The 2017 Mercedes Gle-class stands as a testament to luxury and versatility in the SUV market. This model year offers a range of trims, from the well-equipped GLE 350 to the high-performance AMG GLE 63 S, ensuring there’s a version to meet diverse needs and preferences. Let’s delve into the specifics of what makes the 2017 Mercedes GLE-Class a compelling choice.
The base GLE 350 model comes generously equipped with features designed for comfort and convenience. Exterior highlights include 19-inch alloy wheels, ensuring a commanding stance on the road. LED daytime running lights and taillights not only enhance visibility but also add a touch of modern elegance. Front and rear foglights, automatic wipers, a sunroof, and a roof rack contribute to both practicality and style. Rear privacy glass adds an element of exclusivity, while power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors and a power liftgate further enhance the user experience.
Stepping inside the 2017 Mercedes GLE-Class GLE 350 reveals a cabin focused on luxury and technology. Dual-zone automatic climate control ensures optimal comfort for all occupants. Wood trim accents add a touch of classic sophistication, while a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and heated, power front seats provide customizable driving and passenger comfort. Driver memory functions add convenience for multiple drivers. MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery offers a durable and refined seating surface, complemented by LED accent lighting that sets a sophisticated ambiance. The Mercedes’ COMAND electronics interface, featuring an 8-inch display, acts as the central hub for vehicle controls and information. A backup camera enhances safety and ease of parking. For connectivity, the GLE 350 includes a 4G LTE data connection, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and an eight-speaker audio system with HD radio, a CD player, and a USB port. Safety is paramount, and the GLE 350 comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features.
For those seeking more premium features, Mercedes-Benz offers a range of optional packages. The Premium 1 package significantly upgrades the technology and convenience features, including keyless ignition and entry for seamless vehicle access. A navigation system is incorporated for effortless route guidance, alongside satellite radio for a wider array of audio entertainment. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration ensures seamless connectivity with personal devices. Audio quality is elevated with a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Practical additions include a rear 115-volt, household-style power outlet. Safety is further enhanced with a blind-spot monitoring system and a lane departure warning system.
The Premium 2 package expands on the Premium 1 offerings, adding adaptive LED headlights and automatic high-beam headlights for enhanced nighttime visibility. Heated and cooled cupholders bring an extra touch of luxury and convenience, and rear sunshades add comfort for rear passengers. The Premium 3 package further elevates the driving experience with advanced driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, a collision avoidance system, a lane keeping assist system, and an automated parking system, making driving and parking in the 2017 Mercedes GLE-Class more effortless and safer.
For a sportier aesthetic, the Exterior Sport package includes striking 20-inch wheels and an AMG body kit, giving the GLE-Class a more aggressive and dynamic appearance. The Night package takes this sporty theme further, combining the Exterior Sport package contents with gloss-black exterior trim pieces and wheels for a distinctive and stealthy look. Leather upholstery is available as a standalone option for the GLE 350, allowing for further personalization of the interior.
Moving up the trim ladder, the GLE 400 incorporates features from the Premium 1 and Exterior Sport packages as standard, along with a more powerful turbocharged engine. Multicolor ambient interior lighting creates a customizable and inviting cabin atmosphere, and leather upholstery is also included. Uniquely, the GLE 400 offers an Off-Road package, catering to adventurous drivers. This package includes low-range gearing, a specific Dynamic Select calibration optimized for off-road conditions, and a front underbody skid plate for added protection during off-road excursions.
The GLE 550e plug-in hybrid combines efficiency with luxury, including all the Premium 1 features as well as leather upholstery and unique cabin treatments that distinguish it as a hybrid model.
Positioned as the GLE 400’s performance-oriented successor, the AMG GLE 43 offers a significant step up in power and driving dynamics. It features a more potent engine, AMG-exclusive 20-inch wheels, an AMG-tuned adaptive air suspension for enhanced handling, and a sport exhaust system for a more engaging auditory experience. Exterior styling upgrades further differentiate it, along with a flat-bottom steering wheel and aluminum shift paddles and pedals that emphasize its sporty character. Simulated leather upholstery and the contents of the Premium 1 package are also standard. The Parking Assist package, available across the range, adds a 360-degree camera system and the automated parking system, simplifying parking maneuvers in all 2017 Mercedes GLE-Class models.
The AMG GLE 63 builds upon the AMG GLE 43’s foundation, incorporating the Premium 2 and Parking Assist packages as standard. It boasts a turbocharged V8 engine, larger brakes for increased stopping power, and active stabilizer bars for improved cornering. Front and rear parking sensors add to parking convenience, while special leather upholstery and heated and ventilated seats elevate interior comfort.
At the pinnacle of the range, the AMG GLE 63 S takes performance even further. It features a higher-output version of the turbocharged V8 engine, 21-inch wheels, a carbon-fiber engine cover, a sport steering wheel, a suede headliner, and unique upholstery, signifying its top-tier status.
Standalone options for the 2017 Mercedes GLE-Class 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 enhanced versatility. Tri-zone climate control allows for individualized temperature settings for rear passengers, while multi-contour front seats with massage and ventilated front seats provide ultimate comfort. Heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel cater to colder climates. Rear-seat entertainment system and upgraded audio systems, including a 13-speaker Harman Kardon or a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, are available for enhanced in-car entertainment.
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers four distinct powertrain options. All-wheel drive (4Matic) is standard on all models except the GLE 350, where it is an available option 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 the rear-wheel-drive version and 19 mpg combined (18 city/22 highway) with all-wheel drive. Performance testing shows the GLE 350 with all-wheel drive achieving a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds, competitive for its class.
The GLE 400 features a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine generating 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 are available for enhanced off-road 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. The 0-60 mph acceleration is estimated at 5.3 seconds. EPA fuel economy is rated at 43 mpg equivalent when utilizing a fully charged battery and 21 mpg in standard hybrid mode. The electric-only driving range is approximately 18 miles.
The AMG GLE 63 takes a significant leap in performance with a turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 engine delivering 550 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The AMG GLE 63 S variant of the same engine produces an even more impressive 577 hp and 561 lb-ft. Both AMG models use a specially tuned seven-speed automatic transmission, and both are EPA-rated at 15 mpg combined (13 city/17 highway). Mercedes-Benz claims a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds for the AMG GLE 63 and 4.2 seconds for the AMG 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 2017 Mercedes GLE-Class models can tow up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped.
In conclusion, the 2017 Mercedes GLE-Class offers a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and versatility. With a wide range of trims, powertrain options, and features, it caters to a broad spectrum of buyers seeking a premium SUV experience. Whether prioritizing fuel efficiency, off-road capability, or high-performance thrills, the 2017 GLE-Class provides a sophisticated and capable option in the luxury SUV segment.
