp and 479 lb-ft. The 0-60 mph sprint is achieved in a claimed 5.3 seconds. EPA fuel economy is estimated at 43 mpg equivalent in hybrid mode with a full charge and 21 mpg in standard hybrid operation. Electric-only range is approximately 18 miles.
The AMG GLE 63 features a significant power upgrade with a turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 engine producing 550 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The AMG GLE 63 S version of the same engine increases output to 577 hp and 561 lb-ft. Both use a specially tuned seven-speed automatic transmission and achieve an EPA-rated fuel economy of 15 mpg combined (13 city/17 highway). The AMG GLE 63 accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds, and the GLE 63 S in 4.2 seconds, demonstrating their high-performance nature.
Towing capacity for the GLE-Class is considerable. The GLE 350 with rear-wheel drive can tow up to 6,600 pounds, while the GLE 350 4Matic and all other models can tow up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped.
In conclusion, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers a wide range of trims and configurations to suit various needs and preferences. From the well-equipped GLE 350 to the high-performance AMG GLE 63 S and the efficient GLE 550e plug-in hybrid, the GLE-Class provides a compelling option in the luxury SUV segment. Its combination of luxury, technology, performance, and versatility makes it a strong contender for discerning buyers.
