DecodedCars2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 400 4matic, 43 4matic, 550 4matic, 550e 4matic
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid, Premium Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 20 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 189.8–190.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,927–5,456 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints1 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 64 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a standard SUV offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl and 5.5L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and 4-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 190 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,927 lb (400 4matic).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (20 city / 23 highway), 14% better than the 2017 standard SUV average of 18.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.
What changed for 2017
- No diesel version any more
- Engine dropped: 2.1L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG down from 25 to 21
- Lightest version 232 lb heavier
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 GLE-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 400 4matic | 189.8 in | 76 in | 70.9 in | 115 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 4,927 lb | 52/48 |
| 43 4matic | 189.8 in | 76 in | 69.3 in | 115 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 4,982 lb | 52/48 |
| 550 4matic | 189.8 in | 76 in | 69.3 in | 115 in | 65 / 65.4 in | – | 52/48 |
| 550e 4matic | 189.8 in | 76 in | 69.3 in | 115 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 5,456 lb | 52/48 |
| Amg 63 S 4matic | 190.9 in | 76 in | 69.3 in | 115 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 5,225 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLE550e 4matic Plug-in Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | +14% | $3,900 | 296 |
| GLE350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | +5% | $4,100 | 440 |
| AMG GLE43 4matic Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 20 | +8% | $4,100 | 454 |
| GLE400 4matic | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | +8% | $4,100 | 445 |
| AMG GLE43 4matic | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 20 | +8% | $4,100 | 455 |
| GLE350 4matic | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 22 / 19 | +3% | $4,350 | 457 |
| GLE350 4matic FFV | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 22 / 19 | +3% | $4,350 | 457 |
| AMG GLE63 S | 5.5L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 15 | -19% | $5,500 | 611 |
| AMG GLE63 S Coupe | 5.5L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 15 | -19% | $5,500 | 574 |
| AMG GLE63 | 5.5L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 15 | -19% | $5,500 | 611 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
Similar 2017 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Porsche Cayenne | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2017 BMW X5 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2017 BMW X3 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2017 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Audi Q7 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2017 Tesla Model X | 295 mi | Not rated | 10 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Structure › Body — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Steering — 1 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 4,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other GLE-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 GLE-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 GLE-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 GLE-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 GLE-Class | 24 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 GLE-Class | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 GLE-Class | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 GLE-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 GLE-Class | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2019 GLE-Class | 20 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2018 GLE-Class | 21 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2016 GLE-Class | 25 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →