DecodedCars2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 350d 4matic, 400 4matic, 450 4matic, 550 4matic
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.1L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Plug-in Hybrid, Premium Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 23 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 189.8–190.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,696–5,170 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 34% better than the average 2016 standard SUV (18.7 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints4 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 40 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a standard SUV offered with 4 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.1L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl and 5.5L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and 4-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 190 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,795 lb (350d 4matic).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (23 city / 29 highway), 34% better than the 2016 standard SUV average of 18.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,850 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350d 4matic | 189.8 in | 76 in | 70.9 in | 115 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 4,795 lb | 52/48 |
| 400 4matic | 189.8 in | 76 in | 70.9 in | 115 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 4,696 lb | 52/48 |
| 450 4matic | 189.8 in | 76 in | 69.3 in | 115 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 4,806 lb | 52/48 |
| 550 4matic | 189.8 in | 76 in | 69.3 in | 115 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 4,927 lb | 52/48 |
| Amg 63 S 4matic | 190.9 in | 76 in | 69.3 in | 115 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 5,170 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLE350 d 4matic Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | +34% | $3,850 | 400 |
| GLE300 d 4matic Diesel | 2.1L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 24 | +28% | $4,000 | 415 |
| GLE550e 4matic Plug-in Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | +12% | $3,900 | 294 |
| GLE350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | +5% | $4,100 | 440 |
| GLE450 AMG Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 20 | +7% | $4,100 | 454 |
| GLE400 4matic | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 22 / 20 | +7% | $4,100 | 454 |
| GLE350 4matic | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 22 / 19 | +2% | $4,350 | 456 |
| GLE350 4matic FFV | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 22 / 19 | +2% | $4,350 | 456 |
| AMG GLE63 S | 5.5L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 15 | -20% | $5,500 | 611 |
| AMG GLE63 S Coupe | 5.5L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 15 | -20% | $5,500 | 574 |
| AMG GLE63 | 5.5L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 15 | -20% | $5,500 | 611 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
Similar 2016 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Porsche Cayenne | 24 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 BMW X5 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 BMW X3 | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Tesla Model X | 289 mi | Not rated | 12 |
| 2016 Porsche Macan | 19 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Exterior Lighting — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 30,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other GLE-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 GLE-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 GLE-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 GLE-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 GLE-Class | 24 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 GLE-Class | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 GLE-Class | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 GLE-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 GLE-Class | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2019 GLE-Class | 20 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2018 GLE-Class | 21 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2017 GLE-Class | 21 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →