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2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2016 is that the refreshed AMG M-Class became the AMG GLE. This mid-cycle update also brought the first GLE Coupe, led by a 577-hp AMG GLE 63 S model.
About the 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE
Third-generation midsize Mercedes SUV (W166), mid-cycle refresh and first year under the GLE name; first-generation GLE Coupe (C292), first model year.
The AMG GLE combines a five-seat luxury SUV cabin with a hand-built V8, rear-biased all-wheel drive, powerful brakes, and an adaptive air suspension. The conventional-roof SUV emphasizes passenger and cargo usefulness, while the GLE Coupe trades some cargo room for a lower, more dramatic profile. Both target drivers who want sports-car-level acceleration without giving up an elevated seating position or everyday SUV practicality.
The 550-hp GLE 63 4MATIC was the core five-seat performance SUV, with a roomy conventional roof, all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension, and large performance brakes. The 577-hp GLE 63 S sat above it in both conventional-roof and lower-roof Coupe forms, with upgraded brakes and richer cabin materials.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The V8 range expanded to include a 550-hp GLE 63 and 577-hp GLE 63 S models. Both used a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8, a 7-speed AMG automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive.
Styling
The conventional-roof SUV received redesigned front and rear bodywork with new lighting. Mercedes-Benz also introduced the lower-roof GLE Coupe as a new body style.
Tech
The cabin gained a freestanding central display, a touchpad-based infotainment controller, and standard drive-mode control across the V8 AMG range.
Structural
Mercedes-AMG revised the chassis tuning and paired it with adaptive, self-leveling air suspension, active body-roll control, and rear-biased all-wheel drive.
2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Twin Turbo, 5.5 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 5.5L | V8, Twin Turbo, 5.5L |
| Transmission | Auto 7-Spd AMG SPEEDSHIFT | Auto 7-Spd AMG SPEEDSHIFT | Auto 7-Spd AMG SPEEDSHIFT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 14 mpg | 13 mpg | 13 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 18 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
| Horsepower | 577 hp | 550 hp | 577 hp |
| Torque | 561 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft | 577 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | |
| Trunk/Cargo | 67 cu-ft | 80.3 cu-ft | 80.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.4 in | 38.4 in | |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Cruise Control | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||
| Privacy Glass | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| SD Card Slot | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Video Input | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Massage Front Seat | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | |||
| Power Locks | |||
| Power Windows | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Rear Window Shades | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Third Row Seat | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||
Frequently asked questions
What was the biggest change to the 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE?
The biggest change was the transition from the refreshed AMG M-Class to the AMG GLE name. The update also introduced the first GLE Coupe and revised the SUV’s styling, cabin interface, and chassis tuning.
Was 2016 the first year of the Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe?
Yes, 2016 was the first model year for the GLE Coupe. In the U.S. V8 AMG range, the Coupe was sold as the 577-hp AMG GLE 63 S.
What is the difference between the 2016 AMG GLE 63 and GLE 63 S?
The main difference is output: the GLE 63 has 550 hp, while the GLE 63 S has 577 hp. The S models also have upgraded brakes and cabin details, and the 577-hp version was offered with either the conventional SUV roof or the lower Coupe roof.
What cabin technology changed for the 2016 AMG GLE?
The 2016 AMG GLE gained a freestanding central display and a touchpad-based controller for the infotainment system. Drive-mode control also became standard across the V8 AMG trims.
Is the 2016 AMG GLE substantially different from the previous AMG M-Class?
Yes, but it is a mid-cycle update rather than a complete redesign of the conventional-roof SUV. Beyond the GLE name, it brought revised exterior styling and lighting, an updated cabin interface, revised chassis tuning, and new 550-hp and 577-hp AMG versions; the GLE Coupe was an entirely new body style.
2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE.
4.5
2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE
(91 reviews)
“We are very much enjoying the new car and think it's a big step forward in the world of SUVs.”
“This vehicle needs grab handles and a rear window wiper. The rear storage area has a high entry point which makes loading cargo difficult.”