Mercedes-Benz GLE Model History

Known as the M-Class over a period of 18 years, Mercedes-Benz's mid-level premium utility vehicle became the GLE-Class for 2016. Along with conforming to the German luxury brand's new naming strategy inspired by their existing car lineup, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class also enjoyed a series of upgrades. A sportier front and tail section is incorporated on all 2016 GLE-Class models involved in an even more diverse vehicle range. The GLE350 powered by a direct-injected V-6 engine represents the base trim level and is the only model available with rear-wheel drive. Mercedes-Benz's 4Matic all-wheel drive is standard on all other 2016 GLE-Class vehicles. Standard equipment found on the premium utility included dual-zone climate control, power liftgate and 18-inch alloy wheels. Along with a twin-turbocharged GLE400 4Matic and the diesel-powered GLE300d 4Matic, a plug-in hybrid version of the GLE-Class was completely new. Combining a six-cylinder engine with an electric motor, the collective output of powertrain is 436 horsepower and can be driven 18.6 miles on electricity alone. Two Mercedes-AMG variants of the GLE-Class tops out with the GLE63 S 4Matic generating 577 horsepower. For 2017, the lower output Mercedes-AMG GLE43 fitted with a 362-horsepower biturbo V-6 maintained a performance-rated braking system and suspension.