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2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2016 is that the Mercedes-Benz M-Class becomes the GLE and receives a substantial mid-cycle refresh. This is more than a name change, with updated design, controls, and drive modes under the new badge.
About the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE
W166 SUV / C292 Coupe family. For the SUV, 2016 is the refreshed third-generation M-Class under its new GLE name. For the model range as a whole, 2016 is also the first year of the GLE Coupe body style.
Mercedes-Benz positions the GLE as a midsize luxury SUV that blends family usefulness, long-distance comfort, and a wide range of powertrain choices. The brand’s messaging leans on the idea that it is both sporty and practical: roomy enough for daily life, polished enough to feel premium, and available with gas, diesel, plug-in hybrid, or AMG performance. Compared with rivals, Mercedes emphasizes a richer spread of drivetrains, a high-end cabin, and advanced safety technology.
The 2016 GLE ranges from the comfort-focused GLE 350 and diesel-powered GLE 300d to the stronger twin-turbo GLE 400. The GLE 450 AMG Coupe adds a sportier body, air suspension, and performance-focused all-wheel drive. The GLE 550e combines a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor and plug-in capability for short trips on electric power.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The GLE 550e 4MATIC joins the SUV lineup as a plug-in hybrid, combining a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with an 80 kW electric motor.
Styling
The GLE SUV receives updated front and rear styling as part of its mid-cycle refresh.
Safety
Collision Prevention Assist Plus becomes standard across the lineup.
Tech
DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes are introduced across the range, and the cabin receives a revised control layout.
Structural
The new related GLE Coupe body style joins the traditional SUV. The SUV itself remains the refreshed W166 rather than moving to an all-new platform.
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Trbo Dsl, 2.1L | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V6, Hybrid, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic+ | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic+ | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic+ | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic+ | Auto, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic+ | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic+ |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Diesel | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 17 mpg | 18 mpg | 22 mpg | 17 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 29 mpg | 23 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 302 hp | 302 hp | 329 hp | 201 hp | 362 hp | |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 354 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft | 384 lb-ft | 479 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6615 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | |
| Trunk/Cargo | 80.3 cu-ft | 80.3 cu-ft | 80.3 cu-ft | 80.3 cu-ft | 60.7 cu-ft | 80.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.4 in | 38.4 in | 38.4 in | 38.4 in | 38.4 in | |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 12 | |||||
| MPGe Combined | 43 | |||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors with Auto Brake | ||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Stability Control | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Video Input | ||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Memory Front Seats | ||||||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Power Locks | ||||||
| Power Windows | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE just a renamed M-Class?
No. The 2016 GLE replaces the M-Class name, but it also brings refreshed front and rear styling, a revised cabin control layout, and new DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes.
Did the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe debut for 2016?
Yes. The GLE Coupe joins the family for 2016 as a new related body style, led here by the performance-focused GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC.
Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE have a plug-in hybrid version?
Yes. The GLE 550e 4MATIC Plug-In Hybrid joins for 2016 with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, an 80 kW electric motor, all-wheel drive, and the ability to cover short trips on electric power.
What safety feature became standard on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE?
Collision Prevention Assist Plus became standard across the 2016 GLE lineup. More advanced driver-assistance features remained dependent on the vehicle’s equipment package.
How is the 2016 GLE different from the 2015 M-Class?
The 2016 GLE uses the new model name and adds a mid-cycle refresh with updated exterior styling, revised cabin controls, and DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes. The wider family also gains the GLE Coupe body style and GLE 550e plug-in hybrid.
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE.
4.3
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE
(467 reviews)
“Overall it is an excellent vehicle on most levels; however, the software app by Mercedes is flawed and the apple CarPlay does not work well. This is my most disappointment in it. The other is the seat. It needs to have an extension for taller individuals like Jaguar and Lexus cars.”
“My previous automobile, same make and model was totaled in an accident. No passengers were injured. The safety and maneuverability of the vehicle is the main reason I will buy now and in the future. I believe these features saved myself and the young passengers in my car from serious harm.”