GLE [Official] Mercedes-Benz GLE (W166)

[Rainer271]

Mercedes-AMG GLE43 replaces GLE400 in U.S., arrives early 2017
If the coupe-ish version is not practical enough, the regular GLE43 is the one to get.

Serving as a replacement for the GLE400, the first-ever GLE43 is a roomier and more affordable alternative to the GLE43 Coupe. Pricing hasn’t been released, but it will definitely undercut the “coupe” version available in United States for $69,650 MSRP.

The ninth Mercedes-AMG “43”-badged model to join the U.S. lineup uses the same biturbo 3.0-liter V6 engine as the GLC43 Coupe with 362 horsepower (270 kilowatts) and 384 pound-feet (520 Newton-meters) of torque. As with all the other eight members of the family, power is channeled to the wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. With the exception of the SLC43 Roadster, all “43” cars are fitted as standard with a 4Matic all-wheel drive layout.

As you would imagine, performance echoes the “coupe” version, so it sprints to 60 mph (96 kph) from a standstill in 5.6 seconds and is electronically capped at 155 mph (250 kph).

It slots underneath the range-topping GLE63 and bundles a wide array of AMG goodies, including a sportier suspension, upgraded brakes, sharper steering, and throttle mapping. As it’s the case with the other “43” models, the new member of the family adopts a slightly more aggressive exterior design when compared to the lesser versions of the GLE range.

The same goes for the interior cabin featuring only subtle tweaks over the more attainable versions, such as the sportier paddle shifters and optional sport seats. The GLE43 comes as standard with a sunroof and heated front seats, while at an additional cost buyers can order ventilated ones and a heated steering wheel. Those willing to go all out can have a Bang & Olufsen premium system to replace the standard Harman Kardon setup.

On the safety side, the GLE43 can be had with the Premium 3 Package encompassing a plethora of systems, ranging from Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Detection to a radar-based cruise control system with semi-autonomous driving capabilities at speeds of up to 124 mph (200 kph). Autonomous braking at up to 31 mph (50 kph) is also part of the kit, as is a rear-facing radar to detect rear collisions and prepare the car for a possible second impact.

The 2017 GLE43 will go sale stateside starting early 2017. While the current GLE (essentially a facelifted M-Class) is still spawning derivatives, spy images have shown work is well under way at an all-new model due to arrive either by the end of 2018 or early 2019.

Source: Mercedes-Benz / motor1

 

[Merc1]

The old girl looks good, but she is old. There should have never been a GLE400 in the first place. MBUSA has got to get their engine/models craziness cured. Hopefully with the next generation the new engines will be properly represented here. It is time for the 3.5L N/A V6 to go.

M

 

[Wolfgang]

The AMG 43 model lineup includes:

• AMG SLC43 Roadster (Summer 2016 launch)
• AMG GLE43 Coupe (late Summer 2016 launch – replaced GLE450 Coupe)
• AMG C43 Sedan (replaced the C450 sedan)
• AMG C43 Coupe (launches by early November)
• AMG C43 Cabriolet (launches by early November)
• AMG GLC43 SUV (late 2016 launch)
• AMG E43 Sedan (by early 2017 with 396 hp)
• AMG GLE43 SUV (by early 2017)
• AMG GLC43 Coupe (by the end of Q1/2017)

Source: Mercedes-Benz / motor1

 

[Monster]

My friend just ordered one of these can't wait to have a go in it, also I finally had the chance to drive the ML/GLE, it is a surprisingly nice drive.

 

[Monster]

GLE interior with the designo option. It is very,very nice, 99% of the interior surfaces are covered in soft and smooth porcelain or black nappa leather. The roof lining appears to be covered in suede. At $9k AUD the designo sure lifts the interior to the next level.

 

[Mick Briesgau]

^ I'd say, with that pricetag the designo option is a must-have...

 

[Monster]

^ I'd say, with that pricetag the designo option is a must-have...

I think it is a bit over the top for the GLE. It is definitely worth considering for the GLS, E and S class.

 

[Mick Briesgau]

I think it is a bit over the top for the GLE. It is definitely worth considering for the GLS, E and S class.

In Germany and the Netherlands a GLE is considered as an expensive SUV. Designo pack suits it's customers.

 

[Monster]

In Germany and the Netherlands a GLE is considered as an expensive SUV. Designo pack suits it's customers.

Icic, things are a little different in Australia, there is an old regulation in place which gives proper 4WD vehicles a 5% discount on import tax. It was there to assist farmers and those living in the rural areas, in a time that was way before the emergence of any SUV of any type.

The government has not updated the criteria in regulation so now every single type of SUV qualifies for this discount. SUVs like the GLE, X5 are cheaper than the E class, 5 series, and the GLC is slightly cheaper than a C-class estate.

 

[Rainer271]

2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE43 Review: A dad bod that can keep up
An injection of AMG steroids makes for an impressive, if confusing, take on the GLE.
– Malibu, California

Ace photographer Michael Shaffer directs me to turn off Pacific Coast Highway onto Decker Canyon Road, promising that it’s a great driving route and recalling the time he rode shotgun down here in a Ferrari 458 Italia. This time, however, I’m driving him in a Mercedes-AMG GLE43. Even with dozens of AMG tweaks – and they are extremely effective – this is still a big vehicle for such a narrow, twisty road. The GLE43 sounds great, goes like the clappers, and exhibits remarkable control around bends, but there’s no denying that it measures more than 15 feet long and weighs 4,987 pounds.

This gets to the heart of the dilemma posed by the GLE43. It’s an incredible performer, but is that what you really what from your big family crossover?

Pros
No-fear handling. The only reason I’m being so nervous on Decker Canyon Road is because of the GLE43’s width, length, and weight, not because its chassis doesn’t have the chops to keep up. Very little roll or pitch is evident in hard cornering, with the stiff air suspension keeping the GLE in check no matter how hard I push. Wide tires (265/45R20s all around) provide plenty of grip, and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive keeps things hooked up no matter how early you lay into the throttle.

Sports-car soundtrack. It takes a lot to make a six-cylinder crossover sound this exciting, but the assorted crackles and pops and snaps from the GLE43 will make any passerby do a double-take. There’s a fantastic metallic snarl from the exhausts as the revs build, which massively improves the sensation of sportiness from hustling the GLE.

Impressive power. The boosted V6 packs a serious punch considering how much weight it has to pull around. A broad torque band provides plenty of forward momentum no matter what gear you’re in. A 5.6-second run to 60 miles per hour is great for a vehicle of this size; anyone who needs more speed can upgrade to the GLE63, which performs the feat in as little as 4.1 seconds. Much credit also goes to the tightly spaced gears and snap-snap shifts of the nine-speed automatic transmission.

Cons
You’ll never forget its size. At all times, the GLE43 feels like a big, heavy vehicle. There’s a sense of inertia through the steering wheel when you change direction, and even with the air suspension set to Sport+, you get a good amount of vertical motion before the body is dampened into submission. If you want a truly sporty GLE, don’t forget that there’s a full-blown GLE63 and GLE63 S models available, too.

It’s not quite as sexy as some other 43 models. This crossover goes up against the likes of the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5, so I wish it had a bit more curb appeal to back up its performance. Sure, this GLE wears unique 20-inch wheels, rides lower on its suspension, and so on, it’s just not a hugely dramatic visual overhaul compared to the GLE300. Notably, the new suit doesn’t endow the GLE43 with the same sexiness, wide stance, and curb appeal you get in the brand’s smaller GLC43.

Some subtle reminders it’s an older model. Mercedes has done well to fit the GLE-Class with most of its latest-and-great technology, but the GLE43 has two big giveaways it’s the old man in the room. For starters, you pick drive modes with a big rotary knob in the center console, rather than the more elegant buttons in other AMG 43 cars. And the 4Matic system has a 40:60 front-rear torque split, versus a slightly sportier 31:69 default in all the other 43 cars (except the rear-drive SLC43 roadster).

Competitors
BMW X5 xDrive35i
Dodge Durango 5.7L
Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L
Infiniti QX70
Porsche Cayenne S

Photos: Michael Shaffer / Mercedes-Benz

2017 MERCEDES-AMG GLE43
ENGINEBiturbocharged 3.0-Liter V6
OUTPUT362 Horsepower / 384 Pound-Feet
TRANSMISSION9-Speed Automatic
0-60 MPH5.6 Seconds
TOP SPEED130 MPH
FUEL ECONOMY17 City / 23 Highway / 20 Combined
DRIVE TYPEAll-Wheel Drive
WEIGHT4,987 Pounds
TOWING7,200 Pounds
SEATING CAPACITY5
CARGO VOLUME38.2 / 80.3 Cubic-Feet
BASE PRICE$67,150
AS-TESTED PRICE$85,875

Source: motor1

 

[Wolfgang]

The 2018 GLE 43 and Coupe will get a bit more power, 390 PS/385 hp, according to MB Passion.

 

[Merc1]

I said it months ago, that is should have the same 396hp of the E43. All the 43 models should have 396hp like the E43. Not sure why MB didn't do this from the start.

M

 

[Rolf]

I said it months ago, that is should have the same 396hp of the E43. All the 43 models should have 396hp like the E43. Not sure why MB didn't do this from the start.

M

They seem to be changing the 43 models too often first C450 AMG and then SLC43 is launched and the C450 becomes C43, maybe changing the engine will make people more confused lol

I do agree with you they need to up all models to 396hp/401PS.

 

[PC Valkyrie]

We purchased a 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE43 last month to replace our 2013 BMW X3 as our main family vehicle, driven mainly by my wife. Kids are growing up, so a larger vehicle was desirable. The other vehicle we considered was the 2017 BMW X5. Dollar for dollar, the GLE offered more for the money than the X5. To get comparable equipment in the X5 35i with M-sport performance package costed many thousands more (in Canada), yet would still be underpowered compared to the GLE43. The X5 may handle a bit better, but the difference would not be as relevant for a big truck/family hauler.

Yes, the GLE is a facelifted older model, but it felt a bit more "luxurious" to my wife and I when we sat in it. The X5 is nicer version of the X3 we had, but it didn't feel that much more special. We actually prefer the buttons on the centre stack of the older designed GLE, which allows instant access to Navigation, Radio, Phone, etc without the need to use the Command Controller (which is the latest version). The rear/surround camera display has much higher resolution in the GLE compared to the X5. The smaller steering wheel felt better too. The 43 AMG engine is punchy with excellent torque. There is a surprising exhaust note in Sport + mode. It is plenty fast enough for daily urban/city duties.

And I have to be honest about the AMG 43 models. Some people think AMG is diluting their brand by re-labelling these "450 AMG" cars into "AMG 43" cars. I think it's brilliant. There is a real perception of getting quite a bit of value in these cars, yet you give the customer a sense that they are buying something a little more special compared to the standard non-AMG models.

Bottom line, we love our new AMG GLE43. It's twin turbo V6 produces 362 HP, which is equal to my 12 year old C55's naturally aspirated V8 output, but it has slightly higher torque at 384 lb-ft, which comes in at much lower rpm's. Because of that, it feels more "punchy" in terms of acceleration off the line, even though it is ultimately slower than my C55.

 

[Merc1]

Well they really wouldn't be changing the engine per say, only the output.

M

 

[Monster]

The 2018 GLE 43 and Coupe will get a bit more power, 390 PS/385 hp, according to MB Passion.

Interesting, so cars built from Jun this year will receive the power upgrade? my friend just picked up his Jan 2017 built GLE 43, I wonder if this power upgrade can be retro fitted?

 

[Wolfgang]

^ It's a software update as far as I know, using the same turbos, unlike those in the E43. So it might be possible to upgrade.

 

[Monster]

^ It's a software update as far as I know, using the same turbos, unlike those in the E43. So it might be possible to upgrade.

I also notice the engine tuning is slightly different between the SUV and the Coupe. the max torque arrives at 2000 rpm for the SUV and at 1800 rpm for the coupe. The gear ratio for the 1st to 4th gear are also slightly higher in the coupe.

Mercedes-AMG GLE 43
Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 Coupé

 

[hannaz]

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