Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Review
2017-2023
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (W166 LCI and V167 Series) is a large executive family luxury tourer in Kenya. Featuring optional 3-row 7-seater accommodation, widescreen digital cockpits, and powerful diesel/petrol engines, landed prices range from KSh 6.5M to KSh 13.5M.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Sub-2,000 cc GLE300d diesel import duty tax savings.
- Widescreen MBUX dual 12.3-inch digital displays.
- Executive 7-seater accommodation.
What’s not so good
- Massive exterior width requires care in narrow urban streets.
- High CRSP baseline on 3.0L GLE400d/450 variants.
Most popular: GLE300d / GLE400d / GLE450 4MATIC AMG Line
5 doorsPetrol, DieselAutomatic
At a glance
- Model
- Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (V167 Series)
- Production years
- 2017–2023
- Body type
- 5-Door 5/7-Seater Executive Luxury SUV
- Seating capacity
- 5 or 7
- Fuel types
- Clean Diesel, Petrol, MHEV
- Engine sizes
- 1,950 cc (GLE300d Diesel) / 2,925 cc (GLE400d) / 2,999 cc (GLE450 MHEV)
- Transmission
- 9-Speed Automatic
- Drivetrain
- Permanent 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive
- Ground clearance
- 205 mm (AIRMATIC up to 260 mm)
- Source market
- UK / Japan (RHD)
Fuel consumption
Manufacturer / import-market figures: 15.2 km/L (GLE300d) / 13.0 km/L (GLE400d) / 10.8 km/L (GLE450). Tank: 85 L (about 1292 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 1,816 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,297 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 14,932
- Full tank (85 L)
- KES 19,292
Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Trims & variants
- Setup
2.0L biturbo diesel (245 hp / 500 Nm), 9G-TRONIC, 4MATIC AWD, 15.2 km/L.
Package tiers
GLE grade tiers range from executive comfort packages to aggressive AMG Line sports packages.
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Executive | Mid luxury | Leather upholstery, dual 12.3-inch screens, 20-inch alloys, AIRMATIC suspension. |
| AMG Line | Sport flagship | AMG aero styling, 21-inch AMG alloys, Burmester 13-speaker audio, panoramic glass roof. |
About the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
The 2.0L GLE300d (1,950 cc OM654) stays under 2,000 cc, qualifying for KRA's standard 25% excise duty tax rate and saving over KSh 1.8M in duty compared to 3.0L variants.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
