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2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

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Make
Mercedes-Benz
Model
GLE-Class
Year
2018
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Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class OEM Exterior Primary Photo
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Used Car Price Range
$17,350 - $58,995
$17,350 $58,995
Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2018 Base GLE 350 4dr 4x2 Sport Utility
most popular
Price:   -  From $52,200
2018 Base GLE 350 4dr All-wheel Drive 4MATIC Price:   -  From $54,700
2018 Base GLE 550e Plug-In Hybrid 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MATIC Sport Utility Price:   -  From $66,700
2018 Base AMG GLE 43 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MATIC Sport Utility Price:   -  From $67,750
2018 Base AMG GLE 43 Coupe 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MATIC Price:   -  From $70,500
2018 Base AMG GLE 63 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MATIC Sport Utility Price:   -  From $102,550
2018 S-Model AMG GLE 63 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MATIC Sport Utility Price:   -  From $109,700
2018 Base AMG GLE 63 S Coupe 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MATIC Price:   -  From $111,860
Expert Rating
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Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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Overview

Introduced in 2016, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class stays true to the M-Class that it replaced by offering consumers a spacious interior, numerous powertrain options, refined styling, and for those that aren’t willing to completely trade in their sports car for a SUV, a four-door coupe variant. With a healthy slathering of high-tech features, there’s a lot to like with one of Mercedes' most popular vehicles.

What's New for 2018

There aren’t a lot of changes for the 2018 model year. Both the GLE43 AMG and the GLE43 AMG Coupe get a bump in power, as the twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter V6 engine now produces 385 horsepower, an increase of 23 horses from last year’s model. The GLE43 AMG Coupe also receives an AMG Performance Studio Package.

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Choosing Your Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The GLE-Class is available with four different powertrains ranging from a 302-hp 3.5-liter V6 all the way up to a monstrous 577-hp 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8. A plug-in hybrid variant is available that utilizes a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 and an electric motor for a total of 436 hp.

The GLE-Class Coupe is the more performance-oriented variant, as it is only available in AMG trim, with output ranging from 385-hp with the GLE43 Coupe to 577-hp with the GLE63 S Coupe.

As a midsize SUV, the GLE-Class is rated to hold up to 80.3 cubic feet, while the coupe, with its more athletic looks, isn’t far behind with a cargo capacity of 60.7 cu ft.

Most GLE-Class models offer the following as optional extras: massaging front seats ($1,100), heated rear seats ($580), a Bang and Olufsen audio system ($5,800), three-zone climate control ($760), and a panoramic sunroof ($1,000). These options broadly carryover to other GLE-Class models.

The GLE-Class is available in five different trims, while the GLE-Class Coupe is offered in two different styles:

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

GLE350

The GLE350 is the only model that’s offered with rear-wheel drive and is priced at $53,195, including the $995 destination fee. A GLE350 4Matic is available, but is a little more expensive at $55,695. Both of the trims are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 302 hp and 273 pound-feet of torque. The SUV features a seven-speed automatic transmission and will return 18 miles per gallon in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

Standard features include 19-inch five-spoke wheels, aluminum roof rails, a leather steering wheel, side-mirror puddle lights that feature the Mercedes-Benz logo, Eucalyptus wood trim, rain-sensing windshield wipers, push-button start, a rearview camera, Active Brake Assist, Crosswind Assist, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power liftgate, power driver’s seat with memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, power tilt and sliding sunroof, an eight-inch high-resolution color screen, and more.

Available packages on the GLE350, and the rest of the GLE-Class include the Parking Assist Package ($1,290) that adds a surround-view camera and an automatic parking assist, which is a system that helps drivers get into and out of difficult parking spots. The Premium 1 Package ($3,050) brings Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, push-button start, navigation map updates for three years, SiriusXM Radio, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, a Harman/Kardon surround audio system, a 115-volt power outlet, Mercedes' COMAND infotainment and navigation system, and a touchpad controller.

Adding the Night Package ($3,200) brings an AMG body kit, gloss black exterior accents and 20-inch black AMG wheels to the SUV. The AMG Line Exterior Package costs $2,900 and includes its own set of 20-inch wheels and the same AMG styling. The AMG Line Interior package ($350) incorporates brushed aluminum pedals, sport front seats, and sport interior appointments.

The Premium 2 Package ($5,340) adds everything from the Premium 1 Package in addition to rear center-armrest pass-through, active LED headlights, rear window sunshades, heated and cooled front cupholders, illuminated front door sills, automatic high beams, and multicolor ambient lighting. The Premium 3 Package ($8,230) combines the first two Premium Packages and adds lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, full-speed adaptive cruise control, and the Pre-Safe Plus rear-end collision protection system.

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

GLE550e 4MATIC Plug-In Hybrid

Starting at $67,695, the GLE550e 4Matic is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine and a hybrid powertrain that produces a total of 436 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission that helps put the power down to all four wheels through an all-wheel-drive system.

Standard features on the 550e 4MATIC trim include: a four-mode drive selector, dual chrome exhaust tips, heated front seats, leather seats, COMAND with a touchpad controller, COMAND navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, in-dash DVD/CD player, and a Harman/Kardon sound system.

Fuel economy estimates for the GLE550e 4Matic are not available yet.

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

GLE43AMG

Both the GLE43 AMG and the GLE43 AMG Coupe feature an AMG-enhanced, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that’s good for 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission and puts its power down through a standard AMG-tweaked 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.

The GLE43 AMG costs $68,745, while the Coupe is priced at $71,495. The vehicles share a lot of the same features, which includes AMG Dynamic Select system, which allows drivers to choose between four driving modes to optimize their car's performance, adaptive dampers, aluminum paddle shifters, an AMG exhaust system, a sport steering wheel, AMG body styling, 20-inch AMG wheels, brushed aluminum pedals, and leatherette upholstery.

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

GLE63 AMG

The GLE63 AMG is only available in a traditional SUV body style and is powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 that generates 550 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The engine is matched to a seven-speed automatic transmission that helps the SUV get to 60 miles per hour in just 4.2 seconds.

Standard features for the GLE63 AMG include an AMG-tuned suspension, an Active Curve System that stiffens the vehicles’ chassis during cornering for flatter handling, and an AMG performance steering wheel.

The GLE63 AMG is priced at $103,545.

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

GLE63 AMG S

Starting at $110,695 for the GLE63 AMG S and $112,855 for the GLE63 AMG S Coupe, both models feature a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 that produces 577 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to a seven-speed gearbox, both the standard body and coupe are capable of getting from zero to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds.

As the range-topping models, both the GLE63 AMG S and GLE63 AMG S Coupe are packed with loads of standard features, including a standard Start/Stop system (which seems a bit funny attached to a 577-hp V8), an AMG-tuned 4Matic all-wheel drive system, high-performance AMG brakes, topstitched dashboard trim, dual chrome AMG exhaust tips, red-painted brake calipers, AMG illuminated front door sills, 14-way power AMG sport front seats, and heated and ventilated front seats.

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Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

Crossovers are huge draws for luxury car manufacturers, as buyers have become focused on having one vehicle that does it all well. For Mercedes-Benz, the 2018 GLE-Class is that vehicle, as its plethora of body and powertrain configurations means buyers can have their pick of the litter. This variety does, however, come with a big hit to the pocketbook.

Does the GLE-Class deliver the goods to justify its massive price tag? Continue reading to find out.

Best Value

While you can choose one of the wild-child AMG models or the Coupe body, we suggest sticking with the standard GLE 350, which is only available in the traditional two-box body. It’s got plenty of pop from its 302-horsepower V6 engine and comes loaded with premium features, like 19-inch wheels, automatic wipers, a sunroof, a power liftgate, leatherette upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a power-adjustable steering wheel, a 10-way power driver’s seat, an eight-speaker audio system, two USB ports, and more.

We also recommend adding the Premium 1 Package to get most of the upscale features a luxury car shopper would want, including navigation, satellite radio, a 14-speaker audio system, and a 115-volt outlet. Plan on spending $720 for paint (unless you're in love with the no-cost black or white options), and we'd add another $1,620 for leather upholstery. All told, we'd end up just under $60,000 for our ideal GLE350.

  • Model: 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 4Matic
  • Engine: 3.5-liter V6
  • Output: 302 hp / 273 lb-ft
  • Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
  • Fuel Economy: 18 Cit/ 23 Hwy
  • Options: Premium 1 Package ($3,050, Android auto, Apple CarPlay, navigation, SiriusXM, lane-keep assist, keyless ignition, 115-volt plug, Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 surround sound, and blind-spot assist), leather upholstery ($1,620), metallic paint ($720)
  • Base Price: $53,195 (including $995 destination charge)
  • Best Value Price: $59,435

Performance

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

There is ample acceleration with the base 3.5-liter V6 engine, but the real fun comes in the 577-hp GLE63S. The GLE-Class’ ride is composed and quiet at all levels. You can also get your power with a clearer conscious with the 436-hp GLE500e plug-in hybrid.

The adjustable air suspensions makes noticeable tweaks according to the ride settings the driver selects. Sport mode is one of the most noticeable, as it tightens everything up and gives the SUV a noticeably crisper turn-in.

Fuel economy is not so hot in gasoline-only models. What’s more surprising is that the GLE550e plug-in hybrid can only muster up 21 miles per gallon combined. The GLE-Class is not built for real off-roading, so stick to the well-groomed paths.

Interior and Exterior

There is a GLE-Class for everyone, thanks to its base GLE350, its more wild-looking AMG models, and its sporty-looking GLE-Class Coupe.

The front seats are very supportive and well-padded, making long trips easier on the backside. The standard model's rear seats can easily accommodate taller passengers.

While the coupe body is a nice change of pace, its low roofline gobbles up cargo room and rear-seat headroom. Also, the cabin hasn’t changed much since its days roaming the streets with the M-Class badge.

The rear seats are comfortable, but we question the spec sheet's claim that there's room for three adults. Trying to stuff a trio of average-size adults in the second row is a test of tolerance and dexterity.

We'll also register a complaint over the interior quality – it's not that the GLE-Class is bad, per se, but it's simply an old design. Newer rivals, like the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90, have much nicer interior designs and better materials.

The Best and Worst Things

The sheer number of options the GLE-Class has is incredible, which means there is a model that can fit virtually anyone’s needs. What’s more, its performance is solid across the entire lineup.

The infotainment system is finicky, leading to a lot of frustration when trying to quickly change your route or update a setting. Also, the coupe body, while stylish, is tuned for a very narrow niche.

Right For? Wrong For?

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The GLE-Class is perfect for the buyer who doesn’t care much for compromise. They know what they want, and the GLE-Class is just that.

Early-stage luxury SUV buyers will likely find the GLE-Class a bit too rich for their taste. This is especially true once they start adding a few options or move to an AMG model. Volvo and Lexus offer a lot more value for the money.

The Bottom Line

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a refined SUV that’s spent years – some of which were under the M-Class name – learning what its buyers want and growing. This has resulted in an SUV that delivers on virtually every front, but it has also led to a price tag that inflates very quickly and prices out younger buyers.

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
3.5L V-6 / 302 HP / 273 ft.lbs.
Transmission
7-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
18 / 23 / 20 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
3.5L V-6 / 302 HP / 273 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
18 / 23 / 20 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
24.6 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$94
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
80.3 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
Exterior Length
189.7 "
Exterior Width
76.2 "
Exterior Height
70.7 "
Front Headroom
40.4 "
Rear Headroom
38.5 "
Front Legroom
40.3 "
Rear Legroom
38.4 "
Front Shoulder Room
58.5 "
Rear Shoulder Room
58.4 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
4,650 Lbs.
Wheel Base
115 "
Turning Radius
19.4 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
19.0 " Silver Aluminum / 20.0 " Silver Aluminum / 20.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Amg Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Heated, Power Remote Driver, Power Remote W/tilt Down Passenger
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Chrome / Black W/chrome Accents
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Polished Tailpipe Finish / Stainless Steel With Dark Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Mb-tex Leatherette / Leather / Nappa Leather
Front Seat Type
Bucket / Sport Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power) / (12-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power) / (12-way Power)
Front Armrests
(8-way Power) / (12-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center / Center With Pass-thru
Rear Seats
60-40 Split-bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm/hd, Seek-scan / Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
8 / 14 Harman/kardon / 14 Bang & Olufsen
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Power Telescopic Tilt / Power Telescopic Tilt Sport
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
Sun Roof
Express Open/close
Rearview Mirror
Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
4
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Rear Side-impact Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front And Rear
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Active Brake Assist Forward Collision Mitigation / Pre-safe Plus Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Blind Spot Assist Blind Spot / Active Blind Spot Assist Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning
Active Lane Keeping Assist Lane Departure / Lane Keeping Assist Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Distance Pilot W/steering Pilot Hands-on Steering Assist
Pedestrian Detection
Presafe Brake Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Attention Assist Driver Attention
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Variable Distance Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Directionally Adaptive
Parking Sensors
Parking Pilot Automated
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class for Sale

14 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Mercedes-Benz
Base
Color: Blue
Price

$17,350

Mileage

98,556 mi

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Car Lux (3 mi)

Phone: (310) 818-5868
Mercedes-Benz
Base
Color: Black
Price

$17,995

Mileage

121,656 mi

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Car Fluent Inc of Sunland (24 mi)

Phone: (818) 293-3225
Mercedes-Benz
Color: Gray
Price

$19,989

Mileage

77,284 mi

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Karplus Warehouse Inc. (23 mi)

Mercedes-Benz
Color: Gray
Price

$25,000

Mileage

49,409 mi

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Harbor Chevrolet (14 mi)

Phone: (562) 326-5588
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