The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 3.5L 6-cyl isn’t bought for its 20 MPG combined. It’s a mid-size luxury SUV designed to offer comfortable seating, a smooth and quiet ride, and showcase a certain image. Fuel economy is secondary, if not tertiary, to the priorities of the typical GLE350 buyer. They want the recognizable emblem, and they’re willing to pay for it both when buying it and filling the tank.

City and highway performance

The 2016 GLE350 with its naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 engine, has EPA estimates of 18 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the reality of stop-and-go traffic, where the GLE’s weight and conventional automatic transmission use more fuel. The highway figure is more respectable, aided by the transmission’s tall overdrive gears. However, even on the open road, the GLE350 is a large SUV pushing a lot of air, which impacts fuel efficiency. The 7-speed automatic transmission generally operates smoothly and keeps the engine in its ideal power range, but it’s not as good at maximizing fuel economy as some of the newer 8-speed or 9-speed units found in competing vehicles.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 at $2,900. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. It also assumes the use of regular unleaded gasoline at the national average fuel price. Actual fuel costs may vary depending on driving habits, the type of fuel used, and local gas prices. If you primarily drive in the city, or accelerate quickly, expect to spend considerably more than the EPA estimate. However, if you do a lot of highway driving and practice fuel-efficient driving techniques, you might be able to beat the $2,900 figure. Review all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data to see fuel costs of other Mercedes models.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates are a good starting point, fuel economy often differs in the real world. GLE350 drivers report numbers that are in line with, or slightly below, the EPA figures. Achieving the advertised 23 MPG on the highway requires a conscious effort to maintain a steady speed and avoid aggressive acceleration. In mixed driving, expect to see numbers closer to the 20 MPG combined rating, perhaps even slightly lower if you frequently encounter heavy traffic or like to accelerate quickly. Don’t expect hybrid-like fuel efficiency from this vehicle. It’s a traditional, comfortable SUV prioritizing ride quality and V6 power over economy.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2016 GLE350’s fuel economy is generally average. The BMW X5 sDrive35i (RWD) from the same year, with its turbocharged inline-6, manages a slightly better 21 MPG combined. The Lexus RX 350 is also more efficient, achieving 22 MPG combined and boasting a reputation for reliability that might sway some buyers. The Acura MDX, another popular luxury SUV, also gets better mileage than the GLE, with its 20 MPG city / 27 MPG highway rating. Of course, more powerful versions of these SUVs, like the Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S, sacrifice fuel economy for performance. For those cross-shopping, understanding these differences is critical. Drivers can also look at GLE350 MPG across all years to see efficiency gains or losses throughout the model range.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The GLE350’s weight and transmission respond negatively to that driving style. Smooth, gradual acceleration will improve fuel economy significantly. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible. Constant speed changes force the transmission to shift frequently, wasting fuel.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Hauling around extra cargo in the GLE350 adds weight, which decreases fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need from the vehicle, such as sports equipment or tools.

Take advantage of cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel efficiency. Use it whenever possible on long highway drives.

Consider using the “Eco” driving mode if your GLE350 is so equipped. This mode typically adjusts the throttle response and transmission shift points to prioritize fuel efficiency over performance. While it may make the vehicle feel slightly less responsive, it can noticeably improve MPG, especially in city driving.