How Much Does It Cost to Import a Mercedes-Benz GLE from the UK to Kenya?

A Mercedes-Benz GLE is one of the most popular choices for buyers looking for a premium SUV with a combination of luxury, performance, space and advanced technology.

If you are considering importing a Mercedes-Benz GLE from the UK to Kenya, the biggest question is usually not simply “How much does the car cost in the UK?”

It is:

“How much will the Mercedes-Benz GLE cost me by the time it is in Kenya and ready to drive?”

The answer depends on several factors, including the vehicle's purchase price, specification, age, shipping costs, customs valuation, applicable taxes, clearance and registration costs.

In this guide, we break down the main costs you should consider when importing a Mercedes-Benz GLE from the UK to Kenya.

How Much Does It Cost to Import a Mercedes-Benz GLE to Kenya?

There is no single fixed price for importing a Mercedes-Benz GLE because two GLEs can have very different purchase prices, specifications, engine sizes, ages and applicable customs valuations.

Your total cost can be thought of as:

Vehicle purchase price + shipping and insurance + applicable taxes and levies + clearance + registration and other import-related costs = total landed cost

For a used vehicle, the price paid to the UK seller is also not necessarily the same as the customs value used when calculating Kenyan import taxes.

KRA's current CRSP system is used in the valuation of used motor vehicles, with depreciation applied according to the vehicle's age. The revised CRSP schedule has also expanded the number of vehicle specifications covered, meaning the exact model and specification can matter when determining valuation.

For that reason, the best way to establish the likely landed cost of a particular Mercedes-Benz GLE is to calculate it using the exact vehicle specification, rather than relying on a generic percentage or a UK listing price alone.

A Mercedes-Benz GLE imported by UK RoadRunner from the UK

What Makes Up the Cost of Importing a Mercedes-Benz GLE?

When budgeting for a GLE, consider the following costs.

1. The Mercedes-Benz GLE purchase price

The first component is the price of the vehicle in the UK.

Prices can vary considerably depending on:

• Model year

• GLE variant

• Engine

• Mileage

• AMG Line or other trim

• Optional equipment

• Service history

• Vehicle condition

• Number of previous owners

A newer GLE with a higher specification can therefore have a substantially different landed cost from an older or lower-specification example.

2. Shipping from the UK to Kenya

The vehicle must then be transported from the UK to Kenya.

UK RoadRunner can arrange vehicle shipping from the UK to Mombasa using appropriate shipping options, including RoRo and container shipping.

The final shipping cost depends on factors such as the shipping method, vehicle and current freight rates.

3. Customs valuation and CRSP

One of the most important things to understand is that the price you pay for the vehicle in the UK is not necessarily the value KRA will use to calculate taxes. KRA does not tax your invoice.

KRA's revised CRSP schedule is used in the customs valuation of used motor vehicles. KRA explains that the CRSP represents the current retail selling price of a new vehicle and that depreciation is applied based on the vehicle's age when determining the customs value of a used vehicle. 

The exact GLE specification therefore matters.

For example, two Mercedes-Benz GLEs may look similar but have different engines, trims, equipment or other specifications that affect their applicable valuation.

4. Import duty

Import duty is calculated based on the applicable customs valuation and rate in force at the time of importation.

Because Kenyan tax and customs rules can change, the applicable rate should be confirmed when the vehicle is being imported rather than relying on an old online calculation.

5. Excise duty

Excise duty is another cost to consider.

The applicable rate depends on the vehicle and the tax rules in force at the time of importation. Engine characteristics and vehicle classification can affect the calculation.

This is particularly important for premium SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz GLE because different engines and variants can result in different tax calculations.

6. VAT and other statutory charges

VAT is also applied as part of the import taxation process.

There can also be other costs and statutory charges associated with importing a vehicle, including:

• Import Declaration Fee (IDF)

• Railway Development Levy (RDL)

• Inspection and compliance costs

• Port and handling charges

• Customs clearance

• Registration

• Delivery

The exact amount depends on the vehicle and the circumstances of the import.

A white Mercedes-Benz GLE350d imported by UK RoadRunner

Example: Calculating the Cost of a Mercedes-Benz GLE

Suppose you find a Mercedes-Benz GLE in the UK that appears to be attractively priced.

It would be a mistake to look only at:

UK purchase price = your final Kenyan cost

Instead, your calculation should consider:

This is why UK RoadRunner recommends looking at the complete landed cost before committing to a vehicle.

Worked example (illustrative only)

Your figure depends on the exact CRSP line for your GLE's year, engine and trim. Use our Kenya car duty calculator for an estimate, or request a written breakdown.

Why the Cheapest GLE in the UK May Not Be the Cheapest GLE to Import

A low UK purchase price can be attractive, but it is only one part of the calculation.

Consider two GLEs:

GLE A

• Older model

• Lower UK purchase price

• Higher mileage

• Lower specification

GLE B

• Newer model

• Higher UK purchase price

• Better specification

• Different engine

The difference in purchase price alone does not tell you which vehicle will have the lower total cost after shipping, valuation, taxes and other charges.

That is why it is important to calculate the import cost before purchasing the vehicle.

Which Mercedes-Benz GLE Can You Import from the UK?

UK RoadRunner can help source different Mercedes-Benz GLE variants depending on your requirements and the vehicles available in the UK market.

Depending on availability, this can include different:

• Model years

• Engines

• Trim levels

• Fuel types

• Mileage ranges

• Specifications

• Optional features

However, the vehicle must meet the applicable Kenyan import requirements before it is shipped.

UK RoadRunner's import process includes vehicle sourcing, pre-shipment inspection and export documentation before the vehicle is shipped to Kenya.

What Is the Process for Importing a Mercedes-Benz GLE with UK RoadRunner?

The process can be managed from vehicle sourcing through to delivery in Kenya.

Step 1: Tell us what GLE you want

We start with your preferred model, budget, specification and requirements.

Step 2: We source the vehicle

UK RoadRunner searches the UK market for a suitable Mercedes-Benz GLE based on your requirements.

Step 3: Vehicle checks and inspection

The vehicle is assessed before export, including the applicable pre-shipment inspection and compliance requirements.

Step 4: Export documentation

The required vehicle and export documentation is prepared before shipping.

Step 5: Shipping to Kenya

The vehicle is shipped from the UK to Mombasa by the appropriate shipping method.

Step 6: Customs clearance

Once the vehicle arrives, the applicable customs duties, taxes and clearance requirements are handled.

Step 7: Registration and delivery

After clearance, the vehicle proceeds through the required registration process before delivery to your preferred location in Kenya.

UK RoadRunner describes its service as an end-to-end process covering sourcing, documentation, shipping, customs clearance and delivery.

How Long Does It Take to Import a Mercedes-Benz GLE from the UK?

The total timeline depends on the vehicle's availability, inspection and documentation, shipping schedule, port processes, customs clearance and registration.

Rather than relying on one fixed number of days, your expected timeline should be confirmed for the specific vehicle and shipment.

Why Import a Mercedes-Benz GLE from the UK?

For Kenyan buyers, sourcing from the UK can provide access to a broad selection of used premium vehicles and different specifications.

The UK market can also provide access to vehicles with documented service histories and detailed specifications, depending on the individual vehicle.

However, the right vehicle is not simply the one with the lowest advertised price. The goal is to find a vehicle that makes sense after all import costs have been considered.

Want to Import a Mercedes-Benz GLE to Kenya?

If you have a particular Mercedes-Benz GLE in mind, UK RoadRunner can help you calculate the likely cost of sourcing and importing it from the UK.

Send us your preferred:

• Model year

• GLE variant

• Engine

• Budget

• Mileage preference

• Required features

We'll help you understand the vehicle cost, import process and expected landed cost before you commit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Mercedes-Benz GLE cost to import to Kenya?

The final cost depends on the specific GLE, its UK purchase price, age, specification, customs valuation, shipping, applicable taxes, clearance and registration. A personalised calculation is therefore more accurate than using one fixed price.

Does KRA use the price I paid in the UK to calculate tax?

Not necessarily. Used motor vehicles are subject to KRA's customs valuation framework, including the CRSP methodology and applicable depreciation. The customs value can therefore differ from the overseas purchase price.

Can I import any Mercedes-Benz GLE from the UK?

The vehicle must meet the applicable Kenyan import and compliance requirements. UK RoadRunner can help assess a vehicle before it is purchased and shipped.

Can UK RoadRunner source a Mercedes-Benz GLE for me?

Yes. UK RoadRunner provides vehicle sourcing and import services from the UK to Kenya, including sourcing, inspection, export documentation, shipping, customs clearance and delivery.

Can I get a quote before buying the vehicle?

Yes. In fact, obtaining an estimated landed cost before purchasing is an important part of planning a vehicle import.

What is included in the final import cost?

Depending on the quotation, the overall cost may include the vehicle, shipping, applicable taxes and levies, clearance, registration and delivery. Ask for a detailed quotation so you understand which costs are included and excluded.

A Mercedes-Benz GLE250d imported from the UK by UK RoadRunner

Looking for a Mercedes-Benz GLE or another vehicle from the UK? Browse our current inventory to see vehicles available for sourcing and import to Kenya. If you already have a particular car in mind, whether you have found it on a UK dealer's website, auction platform or another source, you can also share the vehicle details or listing with us. 

UK RoadRunner provides a free, no-obligation import quote showing the estimated costs involved, including the vehicle price, shipping, applicable taxes, clearance and other associated costs, so you can understand the likely landed cost before making a purchase. Our team can then help you with the sourcing, inspection, shipping, customs clearance and delivery process from the UK to Kenya. 

Note: Import tax rates, customs valuation methods, CRSP schedules, shipping costs and other charges can change. The figures and calculations used for an individual vehicle should therefore be confirmed at the time of importation. This article is for general information and is not a final customs or tax assessment.