2016 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE GLE 350 Sport Utility 4D stands as an exceptionally refined, prestigious benchmark in the luxury mid-size crossover segment, marking the inaugural year of the rebranded "GLE" moniker (formerly known as the M-Class). Built on an ultra-rigid high-strength steel unibody frame layout engineered for whisper-quiet cabin acoustics, low noise-vibration-harshness (NVH), and high structural safety, this five-passenger luxury utility vehicle completely shuns rough truck-like ride quality in favor of executive composure, plush suspension damping, and confident high-speed highway tracking.

Under the sculpted aluminum hood sits Mercedes-Benz’s proven, naturally aspirated 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine, delivering a smooth 302 horsepower at 6,500 RPM and 273 lb-ft of torque available at 3,500 RPM. This mechanical core is managed by a smooth-shifting 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission featuring steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes (Comfort, Sport, Slippery, Individual). Power is routed to the rear wheels via standard Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or to all four wheels via Mercedes-Benz's available 4MATIC® permanent all-wheel drive system, which continuously adjusts torque split between the front and rear axles for maximum stability through rain, sleet, or light snow. The driving experience is anchored by a four-wheel independent suspension system featuring front double wishbones and a multi-link rear setup, with available AIRMATIC® air suspension for self-leveling ride control.

On the exterior, the 2016 GLE 350 executes a commanding, sophisticated styling statement defined by its iconic twin-slat radiator grille with the central Mercedes-Benz star, redesigned LED daytime running lights, projector-beam automatic headlights, and full LED taillamps. Functional body contours feature power-folding auto-dimming heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, aluminum roof rails, deep-tinted rear sun-screening privacy glass, power sunroof, dual integrated exhaust outlets, a power liftgate, and an athletic stance rolling proudly on 19-inch 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in all-season performance tires.

Inside, the driver-centric cockpit welcomes up to five occupants into an opulent, whisper-quiet luxury sanctuary lined with hand-fitted Eucalyptus wood inlays, polished metal accents, and deeply cushioned seating draped in durable MB-Tex synthetic leather or supple leather upholstery. The layout features 8-way power-adjustable front bucket seats with 4-way power lumbar support and driver memory, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control, keyless entry with push-button start, and a central 8.0-inch high-resolution color display screen driven by the COMAND® infotainment controller with touchpad interface. Modern digital connectivity includes hands-free Bluetooth® phone and audio streaming, dual USB ports, auxiliary input, HD Radio™, SiriusXM® satellite radio capability, and a rich 8-speaker audio network (or available 14-speaker harman/kardon® LOGIC7® or Bang & Olufsen® BeoSound™ premium sound system).

Practicality and space utilization match its high-end executive comfort. The long wheelbase treats rear passengers to generous adult legroom and 60/40 split-folding rear bench seatbacks with recline capability. Opening the power liftgate reveals 38.2 cubic feet of flat cargo trunk space behind the second row. Utilizing the quick-release seatback controls to collapse the rear seats completely flat into the floor, interior utility capacity expands exponentially to a spacious 80.3 cubic feet of total flat cargo volume, providing an expansive area to transport luggage sets, media camera gear packages, or daily commercial inventory.

Backed by a generous 24.6-gallon fuel tank to maximize interstate grand touring ranges, this naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 powertrain achieves an EPA-estimated 18 MPG city and 24 MPG highway (17/22 MPG for 4MATIC® builds), while supporting a solid maximum conventional towing capacity of up to 6,600 lbs (7,200 lbs with 4MATIC®) when properly equipped. Safety is world-class, earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and an NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating utilizing an ultra-high-strength passenger safety cell with front and rear crumple zones. The vehicle comes factory-equipped with a robust active driver protective safety net, bundling standard ATTENTION ASSIST® driver drowsiness monitor, PRE-SAFE® predictive occupant protection, Crosswind Assist, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS with autonomous braking capability, Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and an advanced multi-stage 9-airbag protection canopy network including dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, pelvic airbags, side-curtain airbags spanning both rows, and a driver's knee airbag to guarantee total driving peace of mind.