Mercedes-Benz Gle Class

Mercedes Benz GLE

There are two versions of the Mercedes Benz GLE; the full-blown sport utility vehicle (SUV) and a sportier-looking and more curvaceous and aerodynamic coupé variant. Either way, new or used, this is a high-technology premium car.

The Exterior

The GLE, in either guise, has a powerful and elegant stance on the road. The radiator grille dominates the front end, set between standard fit full LED headlights. A chrome under-guard completes the picture on the SUV. Although both models are the same under the skin, the coupé looks quite different. It’s wider and has a slightly shorter wheelbase with a lower roof-line and a swooping rear end. 20” five-twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels are standard fit but there’s options to upgrade here on new models.

There are a variety of equipment levels to choose from plus a choice of five diesel and petrol engines, including the ‘GLE 350 de’ plug-in hybrid. At entry level the GLE 300 d 4MATIC features a 2.0 litre four-cylinder diesel engine while the GLE 350 d steps up the power with a choice of 3.0 litre six-cylinder diesel engines with an output of either 272 or 330bhp. The former delivers up to 37 miles per gallon with CO² emissions from 200 g/km. The flagship model gets a V8.

Petrol power features in the GLE 450 4MATIC with a 3.0 litre straight-six petrol engine with EQ Boost, with an output of 367bhp and 500Nm of torque. EQ Boost uses a 48-volt onboard network with an Integrated Starter Generator. Lastly, the GLE 350 de diesel plug-in hybrid features a 2.0 litre engine that generates 194bhp and 700Nm, with an additional 136bhp and 440 Nm available from the electric motor. It has a 31.2 kWh battery which allows an all-electric range of up to a fantastic 66 miles; that’s quite impressive.

The Interior

The inside of the GLE is, as would be expected, luxuriously appointed in Nappa leather. The driver’s seat gets electric adjustment for backrest angle and seat height as well as adjustable lumbar support. The big comfortable seats offer passengers commanding views. Options vary, but with, say, the optional AMG Line Premium package extras include a seat position memory feature and an electrically adjustable steering wheel. Both come as standard on the higher specified AMG 53, which also has extra side bolstering on the seats.

The dashboard is as elegant as it is high-tech, appearing as one widescreen across the dashboard. It offers plenty of features, including DAB radio, Bluetooth and navigation. AMG Line models come as standard with the brilliant MBUX multimedia system that features the German brand’s ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice activation via a 12.3” cockpit display and a 12.3” touchscreen media display. Buyers wishing to import from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and elsewhere who opt for the seven seat option will also benefit from additional USB ports, four-zone climate control and electric rear seat adjustment.

Driving The Mercedes Benz GLE

There’s plenty of safety technology on board this car. Features include Blind Spot Assist, LED high performance headlights with Adaptive High Beam Assist, a parking package that includes Active Parking Assist and Traffic Sign Assist. The list goes on.

Two suspension set-ups are available. The entry-level 300d comes with conventional steel springs, while plusher air suspension is fitted to the more powerful engines. The ride is super-comfortable whether in town or out on the highways. For such a big car the steering is mercifully light at low speeds, making tight manoeuvres easy, but it firms up as the speed increases. Don’t expect nimble handling; this car is about transporting people in total comfort but thanks to 4Matic all-wheel-drive, driving off road is not an issue and the benefits are felt when the road conditions are bad.

All the GLE variants drive through a smooth and responsive nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard. Most drivers will happily leave it in auto and in Sport Plus mode performance gets livelier, especially when using the paddle-shifts.

Should You Buy One?

The Mercedes Benz GLE is well made, reliable and modern and the unusual choice of body styles make the car interesting. It’s a VAT-qualifying vehicle too, which helps when buying to import. There’s loads of safety equipment as standard and the car has been awarded the five stars in Euro NCAP safety tests. It can tow too. Check availability with us here at MHH International to find out more about this accomplished vehicle.