quiet, upscale and well-built interior with a roomy backseat
long list of standard safety and technology features.Notably, we picked the Mercedes-Benz GLE as one of Edmunds' Best Used Luxury SUVs for 2016.
Cons
Base V6 is merely adequate
lazy handling
floaty ride with standard suspension.
What’s new
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class joins Mercedes' lineup as the newly named and updated version of last year's M-Class SUV. Notable changes include revised styling, additional standard equipment and the latest COMAND interface. A new plug-in hybrid GLE550e model is also new and offers up to 18 miles of electric-only range.
Edmunds says
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is the new name for the heavily updated M-Class. Like the M-Class, the new GLE does not stand out in any one area, but the supremely comfortable cabin and a variety of powertrains gives it broad appeal.
Experience Distinctive Style with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 Sport Utility 4DPresenting a refined and sophisticated SUV, this 2016 Mercedes-Benz G...
What's in a name? When it comes to the new 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, the answer is, "quite a lot." That's because this replacement for the previous M-Class midsize SUV gets much more than a simple name change. While much is related and indeed identical to the M-Class, the GLE gets a wealth of changes inside and out, including new front and rear fascias and freshened interior styling and color combinations. Also new is the GLE-Class Coupe model (reviewed separately), which features a sportier stance and a more sloping "fastback" rear roof line similar to the BMW X6.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class looks much like its M-Class predecessor, but styling tweaks to the nose and tail help set it apart.
There is a long list of available powertrains -- including the fuel-efficient diesel-powered GLE300d and new plug-in hybrid GLE550e -- as well as options that can transform it from an upscale people-mover to a high-performance SUV or, quite the opposite, a reasonably credible off-roader. If it's the latest in technology you're after, you'll find no shortage of it here, from the handling enhancement of the Active Curve System (adaptive stabilizer bars) to the safety-oriented Collision Prevention Assist (automatic pre-collision braking).
When it comes to competitors, the list is noticeably shorter. The BMW X5 is a desirable alternative with a distinctly sportier bent, while the Lexus RX 350 benefits from a thorough and impressive redesign. The elegant new 2016 Volvo XC90 may not have the Mercedes' diverse engine portfolio, but it's more spacious inside and decidedly different from the norm. You could also check out the 2016 Land Rover LR4 for its greater off-road potential or the Porsche Cayenne, which provides the best performance of the group here but at the expense of cabin versatility.
Ultimately, the new 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class occupies more or less the same space as the outgoing M-Class it replaces. It's comfortable, well equipped and prestigious to own. Luxury crossover SUV shoppers would be wise to give it a look.
Performance & mpg
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is offered with a total of six different powertrains, all of which are paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive ("4Matic") is standard on all but the GLE350, where it's an option that replaces rear-wheel drive. All engines come with fuel-saving automatic engine stop-start technology.
The GLE300d comes with a turbocharged 2.1-liter diesel four-cylinder engine that puts out 201 horsepower and a healthy 369 pound-feet of torque. The EPA rates this powertrain at an impressive 24 mpg combined (22 city/29 highway). Mercedes estimates the GLE300d will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds, an unimpressive time compared to diesel-powered rivals.
The GLE350 is powered by a 3.5-liter gasoline V6 that produces 302 hp and 273 lb-ft. EPA fuel economy numbers are 20 combined (18/24) with rear-wheel drive and 19 combined (17/22) with all-wheel drive. In Edmunds performance testing, the GLE350 with all-wheel drive went from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, an average time for this segment.
The GLE400 gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 329 hp and 354 lb-ft. The EPA estimates it will earn 20 mpg combined (18/22).
The new GLE550e plug-in hybrid model is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 coupled to a 114-hp electric motor that boosts total output to 436 hp and 479 lb-ft. No official EPA fuel economy numbers were available at the time of this writing. Driving range on electricity alone is said to be 18 miles.
Under its hood, the AMG GLE 63 takes a big step up to a turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 that cranks out 551 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The AMG GLE 63 S sports a version of the same engine that produces 577 hp and 561 lb-ft. Both engines utilize a specially tuned version of the seven-speed automatic. Fuel economy is EPA-rated at 15 mpg combined (13/17). Mercedes claims the AMG GLE 63 makes the 0-60 mph sprint in 4.3 seconds, while the GLE 63 S does the same in 4.2 seconds.
Properly equipped, the GLE300d and 350 with rear-wheel drive can tow up to 6,600 pounds; the 350 4Matic and all other models can tow up to 7,200 pounds.
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, a forward collision warning system, PreSafe (which can identify an imminent crash and automatically take measures to secure occupants), hill-start assist, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag. The mbrace telematics system includes automatic collision notification, emergency assistance, stolen vehicle location, geo-fencing, alarm notification and remote door lock/unlock. The GLE also comes standard with "Attention Assist," which monitors driver behavior for signs of drowsiness.
Other available safety technology includes rearview and 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control with auto-braking, a blind spot monitor and an active lane keeping system.
In Edmunds brake testing, an all-wheel-drive GLE350 came to a stop from 60 mph in 125 feet, which is a few feet longer than the segment average.
Driving
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class delivers a plush ride quality on most surfaces. But when the road gets choppy, however, it is not unusual to feel mild shudders and undulations throughout the cabin. Compared to other luxury crossovers, the GLE feels overly soft and not all that buttoned down to the road. Getting the optional adaptive suspension should help, but so far we haven't been all that impressed with the GLE's ride quality.
The 2016 GLE-Class provides adequate performance in any trim, but we recommend at least the GLE400 for authoritative passing power.
Likewise, handling is uninspiring on a curvy stretch of blacktop, and the GLE's steering feels too light and offers little feedback. In other words, this is not an SUV for buyers seeking sporty handling, even in the AMG GLE 63 trims.
On the straight-out performance front, the GLE350's V6 delivers adequate acceleration but tends to feel a bit overwhelmed in a vehicle this size. The same is likely to apply to the 2.1-liter turbodiesel in the GLE300d, which clearly emphasizes fuel economy. As such, if you're looking to get going with some degree of gusto, the twin-turbo V6 under the hood of the GLE400 feels downright quick, while the V8-powered AMG models deliver neck-snapping acceleration anytime you feel the need.
Interior
As a replacement for the outgoing M-Class model, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is being billed as a new model. A quick side-by-side photo view, however, will reveal more than a few carryover bits here and there. But overall the passenger cabin gets a fresh lease on life due in part to the large center-mounted display screen and the updated COMAND system input consisting of the familiar large knob now topped with a new redundant touch-sensitive pad for clicking and swiping.
Though the seemingly endless number of features and customization possibilities makes this revised system overwhelming at first, it ultimately works fairly well and allows the driver to choose her own preferred method of control. Notably absent, however, is comprehensive smartphone integration. Although it is slowly being rolled out across the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the GLE is not yet available with Apple CarPlay.
The standard 8-inch infotainment display is easy to read, unless it happens to be speaking its first language.
The standard "MB-Tex" upholstery, despite breathing and wearing better than leather, has nevertheless always seemed a little down-market in such an upscale vehicle. Otherwise, though, materials quality and workmanship is excellent. Models fitted with any of the available grades of genuine leather, especially the optional "designo" diamond-quilted leather upholstery and genuine burled wood trim, in fact, make the interior seem downright posh. Available multicontour front seats are highly adjustable and add several massage programs to the supremely comfortable thrones.
Interior room is quite similar to the M-Class, which is to say adult-friendly all around. The transmission tunnel hump barely intrudes into the cabin, which helps make the rear seat truly suitable for three-across seating. The two sections of the 60/40-split rear seatbacks fold easily to create a roomy cargo hold with a flat load floor. Cargo capacity stays the same, with 38.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 80.3 cubes with the seatbacks folded flat. These are average numbers for the segment.
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The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Class is a five-passenger SUV that's offered in six different models differentiated largely by the engine selection: GLE300d, GLE350, turbocharged GLE400, and AMG GLE 63 and AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE550e plug-in hybrid V6 debuts later in the year.
The 2016 GLE-Class is a conservative but handsome luxury crossover.
The GLE300d comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, LED daytime running lights and taillights, front and rear foglights, automatic wipers, a sunroof, a roof rack, rear privacy glass, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors and a power liftgate. Inside, you'll find dual-zone automatic climate control, wood trim, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with wheel-mounted paddle shifters, heated front seats, driver memory functions, MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery, LED accent lighting, the COMAND electronics interface (with 8-inch display), Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and an eight-speaker audio system with HD radio, a CD player and a USB port. There are also numerous standard safety features listed below under Safety.
The GLE350 is similarly equipped but comes with 19-inch wheels standard.
Optional for the GLE300d and GLE350 is the Premium 1 package, which includes a rearview camera, keyless ignition and entry, navigation, satellite radio, a rear 115-volt household-style power outlet, a blind spot monitor and a lane-departure warning system.
The GLE400 includes all features from the Premium 1 package, as well as a turbocharged engine, 20-inch wheels, multicolor ambient lighting, leather upholstery, power lumbar support for the front passenger seat, ventilated front seats, heated and cooled cupholders, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and unique body styling tweaks.
The Parking Assist package is available on all the above trims, and it adds a 360-degree camera and an automated parallel parking feature. The optional Lighting package includes adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beam control.
The AMG GLE 63 ups the ante with a turbocharged V8, exclusive AMG 20-inch wheels, an AMG-tuned adaptive air suspension with adaptive stabilizer bars, a sport exhaust, front and rear parking sensors, aluminum shift paddles and pedals, special leather upholstery and the Parking Assist and Lighting packages.
The range-topping AMG GLE 63 S increases the horsepower of the turbocharged V8 and adds 21-inch wheels, a carbon-fiber engine cover, a sport steering wheel, suede headliner and unique upholstery.
Stand-alone options include 19-, 20-, and 21-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a trailer hitch, adaptive air and off-road suspensions, three-zone climate control, multicontour front seats with massage, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, wood-and-leather or heated steering wheels, a rear-seat video entertainment setup and 14-speaker Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen premium audio systems.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 18 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #9 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#9 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$715/yr
vs. $602/yr for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
Frequency
0.63x/yr
vs. 1.09x/yr for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
Severity
8.2%
vs. 9.4% for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
18Â recalls found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:Â
23V854000
Number of vehicles affected:Â
2976
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
Defect Consequence:Â
A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:Â
Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
Recall Number:Â
22V955000
Manufacturer Recall Number:Â
2023010002
Number of vehicles affected:Â
348183
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML550, 2012-2015 ML350, AMG ML63, 2015 ML250, ML400, 2016 GLE450, GLE300, 2016-2018 GLE350, GLE550, 2016-2019 GLE400, 2017-2019 AMG GLE43, and 2016-2020 AMG GLE63 vehicles. Water might accumulate in the spare tire wheel well and damage the fuel pump control unit, which could cause an engine stall while driving.
Defect Consequence:Â
An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:Â
Dealers will install a water drain plug, inspect for water intrusion, and replace the fuel pump control unit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010002 and 2023010003.
Recall Number:Â
21V197000
Number of vehicles affected:Â
15096
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.
Defect Consequence:Â
The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:Â
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 14, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall Number:Â
19V787000
Manufacturer Recall Number:Â
2019120008
Number of vehicles affected:Â
24226
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
Defect Consequence:Â
An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:Â
MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
Recall Number:Â
18V272000
Manufactured from:Â
2010-12-23 to 2016-06-01
Number of vehicles affected:Â
9725
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML350 Bluetec 4Matic and ML550 4Matic, 2012-2015 ML63 AMG 4Matic and ML350 4Matic, 2013-2016 GL350 Bluetec 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and GL63 AMG 4Matic, 2017 GLS350d 4Matic, GLS450 4Matic, GLS550 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic, 2015 ML400 4Matic, 2016 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic, GLE450 4Matic Coupe and GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, 2015-2016 GL450 4Matic and 2013-2014 GL450 4Matic vehicles equipped with the Active Curve System (ACS). In certain driving conditions, if the oil level in the ACS reservoir is below the minimum level, the oil may foam and leak out of the vent holes in the reservoir cap.
Defect Consequence:Â
The leaking oil in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:Â
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the oil level as necessary and replace the reservoir sealing cap to prevent oil foam from leaking out, free of charge. Owners will be notified of the recall with an interim notification in June 2018. A second letter will be mailed when the remedy is available, currently expected to be in August 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall Number:Â
17V828000
Manufacturer Recall Number:Â
2018010010
Manufactured from:Â
2016-06-28 to 2016-09-14
Number of vehicles affected:Â
64
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Mercedes GLE 550e 4MATIC vehicles. The tire pressure label on the B-pillar lists incorrect seating capacity and front and rear tire dimension information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FVMSS) number 101, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Defect Consequence:Â
Applying incorrectly sized tires to the vehicle will affect the speedometer reading, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:Â
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tire pressure label, replacing it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Recall Number:Â
17V655000
Manufacturer Recall Number:Â
2017100011
Manufactured from:Â
2016-05-04 to 2016-07-27
Number of vehicles affected:Â
3620
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE63 AMG, GLE63 AMG Coupe, GLE63S AMG and GLE63S AMG Coupe, and 2017 GLS450 4Matic, GLE550 4Matic, and GLE63 AMG 4Matic vehicles. These vehicles may have excess bulkhead insulation extending into the lower windshield area, possibly affecting the windshield bonding and the full protective function of the passenger's frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
Defect Consequence:Â
If the passenger's frontal air bag does not function as designed in the event of a crash, the front seat passenger has an increased risk of injury.
Corrective Action:Â
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will remove any excess bulkhead insulation and rework the windshield bonding, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner letters will be mailed in December 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available in late January 2018. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2017100011. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Recall Number:Â
17V506000
Manufactured from:Â
2014-07-09 to 2017-05-12
Number of vehicles affected:Â
12322
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 AMG GLE43 Coupe, and 2017 AMG GLE43 vehicles. The engine control unit and transmission control unit software may have compatibility conflicts and cause the engine to shut-down while the driver brakes to a stop, or accelerates following an ECO start.
Defect Consequence:Â
If the engine shuts down, there is increased the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:Â
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine and transmission control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in September 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Recall Number:Â
17V241000
Manufactured from:Â
2015-08-05 to 2016-06-07
Number of vehicles affected:Â
58323
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, E400 4Matic Coupe, GL63 AMG, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic, GLE350d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE43 AMG Coupe 4Matic, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic and GLE63S AMG Coupe 4Matic vehicles, 2017 E300 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic vehicles, and 2016-2017 GL350 4Matic BlueTec, GL450 4Matic, and GL550 4Matic vehicles. The affected vehicles have an electric power steering connector that may be insufficiently sealed, allowing water to enter the control unit.
Defect Consequence:Â
If water enters the power steering control unit, the power steering assist may be deactivated, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:Â
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and inspect the electric power steering rack, replacing the rack as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in May 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall Number:Â
17V177000
Manufactured from:Â
2008-01-01 to 2017-01-01
Number of vehicles affected:Â
51
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
Defect Consequence:Â
If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Corrective Action:Â
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall Number:Â
17V081000
Manufactured from:Â
2016-01-06 to 2016-01-06
Number of vehicles affected:Â
37
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic Bluetec, GL450 4Matic, and GLE450 Coupe 4Matic vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that connects the upper control arm and the axle stub may not have been properly tightened.
Defect Consequence:Â
The loose bolt may cause improper wheel tracking, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:Â
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tightness of the bolt connecting the upper control arm and the axle stub on the affected vehicles, replacing the upper control arm if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early March 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall Number:Â
17V079000
Manufactured from:Â
2016-07-19 to 2016-07-19
Number of vehicles affected:Â
4
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE350 4Matic and GLS 450 4Matic vehicles. The windshield bonding may be insufficient and, as a result, the windshield may separate from the vehicle in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Defect Consequence:Â
If the windshield detaches in the event of a crash, the passenger frontal air bag may not be supported properly after it deploys, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:Â
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall Number:Â
16V903000
Manufactured from:Â
2014-04-23 to 2016-05-10
Number of vehicles affected:Â
47799
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 GL350 4Matic Bluetec, GL550 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE43 AMG Coupe, GLE450 4Matic, 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, GLE350, GLE350d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE63 AMG, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic Coupe, and 2017 GLS63 AMG vehicles manufactured April 23, 2014, to May 10, 2016. The front passenger seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) calibration may be incorrect, and as a result, the system can incorrectly classify the occupant as a child seat, deactivating the front passenger air bag.
Defect Consequence:Â
If the front passenger air bag does not deploy as necessary in the event of a crash, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.
Corrective Action:Â
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall Number:Â
16V759000
Manufactured from:Â
2015-10-14 to 2015-11-23
Number of vehicles affected:Â
2215
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 GLE 300d 4MATIC, GLE 350, GLE 350 4MATIC, and GLE 400 4MATIC vehicles manufactured October 14, 2015, to November 23, 2015. The low beam headlights on the affected vehicles may not be properly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment."
Defect Consequence:Â
If the low-beam headlights are out of adjustment, the driver's visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:Â
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the headlight adjustment, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall Number:Â
16V602000
Manufactured from:Â
2015-07-11 to 2015-07-25
Number of vehicles affected:Â
2
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 GLE Coupe 450 AMG 4Matic vehicles manufactured July 11, 2015, to July 25, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with rear head restraints that may not stay locked in the upright position at very low temperatures.
Defect Consequence:Â
If the vehicle is involved in a crash in very low temperatures, the rear head restraints may not function as intended, increasing the risk of rearseat occupant injury.
Corrective Action:Â
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear head restraints, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in October 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall Number:Â
16V442000
Manufactured from:Â
2015-04-27 to 2015-05-19
Number of vehicles affected:Â
423
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 ML250, ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML400 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and 2016 GLE450 AMG 4Matic vehicles manufactured from April 27, 2015, through May 19, 2015. The affected vehicles may have had the right rear seatbelt anchor bolt incorrectly installed.
Defect Consequence:Â
In the event of a vehicle crash, the right rear seatbelt anchor bolt could fail to secure the passenger, increasing their risk of injury.
Corrective Action:Â
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, correct the installation of the right rear seat belt anchor bolt, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall Number:Â
16V440000
Manufactured from:Â
2014-12-10 to 2016-06-06
Number of vehicles affected:Â
5826
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 GLE450 AMG 4Matic Coupe vehicles manufactured December 10, 2014, to June 6, 2016. An error within the engine control unit (ECU) software may allow the engine to shut-down while the vehicle is braking, possibly confusing the driver into thinking the shut-down was planned due to the ECO start/stop function.
Defect Consequence:Â
If the engine shuts down unintentionally, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:Â
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. The recall began August 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall Number:Â
15V709000
Manufactured from:Â
2014-12-10 to 2015-04-29
Number of vehicles affected:Â
52
Defect Description:Â
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 GLE450 AMG 4Matic coupes and GLE63 AMG S 4Matic coupes manufactured December 10, 2014, to April 29, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with rear drive shaft bolt fasteners that may loosen and result in the rear drive shaft separating from the transmission or the rear axle differential.
Defect Consequence:Â
If the drive shaft separates, the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action:Â
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the bolt fasteners, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in mid-November 2015. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
One complaint about this vehicle is the poor gas mileage, however, I knew about it and chose this model regardless.
Complaint #2 is the egregious charge for service; my first oil change/service A cost almost $300!!! Outrageous!
GLE350 - The Quirks
4 out of 5 stars
GlennW, 05/01/2016
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 350 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
We purchased a 2016 GLE350 as a replacement for our 2010 Lexus RX350. This is our first Mercedes-Benz, and overall, it's a wonderful car. I'm posting this review mostly to point out the "quirks" we've noticed in our first month of ownership. Note that we've previously driven Lexus and BMW, so those are our primary comparison points.
1. No Bluetooth audio! The Bluetooth only works … for phone calls, not for playing music. This was an unpleasant surprise. If you want music from your phone, you have to physically plug it in via USB, and use either the direct audio option, or Apple CarPlay.
2. The navigation system defaults to reading directions aloud. There's no way to change this default; you have to physically mute the voice... every... single... time.
3. The "Dynamic Select" drive mode defaults to "Comfort". There's no way to change this default; you have to physically change it to "Sport"... every... single... time.
4. The in-car Operator's Manual only works while you're in Park, so your passenger can't look something up while you drive. And it's surprisingly sluggish; feels like a circa 1990's computer, chugging away to load the next page.
5. The radio controls are surprisingly "dense." It seems to take an awful lot of clicks to view your favorites, or browse up and down the dial.
6. I still haven't figured out how to store the fuel cap in the "holder". For now I've just let it dangle; I'm pretty sure it's supposed to have a slot, but I can't figure it out.
7. The printed/PDF Owners Manual seems to have been written for non-humans of some kind. The language is stilted, the instructions are riddled with so many warnings that it's really hard to find the actual info, and the info itself is ridiculously sparse and un-helpful. Please, car companies (especially Mercedes), hire an editor who can actually write!
8. After a month of trying, we've yet to successfully actually get the car to park itself, as advertised. Google or YouTube this; you'll find tons of other folks similarly confused, including dealers who humorously try to demonstrate this on YouTube and fail even in the videos! I'm sure it works, but wow, it seems utterly non-intuitive, and I really, really wonder how many total times in the history of Mercedes-Benz how often a driver has actually used the feature to actually park their car.
I looked at midsized BMW, Lexus, Audi, Infinity, Land Rover and none compared to the MB GLE300d. Gorgeous, comfortable, luxurious, roomy interior. Back seats easily fold flat. Beautiful exterior. 600 mile range on a tank of gas. Rides like a dream. If you want a vehicle to drive like a sports car, this is not it. If you want to glide along in total comfort, this is the SUV for you. I … feel positively regal driving this vehicle. L.O.V.E. it!
Starship Enterprise
5 out of 5 stars
LH, 12/25/2015
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 350 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
When I back our new GLE out of our small crowded garage, I feel like the music from Star Trek should be playing that accompanies the Enterprise when it moves from its dry dock in Space.
We're seniors and hadn't planned on a new car to replace our '04 320E wagon, until my wife rode in a friend's M class and said she never felt so safe. A neighbor was riding in a new Accord a year and a … half ago and was blind sided by an inattentive driver a year and a half ago and took a most a year to recover from her injuries, which made us a little skittish driving. We loaded the GLE with Safety features and we are skittish no more. I've driven a lot of cars in 50+ years (just about every major domestic and foreign brand including Lada). and this is the most solid and controlled. No problems acceleration to get on our 70mph turnpike with the basic 6, but you won't win any drag races with it. This is a luxurious "tank" with every creature comfort. Looking forward to taking it out in the snow once we get some on the East Coast. I don't think it will slow us down in our traveling this year!
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE replaces the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and is the first product line to feature the German automaker's new naming strategy. The successor to the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG is now called the Mercedes-AMG GLE63.