The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 stands as a testament to luxury and versatility in the SUV market. This model year brought a compelling blend of comfort, technology, and performance, making it a desirable choice for discerning drivers. Whether you’re a potential buyer, a car enthusiast, or simply seeking detailed information, this overview delves into the key aspects of the 2017 GLE 350, highlighting its standard features, optional upgrades, and powertrain specifications.
Exterior Elegance and Standard Features
The exterior of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 exudes sophistication and a robust SUV stance. It comes standard with prominent 19-inch alloy wheels that enhance its commanding presence on the road. Ensuring visibility and style, LED daytime running lights and taillights are standard, along with practical front and rear foglights. Automatic wipers contribute to driving convenience in varying weather conditions, and a sunroof adds an open-air feel to the cabin. For utility and adventure, a roof rack is included, while rear privacy glass adds exclusivity and comfort for rear passengers. Power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors offer enhanced functionality, and the power liftgate provides easy access to the cargo area.
Interior Luxury and Technology
Inside the GLE 350, luxury and technology are seamlessly integrated. Dual-zone automatic climate control ensures personalized comfort for both the driver and passenger. Elegant wood trim accents the interior, while the power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and heated, power front seats with driver memory functions offer customizable driving positions. The seats are upholstered in MB-Tex premium vinyl, providing a durable and refined feel. LED accent lighting enhances the cabin ambiance. The heart of the infotainment system is Mercedes’ COMAND interface, displayed on an 8-inch screen, and includes a backup camera for safer maneuvering. Connectivity is modern with a 4G LTE data connection and Bluetooth for phone and audio. An eight-speaker audio system with HD radio, a CD player, and a USB port provides entertainment. Furthermore, a comprehensive suite of safety features is standard, ensuring peace of mind for occupants.
Optional Packages: Elevating the GLE 350 Experience
For those seeking to further enhance their GLE 350, Mercedes-Benz offered several optional packages. The Premium 1 package adds keyless ignition and entry for convenience, a navigation system for seamless journeys, and satellite radio for expanded entertainment options. Smartphone integration is boosted with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the audio experience is upgraded to a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium system. A rear 115-volt power outlet adds practicality, while blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning systems enhance safety.
Stepping up to the Premium 2 package includes all features from Premium 1 and adds adaptive LED headlights and automatic high-beam headlights for improved nighttime visibility. Heated and cooled cupholders and rear sunshades provide additional comfort and convenience. The Premium 3 package further elevates the technology with adaptive cruise control, a collision avoidance system, lane keeping assist, and an automated parking system for effortless parking.
For a sportier aesthetic, the Exterior Sport package includes 20-inch wheels and an AMG body kit. The Night package combines the Exterior Sport package with gloss-black exterior trim pieces and wheels for a distinctive and aggressive look. Leather upholstery was also available as a standalone option for the GLE 350, allowing for a more luxurious interior finish.
Performance and Powertrain of the GLE 350
Under the hood, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 is powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine delivers 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for daily driving and more demanding situations. It is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and efficient gear changes. While rear-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive (4Matic) is available as an option, providing enhanced traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. Fuel-saving automatic engine stop-start technology is standard across the range, contributing to efficiency.
The EPA fuel economy for the GLE 350 is estimated at 20 mpg combined (18 city/23 highway) for the rear-wheel-drive model and 19 mpg combined (18 city/22 highway) for the all-wheel-drive version. In performance testing, the GLE 350 4Matic achieved a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds, which is competitive for its class.
While the focus here is the GLE 350, it’s worth noting the broader engine options available in the 2017 GLE Class for context. The GLE 400 offers a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, the GLE 550e is a plug-in hybrid, and the AMG GLE models (43, 63, and 63 S) provide progressively more powerful engines for performance enthusiasts.
Towing and Practicality
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 also offers impressive towing capabilities. When properly equipped, the rear-wheel-drive GLE 350 can tow up to 6,600 pounds, while the GLE 350 4Matic and other GLE models can handle up to 7,200 pounds. This makes the GLE 350 a practical choice for those who need to tow trailers or other equipment.
Conclusion
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 is a well-rounded luxury SUV that offers a compelling combination of standard features, optional enhancements, and capable performance. Its elegant design, luxurious interior, and available technology packages make it an attractive option in the competitive SUV market. Whether prioritizing comfort, technology, or practicality, the GLE 350 provides a solid foundation with options to tailor it to individual preferences and needs.
