“I have had four Mercedes SUV's and they are the best car on the road. We have used them to travel on all of our vacations. Load it up and travel with confidence.”
2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2017 is the arrival of the Mercedes-AMG GLE 43, a new entry point offered in both SUV and Coupe forms. The V8-powered GLE 63 models carry over without a major redesign or powertrain update.
About the 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE
First-generation GLE-badged W166 SUV and first-generation C292 GLE Coupe, second model year; no redesign or mid-cycle exterior update for 2017.
Mercedes-AMG positioned the GLE as a family-sized performance vehicle combining SUV space and all-weather traction with sports-car acceleration and handling. Across conventional SUV and sloped-roof Coupe bodies, its identity centered on strong turbocharged engines, rear-biased AWD, adaptive air suspension, powerful brakes and a luxury cabin. The range targeted drivers who needed five-seat practicality but wanted a more responsive, dramatic alternative to a standard midsize luxury SUV.
The GLE 43 is the more everyday-focused AMG, pairing a 362-hp twin-turbo V6 with AWD, adjustable air suspension, selectable driving modes and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The GLE 63 and GLE 63 S are the stronger V8 choices, with 550 and 577 horsepower, respectively, plus upgraded brakes, body-control hardware and Nappa leather.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The GLE 43 joined the range with a 362-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, a nine-speed automatic and rear-biased AWD. It was offered in both the upright SUV and sloped-roof Coupe body styles.
2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 5.5 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 5.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Auto 7-Spd AMG SPEEDSHIFT | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic / Auto 7-Spd AMG SPEEDSHIFT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 13 mpg | 13–14 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 17 mpg | 17–18 mpg |
| Horsepower | 362 hp | 550 hp | 577 hp |
| Torque | 384 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft | 561 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 23–80.3 cu-ft | 80.3 cu-ft | 23–80.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.4 in | 38.4 in | 38.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| SD Card Slot | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Video Input | |||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Memory Front Seats | |||
| Power Locks | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Rear Window Shades | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE?
The biggest change is the addition of the GLE 43. It brought a 362-hp twin-turbo V6, a nine-speed automatic and rear-biased AWD to both the SUV and Coupe body styles.
Was the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE redesigned?
No, the 2017 AMG GLE was not redesigned. It remained in the same generation and received no mid-cycle exterior update; the main news was the GLE 43 joining the range.
Did the 2017 GLE 43 replace the 2016 GLE 450 AMG Coupe?
Yes, the Coupe adopted the Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 name for 2017. The GLE 43 name also appeared on the conventional SUV body that year.
Did the V8-powered AMG GLE models change for 2017?
No major redesign or powertrain change affected the V8-powered GLE 63 and GLE 63 S. They retained their twin-turbo V8 engines, with 550 horsepower in the GLE 63 and 577 horsepower in the GLE 63 S.
What is the difference between the 2017 GLE 43 and GLE 63 models?
The GLE 43 uses a 362-hp twin-turbo V6 and nine-speed automatic, while the GLE 63 models use stronger twin-turbo V8 engines and a seven-speed performance automatic. The V8 models also add stronger brakes and active stabilizer bars to reduce body lean.
2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE.
4.4
2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE
(123 reviews)
“Joy to drive, comfortable balanced with superb performance. This is my first AMG product and definitely not my last!”
“nice, but thought I was getting all safety devices, didn't. Knob between seats, sloppy good car,”