2018 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. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W163) was offered with permanent 4Matic four-wheel drive, which channeled torque to all four wheels via all open front, center, and rear differentials. The system employed a two-speed dual-range transfer case with reduction gearing, as well as Mercedes’ revolutionary Four-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS). 4-ETS simulated three differential locks on all three open differentials by violently braking one or more spinning wheels.

The second-generation M-Class (W164) was based on a unibody chassis and shared many components with the GL-Class, which featured a bigger body to accommodate third-row seating. The 2006 M-Class receives a seven-speed automatic transmission, optional Active Curve-Illuminating -Xenon headlights that “steer” the vehicle’s path, and adjustable-height air suspension. At this moment, the manual transmission had been abandoned.

The first customer-designated W166, the third generation, rolled off the Vance assembly line in 2011 and was manufactured until 2018. It has been significantly refined, drawing design cues from the latest generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Legroom in the rear seats has been improved, as have the adjustable rear backrests. The 2012 M-Class adds a more fuel-efficient 7G-Tronic Plus seven-speed automatic transmission, as well as optional adaptive cruise control, an active lane departure warning system, and adjustable-height air suspension. The GLE brand was introduced in 2015, along with the facelifted W166 and the new five-door coupé variant GLE Coupé (C292).

The fourth generation GLE, codenamed (W167/ V167), was introduced in 2019 and is still in production. A plug-in hybrid model was also made available. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE comes with two engine options: 3.0 L (Hybrid), and 3.5 L (Petrol), all of which are connected to a 7-speed automatic transmission.

2018 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 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a five-seater midsize luxury SUV with a stylishly designed and luxurious interior. The steering wheel is upholstered in supple leather.

With seats that can be electronically adjusted to a preferred position, the first row has plenty of legroom and headroom. The second row provides greater knee and headroom, as well as additional space to recline and stretch.

Cabin Storage

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE cabin has various storage spaces for stuff like smartphones, beverages, goggles, handbags, and so on. There are two cupholders in the first row, as well as door panel storage, a glovebox, and a center box. There are two cupholders in the armrest compartment of the second row, as well as front seat jacket pockets and door pockets.

Boot Space

The cargo space in the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE is 33.3 cubic feet with the second row of seats in place and 74.9 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE’s front end features its distinctive sleek and sophisticated grille with the three-star insignia mounted on the horizontal fins. The hood features air vents to help cool the engine. It has running boards on the sides. It also has a panoramic sunroof and roof rails at the top.

The rear has a really good integrated exhaust tip with a built-in trailer hitch. Its tailgate is electronically powered.

2018 Mercedes Benz GLE Safety Features

The 2018 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

2018 Mercedes Benz GLC Fuel Consumption

2018 Mercedes Benz GLE 3.0 L hybrid engine consumption-  11.5 km/l on average

2018 Mercedes Benz GLE 3.5 L petrol engine consumption-  9.0 km/l on average

2018 Mercedes Benz GLE Acceleration

2018 Mercedes Benz GLE 3.0 L hybrid accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.7 secs

2018 Mercedes Benz GLE 3.5 L petrol accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.5 secs

2018 Mercedes Benz GLE Fuel Tank Capacity: 93 liters

Ground Clearance

The 2018 Mercedes Benz GLE has a ground clearance of 8.1 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

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE is known for its stable and predictable handling, which provides a well-balanced and comfortable driving experience.

The suspension system has been fine-tuned to provide a nice combination of comfort and handling. It absorbs road imperfections well, resulting in a smooth and composed ride.

The steering in the 2018 GLE is light and responsive, making it simple to maneuver through traffic and parking lots.

Furthermore, this compact luxury midsize SUV includes a number of safety technologies like electronic stability control, traction control, and antilock brakes, all of which improve stability and handling.

Reliability

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE is considered a dependable vehicle, but in order to reap its full benefits, this midsize SUV must be serviced on a regular basis, which can be costly for those on a limited budget. However, a handful of owners have noted that the GLE’s halogen headlamps’ low beams were significantly weaker than those seen in other vehicles. This issue can be rectified by replacing stock bulbs with brighter, higher-color temperature bulbs that provide improved visibility.

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 2018 Mercedes Benz GLE

The Interior is upscale, quiet, and roomy

AMG variants are quick

Potent engine options

What we don’t

High ownership costs

Limited cargo space in hybrid variants

Conclusion

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE class performs admirably in most areas, but so do many of its mid-size luxury SUV rivals, some of which are thousands of dollars less expensive.