The Mercedes-Benz GLE replaced the older ML 4x4, and with updated looks to bring the large SUV into line with the rest of the brand’s range, there’s more technology and style on offer.
As part of Mercedes’ new naming strategy, the ‘GL’ tag highlights this is part of Mercedes’ SUV range, while the E part signifying its similar to the E-Class saloon in terms of its size and positioning.
Apart from the name and facelifted styling, there aren’t any huge changes – instead Mercedes has evolved the old car into a more efficient, higher-tech off-roader that should see it stay competitive against the latest BMW X5.
Image 2 of 10
There are four engines to choose from – two diesels and two petrols. The entry-level four-cylinder GLE 250d is the most efficient conventionally powered car, followed by the V6 GLE 350d. If you’re after an eco champion, however, the GLE 500e hybrid – a new model to the ML/GLE line-up – combines a petrol V6 with an electric motor, meaning it emits just 78g/km CO2 but still packs strong performance.
At the other end of the scale is the high-performance AMG GLE 63 S, which boasts 577bhp from its twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 engine. CO2 emissions of 276g/km mean this will be costly to run.
Like the engine line-up the trim range is compact, consisting of just four models. Buyers can choose from Sport, AMG Line, designo Line and the full-fat AMG, but there are certain restrictions on which engine and trim level combination you can go for.
Even with the lowest rung of the GLE ladder there’s plenty of equipment on offer, as Sport versions come fitted with a new nine-speed automatic gearbox, Mercedes’ Dynamic Select system, sat-nav, all-round parking sensors with a reversing camera, Bluetooth, DAB radio, cruise control and lots of advanced safety kit. 19-inch alloy wheels come as standard, with the AMG Line and designo Line variants benefiting from 20-inch AMG alloys. Go for the 63 S and this increases to 21 inches.
Our choice: Mercedes-Benz GLE 350d AMG Line
As with the GLE Coupe, the regular GLE’s nose is much sleeker compared to the square-set ML model it replaces. The headlights flow back into the wings, with the large radiator grille and Mercedes logo dominating the front-end design. Underneath there are another three large grilles that give the GLE even more visual presence.
Moving away from the front and down the car’s sides, the overall shape looks more familiar, with minimal changes to the car’s panels. It’s much the same at the rear, with the most notable alterations over the old car a new set of taillights and a revised rear bumper that features chromed exhausts depending on the model.
Image 9 of 10
Despite this, the visual makeover is still a success. Mercedes has blended its latest curvier design language with the boxy proportions of the old car to great effect and the new GLE is definitely an improvement visually.
The cabin has also been overhauled, with a new central tablet screen as part of the infotainment system. It’s flanked by two large air vents, but with a thick bezel around the edge of the display, it’s not quite as slick as systems in rivals like the BMW X5. It’s also not as intuitive to use as BMW’s iDrive either.
Image 3 of 10
Customers can enhance the look of the GLE inside and out, and upgrading to AMG Line trim adds sportier styling with a different body kit, the larger wheels mentioned above and sports seats inside. Go for designo line and the GLE keeps the distinctive AMG styling on the outside, but features nappa leather as well as some different interior colour combinations and trim finishes.
The 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel in the GLE 250d puts out 201bhp, but more significantly 500Nm of torque at just 1,600rpm. This means the performance it serves up is acceptable, with the 0-62mph sprint taking 8.6 seconds. However, the 250d is grumbly at idle and sounds strained when you rev it.
The 3.0-litre turbo V6 diesel in the GLE 350d is a much nicer unit, with a big step up in torque to 620NM produced at the same revs. Along with 254bhp, it means much more performance, with the 0-62mph time coming down to 7.1 seconds. Top speed stands at 140mph compared to 132mph for the 250d.
Although it boasts incredible efficiency credentials, the GLE 500e hybrid is also surprisingly rapid thanks to the instantaneous torque developed by its electric motor. With a total of 346bhp and 650Nm of torque available, this big 2,465kg SUV is as fast as some sports cars, hitting 62mph from rest in 5.3 seconds and going on to 152mph.
Image 1 of 10
Impressively, it’ll run at motorway speeds on electric power alone, while its all-electric range is around 18 miles depending on how you drive.
However, if you’re a real driving enthusiast and want the practicality of an SUV with the performance of a supercar, the AMG GLE 63 S perfectly fits the bill. The big V8 produces a lovely, deep rumble and will catapult the GLE from 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds, while its speed is electronically limited to 155mph.
All GLE’s feature Mercedes’ Drive Select system, which allows the driver to adjust the weight of the steering and the throttle response, with Slippery, Comfort and Sport modes to choose from. On the 350d and above, the GLE also comes with Merc’s Airmatic air suspension with adaptive dampers, so the Drive Select dial will also change the firmness of the chassis depending on how you want to drive.
Image 10 of 10
Permanent four-wheel drive is also standard across the range – even on the 500e, so you can go off-road in zero emissions mode.
With an off-road pack that adds a locking centre differential and an extra ride height setting for the air suspension, the GLE is capable away from the tarmac, but it’ll likely spend most of its time on it.
The car rides well on the road in Comfort, although larger bumps do ruffle the chassis and it takes a while to settle back down. Switch into Sport mode and the car is noticeably firmer – this controls the GLE’s sizeable bulk better, but it does hurt ride quality. The weightier steering means the car feels reassuring on the road, but there’s still very little feedback through the wheel. It’s no sports car, so it’s best to leave the GLE in Comfort and cruise.
Mercedes hasn’t managed to shake off its poor reliability image over recent years and finished 26th out of 32 manufacturers when it came to reliability. Its overall result of 11th in our 2015 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey is better, but its still a two place drop on its 2014 performance.
When it comes to safety, Mercedes has pioneered plenty of innovations in the past, and the new GLE features lots of kit to help avoid a crash or protect you if the worst should happen.
There’s an adaptive bonnet that pops up in the event of a pedestrian impact to cushion the blow, as well as Attention assist that monitors driver behaviour and tells you when you need to take a break.
On top of this the GLE gets Collision prevention assist plus, which will give an visual and audible warning to the driver if it sense a potential crash, before applying the brakes for you to try and avoid a bump. There’s also Crosswind assist to help on open roads.
The old ML was given a full five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP, so being based on the same chassis with even more tech, the GLE should be even safer.
The GLE’s vast dimensions mean interior space isn’t a problem. There’s lots of room in the rear, with ample headroom and legroom, so longer journeys should be easy. Even short trips with three adults in the back should be fine.
Image 4 of 10
There’s enough boot space to swallow five people’s luggage, too. With the rear seats up the GLE boasts 690 litres in its load bay – except for the hybrid, as the battery pack eats into the luggage compartment and cuts usable space down to 480 litres. It also raises the boot floor so you’ll have to lift bags even higher to get them in the back.
With big doors that open wide, access to the rear is easy, and with lots of glass area visibility is good. Plus the standard-fit reversing camera and parking sensors help with manoeuvring.
Compared to the entry-level BMW X5, the GLE 250d is just as efficient, returning 47.9mpg combined with 155g/km CO2, but it’s down on power significantly as the BMW boasts a 258bhp 3.0-litre diesel. The 350d isn’t as frugal as its X5 equivalent, the xDrive 30d, with on-paper fuel economy of 42.8mpg combined and 174g/km CO2.
The hybrid GLE 500e’s 78g/km CO2 total (84g/km on the smaller wheels) is impressive, but you’ll unlikely to hit the 76.4mpg quoted figure under real-world driving conditions.
We’d also recommend taking the AMG 63 S model’s 23.9mpg predicted economy with a pinch of salt – weighing 2,345kg there’s a lot of mass the V8 has to move, so high teens would be a fair assessment. The 276g/km CO2 output means it’ll cost a hefty £505 per year to tax.
Artikel terkait :
UK's cheapest fuel stations: postcode lottery can add £500 a year to petrol and diesel bills- Aston Martin electric supercar to rival Tesla Roadster
- Volkswagen upgrades Golf and Passat for 2018 with new engines and equipment
- Over half of new cars sold in Norway are electric or hybrid
- UK car sales fall 5.5% in 2017: petrol sales and CO2 rise as buyers ditch diesel
- Citroen C3 Elle revealed in collaboration with fashion magazine
- How to choose a kids' ride-on car 2018 - ten options from £33 to £100
- UK facing up to EV charging challenge
- Hyundai partners with Aurora in bid for self-driving cars by 2021
- New Mercedes G-Class prototype ride review