Mercedes-Benz GLE I (W166)
Renamed from the M-Class as part of Mercedes-Benz's revised nomenclature, the W166 GLE brought updated LED intelligent lighting, DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes, 9G-TRONIC transmissions, and twin-turbo V6 power.
Generation Quick Facts: The Mercedes-Benz GLE I (W166) was manufactured from 2016 – 2018 (2016, 2017, 2018 model years) as a suv. Across 3 verified powertrains, power outputs range from 302 to 385 hp, with top fuel economy reaching 20.0 MPG combined (GLE 400 4MATIC).
Power range
302–385 hp
Quickest 0–100
5.6 s
Best combined
20 MPG
Length
4.82 m
01Decision support
Which GLE I (W166) suits you?
Daily driver · least fuel
GLE 400 4MATIC
20.0 MPG combined
It burns up to 5% less fuel per mile than the thirstiest GLE I (W166).
Performance · quickest
AMG GLE 43 4MATIC
0–100 km/h in 5.6s · 385 hp
The straight-line choice of this generation.
Sweet spot · balance
GLE 400 4MATIC
329 hp · 20.0 MPG
Sits mid-range for power without paying the fuel or price tax of the flagship trim. Usually the best value on the used market.
023 powertrains (3 petrol)
Full specifications
| Specification | GLE 350 4MATIC (V6)Petrol | GLE 400 4MATICPetrol | AMG GLE 43 4MATICPetrol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | |||
| Engine code | M276 DE 35 | M276 DELA 30 | M276 DELA 30 AMG |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol |
| Displacement | 3.5L (3,498 cc) | 3.0L (2,996 cc) | 3.0L (2,996 cc) |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | Twin-Turbo | Twin-Turbo |
| Cylinders | V6 | V6 | V6 |
| Power & Performance | |||
| Power | 302 hp / 225 kW | 329 hp / 245 kW | 385 hp / 287 kW |
| Torque | 370 Nm / 273 lb-ft | 480 Nm / 354 lb-ft | 520 Nm / 384 lb-ft |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.5 s | 5.9 s | 5.6 s |
| Top speed | 210 km/h (130 mph) | 240 km/h (149 mph) | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | |||
| Transmission | 7G-TRONIC PLUS Automatic | 7G-TRONIC PLUS Automatic | 9G-TRONIC Automatic |
| Gears | — | — | — |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy & Emissions | |||
| City | 18 MPG (13.1 L/100km) | 18 MPG (13.1 L/100km) | 17 MPG (13.8 L/100km) |
| Highway | 22 MPG (10.7 L/100km) | 23 MPG (10.2 L/100km) | 23 MPG (10.2 L/100km) |
| Combined | 19 MPG (12.4 L/100km) | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100km) | 19 MPG (12.4 L/100km) |
| Electric range | — | — | — |
| Battery | — | — | — |
| CO₂ emissions | — | — | — |
| Weight & Body | |||
| Curb weight | 2,160 kg (4,762 lbs) | 2,230 kg (4,916 lbs) | 2,245 kg (4,949 lbs) |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Model years | 2016-2018 | 2016-2018 | 2017-2018 |
0Exterior
Dimensions
Length
4,819 mm
189.7 in
Width
1,935 mm
76.2 in
Height
1,796 mm
70.7 in
Wheelbase
2,915 mm
114.8 in
Curb weight spans 2,160–2,245 kg depending on powertrain. Battery and AWD hardware add the most mass.
05Long-tail answers
GLE I (W166): questions answered
What engines and trims are available on the Mercedes-Benz GLE I (W166)?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE I (W166) lineup offers 3 petrol: GLE 350 4MATIC (V6) (302 hp), GLE 400 4MATIC (329 hp), AMG GLE 43 4MATIC (385 hp).
How quick is the Mercedes-Benz GLE I (W166) from 0 to 100 km/h?
The fastest trim, the AMG GLE 43 4MATIC, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6s, reaching a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) with the AMG GLE 43 4MATIC.
What is the most fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz GLE I (W166) trim?
The GLE 400 4MATIC delivers the highest fuel economy at 20.0 MPG (EPA combined). Across the 3 powertrains, fuel economy spans 19–20 combined MPG.
What model years are included in the Mercedes-Benz GLE I (W166)?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE I (W166) was produced from 2016 – 2018, spanning the following model years: 2016, 2017, 2018.
What are the exterior dimensions of the Mercedes-Benz GLE I (W166)?
4819 mm long, 1935 mm wide, 1796 mm tall on a 2915 mm wheelbase (189.7 in overall length).
Sources for this page
- EPA fuel-economy records: Mercedes-Benz GLECertification data, 2016–2018
- NHTSA vehicle file: recalls, complaints and investigations2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE, official safety record
- NHTSA vPIC vehicle databasePowers our VIN decoder, the federal manufacturer registry
- Mercedes-Benz official: data sheets and archiveManufacturer-published specifications
Figures on this page are compiled from the sources above and cross-checked against manufacturer data sheets. US-market EPA cycle where noted; European WLTP values are measured differently and are not directly comparable.
Guides worth reading before you choose
AWD vs. 4WD vs. FWD vs. RWD: The Complete Drivetrain Guide (Mechanics, Snow, Towing & Efficiency)
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