“If you are looking for a well built SUV with the luxury of a car this is the SUV for you. Very well built, smooth ride, great acceleration and handling. Comfortable. Many options to choose from. You can create your own to set you apart from the rest.”
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE is the departure of the GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC trim. Otherwise, this is a quiet follow-up to the GLE’s 2016 rename and update, with no major redesign or model-wide hardware overhaul.
About the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE
W166 generation, second model year after the 2016 GLE rename and update of the former M-Class, before the all-new 2019 redesign.
Mercedes positions the GLE as a midsize luxury SUV that blends comfort, safety, cargo usefulness, and a broad range of powertrains in one polished two-row package. The message is less about rugged off-road image and more about everyday luxury: a quiet cabin, strong safety emphasis, flexible cargo space, and enough drivetrain variety to suit traditional gas buyers, long-distance diesel drivers, and plug-in-hybrid shoppers without changing the GLE’s core upscale character.
The 2017 GLE lineup covers several different needs: an efficiency-focused diesel, straightforward V6 versions with rear- or all-wheel drive, and the stronger twin-turbo GLE 400 4MATIC. The GLE 400 adds navigation, an 8-inch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and surround-sound audio, while the GLE 550e pairs a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor for short electric-only trips.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC performance trim left the lineup. The remaining range continued with diesel, gasoline V6, twin-turbo V6, and plug-in hybrid versions.
2017 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, Turbo Diesel, 2.1 Liter | V6, Hybrid, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic | Auto, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Diesel | Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 29 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 302 hp | 302 hp | 329 hp | 201 hp | |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 354 lb-ft | 369 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 | 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 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 12 | ||||
| MPGe Combined | 43 | ||||
| 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 | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE a redesigned model?
No. The 2017 GLE carries over the same basic design and core hardware introduced with the model’s 2016 rename and update. There was no major exterior, chassis, or safety-system overhaul for 2017.
Which Mercedes-Benz GLE trim was dropped for 2017?
The GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC was dropped for 2017. The regular SUV lineup continued with the GLE 300d, GLE 350, GLE 350 4MATIC, GLE 400 4MATIC, and GLE 550e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid.
Does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE still have diesel and plug-in hybrid versions?
Yes. The 2017 lineup retains the diesel-powered GLE 300d 4MATIC and the GLE 550e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid, along with conventional gasoline V6 models.
How different is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE from the 2016 model?
The difference is small. The main lineup change is the loss of the GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC, while the vehicle’s styling, structure, major safety hardware, and broad engine range otherwise carry over.
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE.
4.2
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE
(717 reviews)
“The AMG GLE 43 AWD model is fun to drive, excellent ride, quick acceleration, great handling, along with a very comfortable interior. Driving technology is very helpful. Mercedes Me technology is not an enjoyable experience. The installed Sirius XM version is disappointing because it does not include all available sports stations.”
“The car is smooth driving, fuel efficient, has a lot of nice upgrades, convenient for children, is affordable.”