The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class emerges as a sophisticated and tastefully designed luxury crossover, offering a blend of comfort, technology, and performance. This model year presents a comprehensive suite of standard features and customizable options, catering to discerning drivers seeking a premium driving experience.
The base GLE300d trim sets a high standard with its inclusion of 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension dampers to optimize ride comfort, and energy-efficient LED daytime running lights and taillights. Practicality is enhanced by front and rear fog lights, automatic wipers, a sunroof to brighten the cabin, roof rack for added cargo versatility, rear privacy glass, and convenient power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors. The power liftgate adds ease to cargo access.
Inside the GLE300d, the cabin is appointed with dual-zone automatic climate control, elegant wood trim accents, and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel wrapped in leather with integrated paddle shifters. Heated front seats, driver memory functions for personalized settings, and MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery provide a comfortable and refined environment. LED accent lighting creates an inviting ambiance, while the COMAND electronics interface, featuring an 8-inch display, manages vehicle functions and entertainment. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth for phone and audio, and an eight-speaker audio system including HD radio, a CD player, and a USB port delivers quality sound. A suite of standard safety features further enhances driver confidence.
Stepping up to the GLE350, the equipment list largely mirrors the GLE300d, with the distinction of standard 19-inch wheels, adding a slightly more assertive stance.
For those desiring enhanced features, the optional Premium 1 package for both the GLE300d and GLE350 incorporates desirable upgrades such as a rearview camera for easier maneuvering, keyless ignition and entry for convenience, navigation to guide your journeys, and satellite radio for expanded entertainment options. A rear 115-volt household-style power outlet adds practicality for charging devices. Blind spot monitoring and a lane-departure warning system are included, enhancing safety and driver awareness.
The GLE400 trim elevates the luxury experience further, encompassing all features from the Premium 1 package and adding a more powerful turbocharged engine. It also boasts 20-inch wheels, multicolor ambient lighting to personalize the interior atmosphere, and supple leather upholstery. Front passenger comfort is enhanced with power lumbar support, and both front occupants benefit from ventilated front seats and heated and cooled cupholders. A premium 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system delivers an immersive audio experience, and unique body styling tweaks subtly differentiate the GLE400 externally.
Across the aforementioned trims, the Parking Assist package is available, incorporating a 360-degree camera system for comprehensive surround views and an automated parallel parking feature to simplify urban parking scenarios. The Lighting package offers adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beam control, optimizing visibility in varying driving conditions.
The AMG GLE 63 variant marks a significant leap in performance, equipped with a robust turbocharged V8 engine and exclusive AMG 20-inch wheels. An AMG-tuned adaptive air suspension with adaptive stabilizer bars enhances handling dynamics, while a sport exhaust amplifies the auditory experience. Front and rear parking sensors aid in maneuvering, and aluminum shift paddles and pedals add a sporty touch to the interior. Special leather upholstery and the inclusion of the Parking Assist and Lighting packages complete the AMG GLE 63’s comprehensive feature set.
At the pinnacle of the range, the AMG GLE 63 S intensifies performance with an even more potent version of the turbocharged V8 engine. It further distinguishes itself with 21-inch wheels, a carbon-fiber engine cover, a sport steering wheel, a suede headliner, and unique upholstery, solidifying its position as the ultimate performance GLE model.
Beyond trim-specific features, a range of standalone options allows for further customization. These include choices of 19-, 20-, and 21-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof for an expansive view, a trailer hitch for towing capability, adaptive air and off-road suspensions for varied terrain, and three-zone climate control for enhanced passenger comfort. Multicontour front seats with massage function, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, wood-and-leather or heated steering wheels, a rear-seat video entertainment setup, and upgraded 14-speaker Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen premium audio systems offer further avenues for personalization and luxury enhancement.
In conclusion, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class provides a wide array of features and options across its trim levels, ensuring a tailored luxury crossover experience that balances comfort, technology, and performance for a variety of driver preferences.
