Mercedes-Benz GLE 350d 4MATIC Review
2015-2023
The Mercedes-Benz GLE 350d 4MATIC (W166 Facelift 2015–2019 & V167 2019–2023) is one of Kenya's premier executive luxury SUVs. Renowned for its velvet-smooth 6-cylinder diesel torque, AIRMATIC adaptive air suspension, quiet cabin acoustic insulation, and 4MATIC all-wheel drive stability, the GLE 350d is favored by executive commuters, diplomats, and long-distance highway drivers in East Africa. Landed prices in Kenya range from KSh 6.8M to KSh 15.2M depending on generation, year, and equipment specification.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Massive 600–620 Nm low-end diesel torque: Effortless high-speed overtaking on the Nairobi–Mombasa or Eldoret highway.
- AIRMATIC air suspension & 4MATIC AWD: Glides over speed bumps and unpaved roads while offering up to 285 mm ground clearance.
- MBUX widescreen dual displays (V167): Twin 12.3-inch glass cockpits with Augmented Reality navigation and voice control.
- Substantial 3,500 kg towing capacity: Easily hauls trailers, boats, or safari equipment.
What’s not so good
- 35% KRA luxury excise duty rate: Engine displacement (>2,500 cc) incurs higher customs taxes.
- AdBlue DEF system maintenance: Requires periodic replenishment of diesel exhaust fluid to avoid engine lockouts.
- AIRMATIC air strut replacement costs: Requires specialized diagnostic tools and genuine Mercedes air bellows upon wear.
Most popular: GLE 350d 4MATIC AMG Line / Night Edition
5 doorsDieselAutomatic
At a glance
- Model
- Mercedes-Benz GLE 350d 4MATIC (W166 & V167 Series)
- Production years
- 2015–2023
- Body type
- 5-Door Executive 5 or 7-Seater SUV
- Seating capacity
- 5 (W166) / 5 or 7 (V167)
- Fuel types
- Clean Turbo Diesel
- Engine sizes
- 2,987 cc (W166 V6) / 2,925 cc (V167 Inline-6)
- Transmission
- 9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic
- Drivetrain
- 4MATIC Permanent / Variable All-Wheel Drive
- Ground clearance
- 202 mm (up to 285 mm with AIRMATIC on V167)
- Source market
- UK / Japan (RHD)
Trims & variants
- Setup
3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel (OM642 - 258 hp / 620 Nm), 9G-TRONIC automatic, 4MATIC AWD. Real-world fuel economy: 14.5 – 15.6 km/L combined (11.8 city / 17.8 highway).
- Why it gets shipped
COMAND Online infotainment, optional AIRMATIC suspension, AMG Line sports exterior package, panoramic glass roof.
Fuel consumption
Figures for the W166 Generation (2015–2019 GLE 350d 4MATIC). Tank: 93 L (about 1451 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 1,808 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,281 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 14,600
- Full tank (93 L)
- KES 21,182
Based on diesel at KES 227.76/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Package tiers
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Executive / Sport | Premium Base | LED Intelligent Light System, ARTICO leather seats, 19-inch alloys, 4MATIC AWD, THERMATIC dual-zone climate. |
| AMG Line | Sport Luxury | AMG diamond grille, aggressive body styling, 20-inch AMG alloys, Nappa leather flat-bottom steering wheel, AMG floor mats. |
| Night Edition | Blacked-Out Luxury | Gloss black exterior mirrors, blacked-out window surrounds, 21-inch dark AMG wheels, panoramic sunroof, Burmester audio. |
About the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350d 4MATIC
Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive regulations. In 2026, 2018 W166 models sit on the 8-year import boundary, while 2019 to 2023 V167 models sit comfortably inside the legal direct import window.
Both engine configurations—the 3.0L V6 (2,987 cc OM642) and the 2.9L Inline-6 (2,925 cc OM656)—exceed 2,500 cc, placing the GLE 350d strictly in KRA's 35% luxury excise duty tax bracket.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
