Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 350 SUV Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 350 SUV.
Most helpful consumer reviews
GLE350 - The Quirks
GlennW, Marietta, GA, 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.
Starship Enterprise
LH, Saco, ME, 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!
LOVE my GLE!
Angela Ha, Houston, TX, 04/15/2016
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 350 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
I really love the new GLE! I compared it to the Lexus RX, GX, Toyota Highlander, 4runner, and BMW X5. Overall I think this was the best choice for the options and luxury you get compared to the others. I have a 15 month old, and I feel like it is the perfect size SUV. It isn't too big, nor is it too small. In my research process I did find it challenging to find a car with the exact … features that I wanted. So my recommendation is to check multiple dealerships for their inventory and really study and learn about the features available. I was able to find exactly what I was looking for at a great price- it just took time and patience. The car drives great, and handles really well. I LOVE using the sport mode when it's just me in the car. My car has the panorama sunroof, which seemed like a cool feature- but living in Texas I am finding that it just makes the car get hot really fast! Thank goodness the AC works quickly! Overall, it's a great car and I'm glad we purchased!
Stylish, Solid, Stable
BLG GLE, Leesburg, VA, 06/16/2016
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 350 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
The GLE feels like a tank, but is an easy daily driver that provides luxury and power with a feeling of safety and confidence.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 350 SUV
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Broad range of engine choices
- Pro:quiet, upscale and well-built interior with a roomy backseat
- Pro: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.
- Con:Base V6 is merely adequate
- Con:lazy handling
- Con:floaty ride with standard suspension.
Full Edmunds Review: 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class in Ohio is:
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