20 MPG combined isn’t ideal for everyone, but owners of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE400 4matic often find it an acceptable trade-off for the luxury, performance, and all-weather confidence this mid-size SUV provides. This isn’t a vehicle purchased to maximize efficiency; it’s for those prioritizing a refined driving experience, a comfortable and well-appointed interior, and the prestige associated with Mercedes-Benz. The GLE400, with its turbocharged V6, appeals to buyers who want more power and responsiveness than the base four-cylinder GLE350 offers, and they’re willing to accept the fuel economy difference.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 GLE400 4matic achieves 18 MPG in city driving and 22 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect moving a substantial SUV with a powerful engine and all-wheel drive. The city figure, more than the highway number, truly reflects the vehicle’s thirst for fuel. Stop-and-start traffic, coupled with the engine’s quickness, means frequent trips to the fuel pump. The highway MPG is more respectable, but still trails competitors as aerodynamic drag and the vehicle’s weight affect it at higher speeds. The 7-speed automatic transmission, while generally smooth and responsive, favors performance over fuel conservation.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE400 4matic is $2,900. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a percentage of those miles split between city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price for premium gasoline, which this vehicle requires. Keep in mind that individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and the percentage of city versus highway miles driven impact real-world fuel costs. If you drive significantly more in the city than the EPA estimates, or if fuel prices in your area are higher than the national average, expect to pay more than $2,900 per year to keep your GLE400 fueled.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, real-world fuel economy deviates based on individual driving habits, terrain, weather conditions, and vehicle maintenance. GLE400 drivers who frequently use the engine’s power for quick acceleration or often drive in stop-and-go traffic see fuel economy figures closer to the city estimate, or even lower. However, those who primarily drive on the highway at moderate speeds and practice smooth acceleration might be able to nudge the MPG slightly higher than the EPA’s highway rating. Expect that the 20 MPG combined figure represents an average, and your actual fuel economy will change from tank to tank.

How it compares

The 2016 GLE400’s fuel economy isn’t as good as some of its competitors. The BMW X5 xDrive35i, with its turbocharged inline-six, gets a slightly better 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway. The Acura MDX SH-AWD, with its V6 engine, offers a more competitive 19 MPG city and 27 MPG highway. Even the Volvo XC90 T6 AWD, with its supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder, delivers a superior 22 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. These differences might seem small on paper, but they add up over time. Potential buyers need to weigh the GLE400’s strengths, its luxurious features and brand appeal, against the slightly better fuel economy offered by some rivals. For those interested in seeing other all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data or GLE400 MPG across all years, further research is easily accessible.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The GLE400’s turbocharged engine responds to throttle input, but frequent acceleration reduces fuel efficiency. Practice smooth and gradual acceleration, especially from a standstill. Anticipate traffic flow to avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications, found on the driver’s side doorjamb or in the owner’s manual.

Minimize idling. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engine technology allows for quick and easy restarts. Many later model year Mercedes vehicles have an auto stop/start feature for this reason.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed on the highway using cruise control improves fuel economy compared to constantly varying your speed. However, be mindful of terrain changes. In hilly areas, the cruise control might downshift aggressively, negating some of the fuel-saving benefits. Consider manually managing the transmission using the paddle shifters to maintain a more consistent speed and gear.

Keep the vehicle properly maintained. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, ensures that the engine runs efficiently. A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, reducing engine performance and fuel economy. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to keep your GLE400 operating at its best.