2017 Mercedes Benz GLE Review

Detailed Review

The first-generation M-Class, model code W163, is a body-on-frame SUV that was produced from 1997 until 2004. It was a five-seater with the option of a third-row, seven-seater. Access to the third row was regarded as difficult, and the seats were deemed insufficient for large individuals. As a result, the seven-seater ML-Class was phased out after the 2005 model year, and the bigger GL-Class took its place. Mercedes-Benz redesigned and modified the W163 for the 2002 model year in 2001. On most models, styling modifications included new head- and tail-lamp lenses, front and back bumpers, and alloy wheels.

The second-generation M-Class (W164), which was produced from 2005 to 2010, was built on a unibody chassis and shared many components with the GL-Class, which had a larger body to facilitate third-row seating. The 2006 M-Class gains the 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission, optional Active Curve-Illuminating -Xenon headlamps that “steer” in the vehicle’s route, and adjustable-height air suspension. The manual transmission had been abandoned at this point.

When the Mercedes-Benz M-Class launched in 2008, it received a small update. This facelift comprises new front and rear bumpers, updated external mirrors, new rim options, a wider front grille, restyled interior, and a new ML 420 CDI engine option.

The first customer-designated W166, the third generation, rolled off the Vance production line in 2011 and remained in production until 2018. It is considerably refined, borrowing design ideas from the latest generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Rear seat legroom has been increased, as have adjustable rear backrests. The 2012 M-Class gains an upgraded 7G-Tronic Plus seven-speed automatic transmission for greater fuel economy, as well as optional adaptive cruise control, an active lane departure warning system, and an adjustable-height air suspension. In 2015, the GLE brand was applied to the facelifted W166, as well as the new five-door coupé variant GLE Coupé (C292).

As part of Mercedes-Benz’s new name policy, the GLE will designate the SUV’s positioning in the middle of its segment and between the forthcoming GLC and GLS (the old GLK and GL, respectively).

The fourth generation GLE codenamed (W167/ V167), was launched in 2019 and is continuing in production to this day. The plug-in hybrid variant was also released. Mercedes Benz GLE is available in four engine options; 3.0 L (Petrol), 3.0 L (Diesel), 3.0 L (Hybrid), and 3.5 L (Petrol) all mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission.

2017 Mercedes Benz GLE Grades

1. AMG GLE 63 4MATIC- This grade comes with rear defrost, panoramic sunroof, compact spare tire, cruise control, keyless, automatic parking, driver illuminated vanity mirror, auxiliary audio input, premium sound system, WIFI hotspot, smart device integration, Apple car play, and Android Auto.
2. AMG GLE 63S 4MATIC- This entry grade boasts a sunroof, a rear spoiler, a backup camera, a vehicle anti-theft system, remote trunk release, adjustable steering wheel, MP3 player, Apple car play, climate control, dual-zone A/C, navigation system and Onboard hands-free communication system.
3. GLE 300d- This grade comes with a rear spoiler, climate control, hard disk drive, smart device integration, Satelite radio, Premium sound, Dual zone A/C, rear A/C, wireless cellphone hookup, driver lumbar, and seat memory.
4. GLE 350- This grade comes with running boards (optional), trailer hitch receiver, adaptive cruise control, Auto-off headlights, intermittent wipers, mirror memory, WIFI hotspot, and satellite radio.
5. GLE 400- This grade has privacy glass, a rear spoiler, wheel locks, cruise control, interior cargo shade, a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, an Android auto, Apple car play, a Navigation system, satellite radio, climate control, and memory seats.
6. GLE 550e- This grade comes with an active suspension system, driver lumbar, cooled driver seat, heated rear seats, Onboard hands-free communication system, rear A/C, climate control, MP3 player, and Apple car Play.
7. AMG GLE 43- This grade comes with, child safety locks, Auto-levelling headlights, an active suspension system, driver and passenger lumbar, heated front seats, dual-zone A/C, and smart device integration.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a five-seat midsize SUV with a spectacular high-quality cabin.

The front row features ample leg and headroom, as well as reclining seats. The second row of seats likewise provides plenty of knee and headroom.

Cabin Storage

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE has a glove compartment box, heated and cooled cupholders, a center console, and bottle storage on the doors for keeping or preserving personal belongings such as mobile phones, keys, beverages, and other items.

Boot Space

The cargo space in the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE is 38.2 cubic feet with the second row of seats in place and 80.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folding. Its tailgate is electronically driven and quite useful, especially when your hands are full of stuff.

Exterior

The 2017 Mercedes Benz GLE is distinguished by horizontal fins and a three-star Mercedes Benz insignia positioned on the grille. LED intelligent headlights on both sides are adaptive to road curvature.

Running boards on the sides assist passengers in alighting or boarding the vehicle. It has LED taillights and turn signals in the rear. A chrome tip exhaust is installed on the lower bumper, giving it an aggressive appearance.

 2017 Mercedes Benz GLE Safety Features

The 2017 Mercedes Benz GLE features SRS Airbags, Curtain airbags, DCS and TCS, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Pre-crash Safety System, Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Pedestrian Warning, Lane Departure Alert, Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic High Beam, Run Flat tires, Active Roll Stabilization, Electronic Damping Control, Anti-whiplash, Pretensioners

2017 Mercedes Benz GLC Fuel Consumption

2017 Mercedes Benz GLE 3.0 L petrol engine consumption-  10.6km/l on average

2017 Mercedes Benz GLE 3.0 L hybrid engine consumption-  11.9km/l on average

2017 Mercedes Benz GLE 3.0 L diesel engine consumption-  12.3km/l on average

2017 Mercedes Benz GLE 3.5 L petrol engine consumption-  9.4km/l on average

2017 Mercedes Benz GLE Acceleration

2017 Mercedes Benz GLE 3.0 L petrol accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.4 secs

2017 Mercedes Benz GLE 3.0 L hybrid accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.8 secs

2017 Mercedes Benz GLE 3.0 L diesel accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.9 secs

2017 Mercedes Benz GLE 3.5 L petrol accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.8 secs

2017 Mercedes Benz GLE Fuel Tank Capacity: 93 liters

Ground Clearance

The 2017 Mercedes Benz GLE has a ground clearance of 7.8 inches.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Service parts are fairly priced and available in major towns in Kenya. Body parts are expensive and mostly available in Nairobi

Stability And Handling

In terms of ride and handling, the 2017 Mercedes Benz GLE class is significantly more oriented towards the comfort end of the luxury scale. The steering is excessively soft, and while the GLE absorbs road imperfections and is capable of traveling off-road, this Mercedes SUV simply lacks the agility found in a number of competitors.

It is fitted with adaptive cruise control which lowers the chances of collisions through speed control and an Anti-lock braking system (ABS) which prevents skidding where loss of steering and control result from locked wheels when braking hard.

 Reliability

The 2019 Mercedes Benz GLE is regarded as a reliable automobile, but in order to realize the benefits of having one, it must be serviced on a regular basis.

This midsize SUV can handle mild off-road terrain because of its high ground clearance. Its front suspension (double wishbone) and rear suspension (multi-link) play an important role in absorbing road irregularities.

One of the most typical issues with the 2017 GLE is the deterioration of the headlights.

Refer to the Mercedes Benz GLE buyer guide for a thorough dependability report. We also urge that you always follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.

Resale Value: Average

Mercedes Benz GLE Competitors: Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Range Rover Velar,

What we like about the 2017 Mercedes Benz GLE

Quiet and comfortable ride

Wide range of powertrains

Elegant Interior

Available plug-in hybrid

What we don’t

Suspension is tailored more for comfort than handling

More expensive compared to its competitors

Conclusion

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE class provides a pleasant and smooth ride, as well as a stunning interior. However, when compared to its competitors, it is rather pricey, and it might be costly to persons with little financial resources when it comes to servicing.