The 2017 Mercedes-benz Gle 350 stands as a compelling option in the luxury SUV market, offering a blend of comfort, technology, and performance. This model year brought forth a vehicle packed with standard features and a range of optional packages to tailor it to individual preferences. Let’s delve into a comprehensive overview of what makes the 2017 GLE 350 a noteworthy contender.
Standard Features of the 2017 GLE 350
The GLE 350 boasts a robust set of standard features right from the base model. On the exterior, it rides on 19-inch alloy wheels and is equipped with LED daytime running lights and taillights, enhancing visibility and adding a touch of modern aesthetics. Front and rear foglights are included for improved driving in adverse weather conditions. Convenience features like automatic wipers, a sunroof, roof rack, rear privacy glass, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, and a power liftgate all come standard, adding to the practicality and ease of use of this luxury SUV.
Stepping inside the 2017 GLE 350, you are greeted with a well-appointed interior. Dual-zone automatic climate control ensures personalized comfort for both driver and passenger. Wood trim accents lend an air of sophistication to the cabin, while a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and heated, power front seats with driver memory functions prioritize driver comfort and convenience. MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery is standard, offering a durable and upscale feel. LED accent lighting creates a pleasant ambiance within the cabin. Mercedes’ COMAND electronics interface, featuring an 8-inch display, serves as the central hub for vehicle controls and infotainment. A backup camera enhances safety and ease of parking. For connectivity, the GLE 350 includes a 4G LTE data connection, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, and an eight-speaker audio system with HD radio, a CD player, and a USB port to cater to entertainment needs. Of course, a suite of safety features, detailed in safety specifications, are also standard on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350.
Exploring Optional Packages
For those seeking to elevate their GLE 350 experience, Mercedes-Benz offers several enticing optional packages. The Premium 1 package is a popular choice, adding keyless ignition and entry for enhanced convenience. It also integrates a navigation system, satellite radio, and smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, significantly upgrading the infotainment capabilities. Audiophiles will appreciate the upgrade to a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Practical additions include a rear 115-volt household-style power outlet, along with blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning systems, bolstering safety and driver assistance features.
Building upon the Premium 1 package, the Premium 2 package incorporates adaptive LED headlights and automatic high-beam headlights, significantly improving nighttime visibility. Heated and cooled front cupholders and rear sunshades are added for enhanced comfort and convenience for both front and rear passengers. The Premium 3 package further extends the driver assistance features with adaptive cruise control, a collision avoidance system, a lane keeping assist system, and an automated parking system, bringing semi-autonomous driving capabilities to the 2017 GLE 350.
For a sportier aesthetic, the Exterior Sport package equips the GLE 350 with larger 20-inch wheels and an AMG body kit, giving it a more aggressive and dynamic appearance. The Night package combines the contents of the Exterior Sport package with gloss-black exterior trim pieces and wheels for a distinctive and stealthy look. Luxury is further enhanced with optional leather upholstery available for the GLE 350, replacing the standard MB-Tex.
Trim Levels and Performance Upgrades Beyond the GLE 350
While the focus here is on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, the GLE-Class range extends to other trim levels offering increased performance and features. The GLE 400 includes all features from the Premium 1 and Exterior Sport packages as standard. It also boasts a more powerful turbocharged engine, multicolor ambient interior lighting, and leather upholstery, representing a significant step up in both performance and luxury. Notably, the GLE 400 exclusively offers an Off-Road package, including low-range gearing, a unique Dynamic Select calibration, and a front underbody skid plate for enhanced off-road capabilities.
The GLE 550e plug-in hybrid incorporates all the Premium 1 features along with leather upholstery and unique interior trim. This model prioritizes efficiency and offers an electric driving range in addition to its hybrid powertrain.
For performance enthusiasts, the AMG GLE 43 replaces the GLE 400 and brings a substantial upgrade in driving dynamics. It features a more powerful engine, AMG-exclusive 20-inch wheels, an AMG-tuned adaptive air suspension, a sport exhaust system, and exterior styling enhancements. Inside, it includes a flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminum shift paddles and pedals, simulated leather upholstery, and the contents of the Premium 1 package.
The Parking Assist package, available across the range, adds a 360-degree camera system and the automated parking system, further simplifying parking maneuvers.
Moving further up the AMG lineup, the AMG GLE 63 includes features from the GLE 43, plus the Premium 2 and Parking Assist packages. It is powered by a turbocharged V8 engine, features larger brakes, active stabilizer bars, front and rear parking sensors, special leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated seats, representing a high-performance luxury SUV.
The top-of-the-line AMG GLE 63 S pushes performance even further with an increased horsepower version of the turbocharged V8 engine. It also adds 21-inch wheels, a carbon-fiber engine cover, a sport steering wheel, suede headliner, and unique upholstery, representing the pinnacle of the 2017 GLE-Class range.
Standalone Options for Customization
Beyond packages and trim levels, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 and the wider GLE-Class offer a range of standalone options for further personalization. These include a panoramic sunroof for an open and airy cabin feel, a trailer hitch for towing needs, and adaptive air and off-road suspensions for varied driving conditions. Tri-zone climate control allows for independent temperature settings for rear passengers. Multi-contour front seats with massage and ventilated front seats elevate front passenger comfort. Heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel cater to cold weather climates. For rear passenger entertainment, a rear-seat entertainment system is available, and for audiophiles, upgrades to either a 13-speaker Harman Kardon or a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system are offered.
Powertrain and Performance of the 2017 GLE 350
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers four distinct powertrain options. For the GLE 350, a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque is standard. It is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the GLE 350, with all-wheel drive (4Matic) available as an option. All models in the 2017 GLE-Class incorporate fuel-saving automatic engine stop-start technology.
The GLE 350 achieves EPA fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg combined (18 city/23 highway) with rear-wheel drive and 19 mpg combined (18 city/22 highway) with all-wheel drive. Performance tests have shown the GLE 350 4Matic accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, placing it competitively within its segment.
For those seeking more power, the GLE 400 features a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLE 400 is EPA-rated at 20 mpg combined (18 city/23 highway). An optional low-range transfer case and locking center differential further enhance its capability.
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-based transmission, resulting in a total output of 436 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a claimed 5.3 seconds. EPA fuel economy for the GLE 550e is estimated at 43 mpg equivalent when utilizing a full battery charge and 21 mpg in standard hybrid operation. Its electric-only driving range is approximately 18 miles.
The AMG GLE 63 significantly steps up in power with a turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 engine producing 550 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The AMG GLE 63 S variant of this engine generates 577 hp and 561 lb-ft. Both AMG models utilize a specially tuned seven-speed automatic transmission and achieve an EPA-rated fuel economy of 15 mpg combined (13 city/17 highway). Mercedes-Benz states a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.3 seconds for the AMG GLE 63 and 4.2 seconds for the GLE 63 S.
In terms of towing capacity, the GLE 350 with rear-wheel drive can tow up to 6,600 pounds, while the GLE 350 4Matic and all other GLE models can tow up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped.
Conclusion: The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 – A Well-Rounded Luxury SUV
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 presents itself as a well-rounded luxury SUV, offering a compelling combination of standard features, optional enhancements, and capable performance. Whether prioritizing comfort and technology in the GLE 350, seeking enhanced performance in the AMG models, or exploring efficiency with the GLE 550e, the 2017 GLE-Class range provides a variety of choices to meet diverse needs and preferences in the luxury SUV segment. Its blend of luxury appointments, advanced technology, and Mercedes-Benz engineering makes the 2017 GLE 350 and its siblings a strong consideration for discerning buyers.
