I noticed something that was interesting for me to find out.
I held a rare-earth magnet (with protective cushion) against the hood and the fenders and there was no magnetic pull at all.
On the other hand, the doors, trunk and pillars did have very strong pull.

So my guess is the above front parts are made of aluminum to save weight.

Is this something that MB publish about the GLE?

 

My understand is that they designed it that way so that in case of a crash, the front will crumble and absorb most of the energy, vs the door which it need to be strong to protect from side impact (since there is less room to crumble and absorb the energy).
(Please correct me if I am wrong)

 

Bothe my 2016 models are the same. Alloy hoods and fenders are very commom.

 

Makes sense.

It's also less prone to rusting in case of stone chips etc.

BTW, the Fuel Door Gas Cap is also the same.

 

Pretty much everything has an aluminum hood and fenders now. Even my Chrysler Pacifica, hood, fenders, sliding door and the rear hatch are all aluminum.