The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 stands as a compelling option in the luxury SUV market, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and advanced features. Powering the GLE 350 is a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a smooth seven-speed automatic transmission. Drivers can choose between the standard rear-wheel drive or opt for the all-wheel-drive 4Matic system for enhanced traction and control in various driving conditions.
Stepping into the 2018 GLE 350, you are greeted with a generous array of standard features designed to elevate your driving experience. Exterior highlights include stylish 19-inch alloy wheels, convenient automatic wipers, a welcoming sunroof, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, and a power liftgate for easy cargo access.
The interior of the GLE 350 is equally well-appointed, featuring dual-zone automatic climate control to maintain optimal cabin temperature, a power-adjustable steering wheel for personalized comfort, and heated front seats for those colder days. The driver benefits from a 10-way power-adjustable seat with four-way power lumbar support and memory functions, ensuring a perfect driving position. Simulated leather upholstery provides a touch of luxury, while Mercedes’ COMAND electronics interface, centered around an 8-inch display, manages vehicle functions and entertainment. An eight-speaker audio system with a CD player and two USB ports provides standard audio entertainment. For safety and peace of mind, the GLE 350 comes standard with a rearview camera and a forward collision warning system, along with Mercedes’ Mbrace telematics system for emergency services and vehicle information.
For those seeking even more features and customization, Mercedes-Benz offers a selection of optional packages for the 2018 GLE 350. The highly recommended Premium 1 package significantly enhances the vehicle with keyless ignition and entry for added convenience, a navigation system to guide your journeys, and a user-friendly touchpad controller for the central display. Entertainment is upgraded with satellite radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration for seamless connectivity, and a premium 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system for audiophile-quality sound. Practical additions include a 115-volt household-style power outlet and advanced safety features such as a blind-spot monitoring system and a lane departure warning system.
Moving up, the Premium 2 package builds upon the Premium 1, adding adaptive LED headlights for improved visibility, automatic high-beam control for enhanced nighttime driving, and heated and cooled front cupholders for ultimate beverage comfort. Interior ambiance is elevated with ambient lighting and illuminated doorsills, while rear-window sunshades provide added privacy and sun protection for rear passengers. A fold-down pass-through behind the rear-center armrest adds practicality for carrying longer items.
The most comprehensive package, Premium 3, incorporates even more advanced technology and driver-assistance features. It includes a 360-degree parking camera for completeSurround View, adaptive cruise control for effortless highway driving, and an automated steering system to assist with lane keeping. Further safety enhancements come in the form of a collision avoidance system, lane departure intervention to help prevent unintentional lane drifts, and an automated parking system to simplify parking maneuvers.
While the GLE 350 offers a strong foundation, the 2018 GLE class also includes other models to cater to different performance preferences. The GLE 550e plug-in hybrid combines a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with an electric motor, boosting output to 436 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, and includes leather upholstery and the Premium 1 package as standard. For performance enthusiasts, the AMG GLE 43 features a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 AMG-tuned engine producing 385 hp, a nine-speed automatic transmission, AMG-specific suspension and styling upgrades, and also includes the Premium 1 package. The AMG GLE 63 steps up the power with a turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 (550 hp), upgraded brakes and tires, and the Premium 2 package, while the top-of-the-line AMG GLE 63 S boasts a tuned version of the V8 pushing out 577 hp and further performance enhancements.
Beyond packages, individual options allow for further personalization of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. These include a panoramic sunroof for an open-air feel, a trailer hitch for towing capabilities, tri-zone climate control for customized rear passenger comfort, multicontour front seats with massage function for ultimate relaxation, ventilated front seats to keep you cool, heated rear seats and steering wheel for cold weather comfort, a rear-seat entertainment system to keep passengers occupied, and upgraded Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen premium audio systems for exceptional sound quality. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 provides a luxurious and versatile SUV experience, further enhanced by its range of optional packages and stand-alone features, making it a strong contender in its class.
