Buying a used German SUV is usually a gamble that involves your mechanic becoming your new best friend. Honestly, when people look at the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE Class, they’re often caught between the allure of that massive three-pointed star and the terrifying reality of out-of-warranty air suspension repairs. It’s a weird middle ground. This was the second year of the GLE nameplate—previously the M-Class—and it represents a specific era where Mercedes was trying to pivot from "sturdy tank" to "rolling computer."
You’ve probably seen these sitting on used car lots for what looks like a steal. But there is a reason for that.
The 2017 model year was pivotal because it wasn't just a rebadge of the old ML; it was the year Mercedes really leaned into the "coupe" SUV craze and solidified the plug-in hybrid options. Whether you’re looking at a base GLE 350 or the fire-breathing AMG versions, the 2017 GLE Class is a complex beast. It’s comfortable. It’s heavy. It’s expensive to keep perfect.
What the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE Class Gets Right (and Wrong)
Most people get into a 2017 GLE and immediately notice the interior. It’s old-school Mercedes luxury. You get real buttons. That’s a big deal now that every new car is just a giant iPad glued to a dashboard. The build quality in the GLE 350 and GLE 400 is generally top-tier, but you have to watch out for the MB-Tex upholstery. While it’s marketed as "premium vinyl," the bolsters on the driver’s seat are notorious for cracking after about 50,000 miles. It’s a small thing that makes a $60,000 car feel like a budget rental.
Performance-wise, the 3.5-liter V6 in the GLE 350 is basically bulletproof. It produces 302 horsepower, which is... fine. It’s not fast. It’s adequate for merging onto a highway while hauling a couple of kids and a week's worth of groceries from Costco. If you want actual soul, you have to jump to the GLE 43 AMG.
That’s where things get confusing.
The 2017 GLE 43 was part of Mercedes' "AMG-lite" branding. It has a bit more theater, a bit more exhaust pop, and significantly more maintenance costs. You’re looking at larger brakes and staggered tire setups that can easily cost $1,500 for a full set. Is it worth it? For some, yeah. The 385 horsepower makes the heavy chassis feel much more alive. But for the average person just wanting a comfy ride to work, the standard GLE 350 is the smarter financial play.
The Elephant in the Room: The GLE 550e
Mercedes tried something ambitious with the 550e plug-in hybrid. On paper, it’s great. You get a combined 436 horsepower and about 12 miles of electric-only range.
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Twelve miles.
In the real world, that barely gets you to the end of your neighborhood. The battery pack also eats into the trunk space, creating a weird "hump" in the cargo floor. Unless you have a very specific commute and a death-defying love for complex electronics, the hybrid is usually the one to avoid on the used market. The complexity of the regenerative braking system alone can lead to some very "interesting" brake pedal feel that most drivers find disconcerting.
Real World Reliability: What Actually Breaks?
If you're hunting for a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE Class, you need to be a bit of a detective. These cars are heavy. Weight kills components.
- AIRMATIC Suspension: If the car has the adjustable air suspension, check if it sags after sitting overnight. If one corner is lower than the others, you’re looking at a leaking air strut. It’s not a matter of "if," but "when." Replacing these at a dealership is a mortgage payment.
- The 7G-TRONIC and 9G-TRONIC Transmissions: Most 2017 models have the 9-speed, which is smoother than the older 7-speed, but it can be jerky in low gears. A software update usually fixes it, but sometimes it’s a sign of a worn valve body.
- Engine Sensors: The M276 engine is solid, but cam magnet sensors can leak oil into the wiring harness. It’s a "silent killer" that can eventually fry the ECU.
I’ve seen owners spend $4,000 in a single visit because they ignored a small oil seep. Don't be that person. Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) from an independent German car specialist. Do not trust the "multi-point inspection" from a generic used car lot. They aren't looking for oil in your wiring harness.
The "Coupe" Problem
We have to talk about the GLE Coupe. It’s a polarizing design. You lose a massive amount of rear visibility and cargo space just for a sloping roofline. Some people love the aggressive stance; others think it looks like a hunchbacked turtle. From a practical standpoint, the 2017 GLE Coupe only came in the higher trims (AMG 43 and 63), so you’re paying a premium for less utility.
Tech and Daily Livability
The COMAND infotainment system in the 2017 GLE is... let's call it "vintage." It uses a rotary controller and a screen that doesn't support touch. However, 2017 was a lucky year. Many of these units came with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, though it might require a wired connection. This single feature saves the car from feeling like a dinosaur.
The safety tech is actually still quite relevant. Mercedes was ahead of the curve with PRE-SAFE and Attention Assist. If the car detects a collision is imminent, it'll actually emit a "pink noise" through the speakers to protect your hearing from the sound of the crash. That’s the kind of over-engineering you're paying for.
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But there are frustrations. The cupholders are in a weird spot. The footwell is a bit cramped for taller drivers. And the fuel economy? If you get 20 MPG combined in a GLE 350, you’re doing great. If you have a lead foot, expect 16 MPG. It’s a thirsty vehicle.
Maintenance Costs: A Reality Check
You shouldn't buy a Mercedes if you’re on a Toyota budget. A standard "Service A" (oil change and inspections) usually runs $250–$400. A "Service B" (more intensive checks, brake fluid, filters) can easily hit $800–$1,200.
Then there are the tires. The 20-inch and 21-inch wheels look amazing, but the tires are expensive and don't last long because of the vehicle's weight. You’ll be replacing them every 25,000 to 30,000 miles. It adds up.
Why Some People Still Swear By Them
Despite the costs, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE Class offers a level of "heft" that newer, lighter SUVs lack. When you shut the door, it sounds like a vault. On the highway, it’s eerily quiet. It tracks straight as an arrow even in high winds. There’s a psychological comfort to driving something this substantial.
It’s also a towing powerhouse. Most versions are rated to tow around 7,200 pounds. That’s better than many mid-sized trucks. If you have a boat or a horse trailer but don't want to drive a Ford F-150 every day, the GLE is one of the best luxury options out there.
Comparing the Competition
Back in 2017, the BMW X5 was the "sporty" choice and the Lexus RX was the "sensible" choice. The GLE sat right in the middle. It’s more luxurious and has a better interior than the Lexus, but it’s more reliable (in some trims) than the BMW of that same era. The Audi Q7 offered a third row, which the GLE lacked in this generation unless you stepped up to the massive GLS.
If you need a third row, the 2017 GLE is a non-starter. It’s a strict five-seater. But for five people, it’s one of the roomiest cabins in the class. The rear seat legroom is genuinely impressive, and three adults can actually sit across the back without a massive fight breaking out.
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Actionable Advice for Buyers
If you’re serious about picking up a 2017 GLE, don't just buy the first shiny one you see. Follow these steps to avoid a financial nightmare:
1. Prioritize the GLE 350 without Air Suspension
Unless you absolutely need the speed of the AMG, the base GLE 350 with traditional coil springs is the most reliable version. It eliminates the most common high-dollar failure point (the air struts).
2. Check the Maintenance Records for Transmission Flushes
Mercedes recommends a transmission service every 60,000 miles. If the previous owner skipped this, walk away. These gearboxes are sensitive to dirty fluid.
3. Test Every Single Button
The 2017 model has a lot of interior electronics. Check the heated seats, the sunroof operation, and the motorized steering column. The steering column motors are known to fail, and it’s a surprisingly expensive fix because of the labor involved.
4. Look for the Premium 1 Package
This gave the car the keyless entry, navigation, and the better Harmon Kardon sound system. A "base" GLE without these feels surprisingly stripped down and will be harder to resell later.
5. Verify the Spare Tire Area
Check for water ingress. Sometimes the seals on the rear taillights or the liftgate fail, and water pools in the spare tire well, eventually rotting out the electronics located there.
The 2017 GLE isn't a car you buy with your head alone; it's a "heart" purchase that requires a healthy emergency fund. It’s a fantastic long-distance cruiser that still looks modern today, provided you can stomach the occasional $1,500 repair bill. It represents a peak of tactile, physical luxury before everything turned into touchscreens and piano black plastic. Just do your homework, find a one-owner car with a stack of receipts, and you might actually enjoy the experience.
Next Steps for Potential Owners
To make an informed decision, your first move should be to pull the VMI (Vehicle Master Inquiry) or a detailed Carfax. Look specifically for "Owner 1" being a lease—these cars were usually maintained at the dealership for the first three years. Following that, find a local independent mechanic who specializes in Mercedes-Benz and ask them for a "PPI" (Pre-Purchase Inspection) focusing on the M276 engine's cam magnets and the rear main seal. Finally, budget an additional $2,000 on top of the purchase price for immediate "catch-up" maintenance like tires, brake fluid, and spark plugs, as most sellers trade these in just as a major service interval approaches.