The 2016 Gle Mercedes Benz marked a significant year for the luxury SUV, continuing the legacy of the M-Class with enhanced features and a broader model range. This article delves into the specifics of the 2016 GLE Mercedes Benz lineup, providing a comprehensive overview for those interested in this iconic vehicle.
2016 GLE Mercedes Benz Model Lineup and Pricing
Mercedes-Benz offered a variety of GLE models in 2016, catering to different performance and feature preferences. Here’s a look at the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the base models, excluding the $925 destination and delivery charge:
- GLE350: Starting at $52,000 (Summer 2016 release)
- GLE350 4MATIC: Starting at $54,500 (Summer 2016 release)
- GLE400 4MATIC: Starting at $65,650 (Summer 2016 release)
- GLE550e 4MATIC: Starting at $66,300 (Summer 2016 release)
- GLE43 AMG: Price To Be Announced (Spring 2017 release)
- GLE63 AMG: Starting at $101,690 (Summer 2016 release)
- GLE63 S AMG: Starting at $108,840 (Summer 2016 release)
What’s New for the 2016 GLE Mercedes Benz?
The 2016 model year introduced several updates to the GLE, enhancing both aesthetics and technology:
- New Paint Options: Selenite Gray and Brilliant Blue were added to the exterior color palette, offering fresh and sophisticated choices.
- Standard Rearview Camera: Improving safety and convenience, a rearview camera became a standard feature across all models.
- 4G LTE WiFi Hotspot: The integration of 4G LTE WiFi provided enhanced connectivity for passengers, keeping them connected on the go.
Standard Features Across the 2016 GLE Range
Even at the base level, the 2016 GLE Mercedes Benz was well-equipped with a range of comfort, convenience, and safety features, including:
- Heated front seats for added comfort in colder climates.
- KEYLESS-START for effortless engine ignition.
- Remote start, allowing you to pre-condition the vehicle’s interior.
- Rear view camera for easier and safer parking and reversing.
- Active Brake Assist, a crucial safety feature that can help prevent or mitigate collisions.
- Auto-dimming rearview and driver-side mirrors to reduce glare at night.
- 5 years of mbrace® services, offering connectivity and assistance features with new upgrade packages available.
- PRE-SAFE® system, designed to prepare the vehicle and occupants for an impending collision.
- Crosswind Assist, enhancing stability in strong crosswinds.
- Parking Pilot, aiding in parking maneuvers.
Upgraded Standard Features in Select 2016 GLE Models
Moving up the model range, the GLE400 4MATIC and GLE550e 4MATIC included even more standard features, building upon the base GLE offerings:
- COMAND® Navigation with an 8-inch Color Display for advanced infotainment and navigation.
- Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto integration for seamless smartphone connectivity.
- Harman/kardon LOGIC7® sound system, delivering a premium audio experience.
- Lane Tracking Package, enhancing driver awareness with lane departure and blind spot monitoring.
- Blind Spot Assist, alerting the driver to vehicles in blind spots.
- Lane Keeping Assist, gently steering the vehicle back into its lane if drifting is detected.
The AMG GLE43 model, while details were still emerging in 2016, boasted performance-oriented standard features:
- AMG-enhanced 3.0L V6 biturbo engine for increased power and responsiveness.
- AMG-enhanced 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission for optimized performance and efficiency.
- AMG Performance 4MATIC, providing enhanced all-wheel drive capabilities.
- AMG Sport Suspension based on AIRMATIC®, for a sportier and more controlled ride.
The high-performance AMG GLE63 and GLE63 S models took luxury and power to the next level with standard features including:
- Handcrafted AMG 5.5L V8 biturbo engine, delivering exhilarating performance.
- AMG SPEEDSHIFT® PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission, engineered for AMG power delivery.
- Parking Pilot for automated parking assistance.
- Parking Package, likely including additional parking aids.
- Surround view system, providing a 360-degree view around the vehicle for enhanced maneuverability.
Optional Features to Personalize Your 2016 GLE Mercedes Benz
For those seeking further customization, the 2016 GLE Mercedes Benz offered a comprehensive list of optional features, allowing buyers to tailor their SUV to their specific needs and preferences. Highlights included:
- Plug-In Hybrid technology (GLE550e).
- Parking Pilot for enhanced parking assistance.
- AIRMATIC® Package, offering adjustable air suspension for ride comfort and versatility.
- Premium 1, Premium 2, and Premium 3 Packages, bundling popular features for convenience and value.
- harman/kardon LOGIC7® sound system for audiophiles.
- Navigation updates for 3 years, ensuring maps are current.
- COMAND® Navigation with 8″ color display for advanced navigation and infotainment.
- SiriusXM® Satellite Radio with a 6-month trial.
- 115V AC power outlet for powering devices on the go.
- Lane Tracking Package, enhancing safety with lane keeping and blind spot assist.
- KEYLESS-GO® for hands-free access and ignition.
- Apple CarPlay® for smartphone integration.
- Rear-seat center-armrest pass-through for added cargo flexibility.
- Rear side-window sunshades for passenger comfort.
- Heated and cooled front cupholders for beverage temperature control.
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist for optimized nighttime visibility.
- Active LED headlamps / Hybrid-specific active LED (GLE550e) for advanced lighting technology.
- Interior ambient lighting with illuminated door sills for a refined cabin atmosphere.
- Driver Assistance Package, incorporating advanced driver aids.
- Distance Pilot DISTRONIC® and Steering Pilot for semi-autonomous driving capabilities.
- Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist for enhanced safety.
- PRE-SAFE® PLUS for advanced collision preparation.
- DISTRONIC® PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, BAS® PLUS, BAS® PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, CMS Pedestrian, and PRE-SAFE® Brake with Pedestrian Recognition – a suite of advanced safety technologies.
- Speed Limit Assist for driver awareness.
- Parking Package including Parking Pilot and Surround View System.
Positioning and Competition
The 2016 GLE Mercedes Benz represented the third generation of Mercedes-Benz’s luxury SUV lineage, tracing back to the M-Class introduced in 1998. It solidified its position as a trendsetter in the luxury SUV segment.
Key competitors in the market included:
- BMW X5 xDrive 35i
- Acura MDX
- Lexus RX 350
2016 GLE Mercedes Benz Specifications: A Detailed Look
For a detailed comparison of specifications across different 2016 GLE Mercedes Benz models, refer to the tables below:
| GLE350 / GLE350 4MATIC | GLE400 4M | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $52,000 / $54,500 | $65,650 |
| Length | 189.1″ | 189.1″ |
| Width | 84.3″ | 84.3″ |
| Height | 70.7″ | 70.7″ |
| Wheelbase | 114.8 | 114.8 |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | n/a | n/a |
| Fuel Economy | n/a | n/a |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.0L V6 biturbo |
| Displacement | 3,498 cc | 2,996 |
| Drive Config. | Rear-Wheel Drive / 4MATIC | All-Wheel Drive |
| Performance | 302 hp @ 5,500 – 6,250 273 lb-ft @ 3,500 – 5,250 | 329 hp @ 5,500 – 6,250 354 lb-ft @ 1,600 – 4,000 |
| Transmission | 7G-TRONIC | 9G-TRONIC |
| 0-60 mph (sec) | 7.5 | 6.0 |
| Top speed (mph) | 130 (electronically limited) | 130 (electronically limited) |
| GLE550e 4MATIC | AMG GLE43 | AMG GLE63 / AMG GLE63 S | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $66,300 | TBA | $101,690 / $108,840 |
| Length | 189.7″ | 189.6″ | 191″ |
| Width | 84.3″ | 84.3″ | 84.3″ |
| Height | 70.7″ | 69.4 | 69.4″ / 69.3″ |
| Wheelbase | 114.8 | 114.8 | 114.8 |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 5,456 | 4,987 | 5,203 / 5,225 |
| Fuel Economy (Cty/HWY/Com) | 20/23/21 (MPG) 38/50/43 (MPGe) | 17/ 23/ 20 | 13/17/15 |
| Engine | 3.0L V6 biturbo | AMG-enhanced 3.0L V6 biturbo | Handcrafted AMG 5.5L V8 biturbo |
| Displacement | 2,996 cc | 2,996 cc | 5,461 cc |
| Drive Config. | All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Performance | 463 hp @ 5,500 (combined) 479 lb-ft @ 1,600 – 4,000 (combined) | 362 hp @ 5,500 – 6,000 rpm 384 lb-ft @ 2000-4200 rpm | 550 hp @ 5,500 (GLE63 S: 577 hp @ 5,500) 516 lb-ft @ 1,750 – 5,000 (GLE63 S: 561 lb-ft @ 1,750 – 2,250) |
| Transmission | 7G-TRONIC | AMG-enhanced 9G-TRONIC | AMG SPEEDSHIFT® PLUS 7G-TRONIC |
| 0-60 mph (sec) | 5.3 | 5.6 | 4.2 / 4.1 |
| Top speed (mph) | 152 (80 in pure electric) | 130 (electronically limited) | 155 / 174 (electronically limited) |
In conclusion, the 2016 GLE Mercedes Benz offered a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and technology in the SUV market. With a variety of models and extensive customization options, it catered to a wide range of discerning buyers.
