Makes›Mercedes-Benz›GLE-Class›2018

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 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 37 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 21 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 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), 12% better than the 2018 standard SUV average of 18.7 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 power train.

What changed for 2018

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 GLE-Class — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 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	5,005 lb	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	+12%	$3,900	296
GLE350	3.5L 6-cyl	Automatic 7-spd	Rear-Wheel Drive	18 / 23 / 20	+3%	$4,100	440
AMG GLE43 4matic	3.0L 6-cyl turbo	Automatic 9-spd	4-Wheel Drive	17 / 23 / 19	+2%	$4,350	454
AMG GLE43 4matic Coupe	3.0L 6-cyl turbo	Automatic 9-spd	4-Wheel Drive	17 / 22 / 19	+2%	$4,350	459
GLE350 4matic	3.5L 6-cyl	Automatic 7-spd	4-Wheel Drive	18 / 22 / 19	+2%	$4,350	457
GLE350 4matic FFV	3.5L 6-cyl	Automatic 7-spd	4-Wheel Drive	18 / 22 / 19	+2%	$4,350	457
AMG GLE63 S	5.5L 8-cyl turbo	Automatic 7-spd	4-Wheel Drive	14 / 18 / 15	-20%	$5,500	586
AMG GLE63	5.5L 8-cyl turbo	Automatic 7-spd	4-Wheel Drive	14 / 18 / 15	-20%	$5,500	586
AMG GLE63 S Coupe	5.5L 8-cyl turbo	Automatic 7-spd	4-Wheel Drive	14 / 18 / 15	-20%	$5,500	582

5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)

7/10EPA greenhouse gas score

Spend $4,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car

18.7 MPG2018 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.

Similar 2018 standard SUVs

Model	Best MPG / range	NHTSA overall	Recalls
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (this car)	21 MPG	Not rated	0
2018 Porsche Cayenne	22 MPG	Not rated	1
2018 BMW X5	25 MPG	★★★★★	5
2018 BMW X3	25 MPG	Not rated	11
2018 Lexus RX	30 MPG	Not rated	2
2018 Audi Q7	21 MPG	★★★★★	3
2018 Tesla Model X	295 mi	Not rated	9

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

1Complaints to NHTSA since 2015

0Involved a crash

0Involved a fire

0Injuries reported

8 miTypical mileage at failure

Power Train1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class buyer's checklist

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 8 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other GLE-Class years

Compare all years →

Year	MPG (best)	Length	Overall	Complaints
2027 GLE-Class	23	–	Not rated	0
2026 GLE-Class	23	–	Not rated	0
2025 GLE-Class	23	–	Not rated	0
2024 GLE-Class	24	–	Not rated	0
2023 GLE-Class	22	–	Not rated	0
2022 GLE-Class	22	–	Not rated	0
2021 GLE-Class	23	–	Not rated	0
2020 GLE-Class	22	–	Not rated	1
2019 GLE-Class	20	189.8 in	Not rated	1
2017 GLE-Class	21	189.8 in	Not rated	1
2016 GLE-Class	25	189.8 in	Not rated	4

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →