Buckle up! We’re diving into the Mercedes-Benz GLE world to uncover the stars and the duds. Using data from NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and J.D. Power, we’ll reveal the real scoop on reliability, safety, and owner satisfaction.
On the menu: juicy details about engine performance, safety tech, and cool features that make these luxury SUVs shine. We’ll also spotlight those pesky problems and recalls that can make or break a car’s rep.
Ready to go?
Let’s find out which GLE years are worth your hard-earned cash!
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Mercedes-Benz GLE Generations
The Mercedes-Benz GLE burst onto the scene in 2016, quickly becoming the new kid on the block that everyone wanted to hang out with. It wasn’t just a fresh face; it was a complete makeover of the M-Class, designed to turn heads and drop jaws.
What made it so special? Picture this: a deluxe SUV that doesn’t just look good in the driveway but actually delivers the goods.
We’re talking fluid performance that makes you feel like you’re gliding on air, an interior so luxurious you might mistake it for a five-star hotel lobby, and tech features that’ll make gadget lovers weak at the knees.
Here’s a quick rundown of the GLE’s family tree from 2016 to now:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 3rd Generation (W166) | 2016-2019 |
| 4th Generation (W167) | 2020-Present |
Now, why should you care about these generational shifts?
Well, each new generation is like a software update for your favorite app – it comes with cool new features, smoother performance, and (hopefully) fewer bugs.
For anyone eyeing a GLE, understanding these changes could be the difference between driving off in your dream car and ending up with a fancy-looking headache.
Mercedes-Benz GLE Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
So, how do we separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to GLE model years? We’re not just throwing darts at a board here. We’ve got a whole checklist of factors we’re considering:
- What the owners are saying (because who knows a car better than the people driving it every day?)
- How much it’ll cost you to keep it running smoothly
- Safety ratings (because looking good is great, but getting home in one piece is better)
- What the experts at Consumer Reports think about reliability and owner satisfaction
- The number of times Uncle Sam (NHTSA) had to step in with recalls
- Ratings from the folks at Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley Blue Book, VehicleHistory, and Cars.com
We’re going to lay it all out for you in a neat little graph that’ll show you at a glance which years are the cream of the crop and which ones might leave you stranded.
We’ll be breaking down the GLE years into two groups:
| Generation | Best Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd Generation (W166) | 2019 | 2016 2017 2018 |
| 4th Generation (W167) | 2022 2023 2024 | 2020 2021 |
Remember, a car with a lot of recalls is like a person with a bad reputation – there’s usually a good reason for it. So keep an eye out for those recall numbers; they can tell you a lot about a car’s reliability.
Alright, let’s delve into the nitty-gritty of each generation!
Best & Worst Years for Mercedes-Benz GLE 3rd Generation (2016-Present)
The third-gen GLE rolled onto the scene in 2016, promising to be the sleekest kid in the luxury SUV playground. Mercedes was shooting for the stars, aiming to deliver a ride that was intelligent, sturdy, and smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy.
After crunching the numbers and listening to what owners and experts have to say, we’ve got our verdict: 2019 takes the crown as the best year for this generation, while 2016 to 2018 are the problematic children you might want to avoid.
The Best Years: 2019
Why does 2019 get to wear the diadem for the third-gen GLE? Let’s break it down:
Power under the hood: The GLE 450 packs a punch with its 3.0L I6 turbocharged engine and EQ Boost. We’re talking 362 horses that don’t guzzle fuel like there’s no tomorrow.
Tech that wows: Say hello to MBUX – the infotainment system that makes others look like outdated phones. Voice control? Check. Augmented reality nav? You bet.
Safety first (and second): This GLE’s got your back with Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist, and PRE-SAFE. It’s like having an attentive bodyguard on wheels.
Comfort fit for royalty: Slip into an interior so opulent, you might forget you’re in a car. High-quality materials and a climate system that could probably terraform Mars – it’s luxury on steroids.
Driver-assist tech that’s got your back: With features like Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC® and Active Steering Assist, it’s like having a co-pilot who never needs coffee breaks.
No wonder luxury SUV buyers are falling head over heels for the 2019 GLE. It’s the whole package, wrapped in a bow of German engineering.
The Worst Years: 2016, 2017, 2018
Now, for the years you may want to avoid:
- Electrical Gremlins: These models had more quirks than a indie film festival, especially with door locks and power steering.
- Engine Troubles: Stalling issues? Check. ECU malfunctions? You bet. It’s like these cars were auditioning for a soap opera.
- Recall Central: Airbags that didn’t want to play nice, engines that decided to take unscheduled naps, and brakes that got a bit too slippery for comfort.
Want the exact details? Check out the NHTSA reports for 2016, 2017, and 2018 GLEs. It’s not exactly easy reading, but it might save you from buying a lemon.
Best & Worst Years for Mercedes-Benz GLE 4th Generation (2020-Present)
The fourth-gen GLE strutted onto the stage in 2020, promising to be the Beyoncé of luxury SUVs – flawless, powerful, and dripping with style. But did it live up to the hype? Let’s find out.
After diving into the data and listening to what the streets (and owners) are saying, we’ve got our winners and, well, not-so-winners. The best years to grab are 2022, 2023, and 2024. The years you might want to think twice about? 2020 and 2021.
The Best Years: 2022, 2023, 2024
Why are these years the pick of the crop? Let’s break it down:
- Engine Options That Wow: From the efficient 2.0L turbo in the GLE 350 (255 hp) to the beastly 3.0L I6 turbo with EQ Boost in the GLE 450 (362 hp), there’s something for everyone.
- Smooth Operator: The 9G-TRONIC transmission is like butter on a hot pancake – smooth and satisfying.
- Tech That Makes You Go “Whoa”: The latest MBUX system is like having a genius co-pilot. Voice control, augmented reality nav, touchscreen interface – it’s all here.
- Safety First (and Second, and Third): With features like Active Brake Assist and the optional Driver Assistance Package Plus, this GLE’s got more tricks up its sleeve than a magician.
- Luxury That Makes You Feel Like Royalty: Premium leather, climate control that could probably solve global warming – you name it, it’s got it.
The Worst Years: 2020, 2021
Now, for the years that might make you wince:
- Camera Shy: Some 2020 models decided their rearview cameras needed a vacation.
- Stability Issues: ESC malfunctions? Not exactly what you want in a luxury SUV.
- Thirsty Engines: Some models had a drinking problem – and by drinking, we mean water getting where it shouldn’t.
- Fuel Pump Fumbles: Nothing kills the mood like a car that won’t start because its fuel pump decided to quit.
Want to dive deeper into the drama? Check out the NHTSA reports for 2020 and 2021 GLEs. It’s like reading a soap opera script, but with more technical jargon.
Mercedes-Benz GLE Resale Values
Curious about how well these luxury rides hold their value? Check out this graph that shows the GLE’s resale value trends over the years:
Conclusion
The verdict? The GLE’s shining stars are 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024 – loaded with tech, safety, and performance.
But steer clear of 2016-2018, 2020, and 2021 models – they’re more trouble than they’re worth.
So, what’s your opulent SUV must-have? New car smell and fancy gadgets, or bulletproof dependability?
When you’re spending big bucks, you want to make sure you’re getting the cream of the crop, right?
Drop your views below!
