2018 Mercedes Benz GLE Class Pros vs Cons

Larger than your average crossover SUV, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is kind of an odd duck for this segment. However, it is not a vehicle that should be quickly passed over. Each model has a unique feel thanks to the multiple powertrain options, all of which give a good amount of power to this big, burly vehicle. With safety and tech features galore, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has a lot to offer.

What's New for 2018?

The only major change that has been made to the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is that the AMG GLE 43 now has more horsepower, going from 362 to 385 hp. Everything else carries over from the 2017 model.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2018 Mercedes Benz GLE Class – The Pros

1. The Speedy AMG Variants

The AMG variants (AMG GLE 43, 63, and 63 S) all offer massive amounts of power and speed. You can easily get any of these variants up to highway speeds without much effort, and the acceleration has an overall smooth vibe to it.

2. Multiple Powertrain Choices

There are five different powertrains to choose from. You can start off with the base 3.5-L V6, which is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission and generates 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. At the top of the line is the super-powerful AMG GLE 63 S's tuned-up rendition of the 63's 5.5-L V8 turbocharged engine. The 63 S's powertrain gets a whopping 577 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque. What you choose is really dependent upon how much fuel you're okay with burning for a thrilling ride.

3. A Huge List of Standard Features

The list of standard features that can be found on the GLE-Class is rather impressive, even for a luxury vehicle. the base GLE 50 trim comes with a power liftgate, automatically dimming mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, the Mbrace telematics system, and a rearview camera.

4. A Quiet Interior

Overall, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has a quiet interior. While there is a little bit of wind noise that seeps in from the outside, road and engine noise are barely noticeable, even when you are revving the engine on the highway.

5. An Upscale Appearance

The GLE-Class upholds the Mercedes-Benz standard for top-notch luxury. The interior looks magnificent with its leather-clad seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and knobs that are clearly marked and intuitively placed. The aluminum trim pops out beautifully and reminds you that you are in a high-priced vehicle.

6. Comfy Seats

The seats on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class are stiffly padded but not to the point where you feel uncomfortable. The massage feature really helps ease the driver's spine and hips during long drives.

7. Easy-to-Use Climate Control

The dual-zone climate control is quite easy to use, and the optional three-zone climate control is truly spectacular when it comes to quietly and evenly distributing air flow throughout the cabin. Rear seat passengers will feel the air gently blowing on them from the appropriately-placed rear vents. If you get cold in the winter, you can heat up the seats and enjoy feeling nice and toasty.

8. Controls Are Intuitive

All of the controls on the GLE-Class are user-friendly. An ample amount of controls are mounted onto the steering wheel so that the driver doesn't need to take their hand off the wheel to adjust. Everything along the dash and on the touchscreen works well and is very straightforward.

9. Easy to Find a Driving Position

The driver's seat on the GLE-Class is highly adjustable to help maximize comfort. Drivers of any size will easily be able to find the right driving position. The vehicle comes with a standard 10-way adjustable driver's seat with seat memory and 4-way adjustable lumbar support.

10. Great Amount of Visibility

Front, side, and rear visibility are all rather impeccable on the GLE-Class thanks to the vehicle's slender roof pillars and wide windshield. Rear visibility is aided by blind spot monitoring from the surround-view camera.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2018 Mercedes Benz GLE Class – The Cons

1. The Base V6's Engine Might Be a Little Boring

The base trim's standard V6 engine is slightly boring for those looking to experience a thrilling ride. While the engine itself is powerful enough in urban situations, it gets to feeling rather lackluster on the highway as acceleration suffers a bit.

2. Lack of Small Item Storage Spaces

There are not many small item storage spaces on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. This is a little shocking since this vehicle has a big enough interior. Passengers will have to find creative ways to store their books, laptops, and other devices.

3. The Standard Suspension is Too Stiff

The standard suspension feels stiff enough for getting around on city roads, but it is pretty fatiguing when you take the vehicle onto the highway. There is simply too much body roll for the driver to feel confident in the GLE-Class' suspension.

4. AMG Variants Struggle With Handling

While problems with the suspension span the entire lineup, the AMG variants have a particularly noticeable problem with handling. The AMG GLE 43 gives one of the roughest rides of any luxury vehicle this year. It is a far better idea to stick with the smoother ride on the GLE 350.

How it stacks up to the competition:

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class vs. 2018 BMW X5

The 2018 BMW X5 has a large number of powerful engine choices, and the diesel option is pretty fuel efficient. The interior looks chic and spacious, but the exterior styling feels a bit dated. Also, there is barely any space for passengers in the optional third row of seats.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class vs. 2018 Porsche Cayenne

The 2018 Porsche Cayenne is slated to be one of this model year's big sellers. Its handling and steering are far superior to that of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, and the Cayenne looks stunning inside and out. However, it is rather pricey for having so few optional features, and the cargo space is despairingly small.

Conclusion

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is probably due for a few updates, and hopefully, the suspension will be revised in future models. Aside from suspension stiffness, there are a lot of things to enjoy on the GLE-Class. The wide array of standard features is a great selling point, and the vehicle is one of the more user-friendly luxury models on the market right now.