GLE STRIKES BACK
Fourth-gen SUV has grown in size, with new engines and advanced new suspension bolstering its ability both on- and off-road
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has racked up more than two million sales worldwide since it first went on sale badged as the M-Class in 1997. To suggest it has been a success is stating the obvious. However, this new model is entering a vastly different market to the one back then. Today, the premium brand SUV ranks have grown to include multiple offerings from a wide variety of car makers in many different sizes and configurations.
So what next for the best-selling Mercedes-Benz SUV yet? The fourth-gen model has been developed anew from the ground up in an engineering programme that also includes the second-generation GLE Coupe and third-generation GLS, both due for sale in 2019. This is just as well, because the outgoing third-generation GLE was already showing its age next to newer rivals such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Range Rover Sport.
The surprise is just how much technology Mercedes-Benz has thrown at it in an attempt to elevate its appeal. There are features included on the new model that are not yet available in any other Merc currently on sale. So, in this respect, the new GLE itself in the unusual position of playing a pioneering technical role.
The most noticeable change is the decision to make it even larger again. This new one has grown, putting on a considerable 105mm in length at 4,924mm. Crucially, some 80mm of this is concentrated within the wheelbase, which now extends to 2,995mm, providing it with a much larger footprint and with it the scope for improved interior packaging.
Climb up into the cabin through a larger front door aperture and you’re immediately aware the new GLE is a far more luxurious offering than at any time in the past. Everything you see and touch has been reworked, including the front seats which are a good deal firmer and more body-hugging than before. The materials used throughout are also of a perceptibly higher quality.
The multi-layered dashboard boasts its own individual design with signature rectangular air vents as opposed to the round vents used by other recent new Mercs. Ahead of the driver, its upper section houses a large hoodless digital panel with two 12.3in high definition displays for the instruments and infotainment features.
There is a distinct feeling of roominess up front. It’s in the rear, however, where the big increases in accommodation have taken place. That longer wheelbase has increased rear legroom and, in combination with a longer rear overhang, aided for third seat row.
The fourth-generation GLE is based on the new MHA (modular high architecture) platform that is claimed to offer an impressive 33% increase in rigidity over the old model’s MRA (modular rear architecture).
The initial engine lineup starts with 245hp 2.0-litre diesel-turbo for GLE300d and 367hp 3.0-litre petrolturbo for GLE450. The latter engine, part of a new inline family of petrol and diesel units, is equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s new EQ Boost, which provides an added 22hp of power.
The new drivetrain provides prodigious shove when accelerating from low speeds and a solid turn of speed through the gears on a loaded throttle. It is also pleasingly hushed, giving the GLE450 relatively quiet cruising qualities.
For the most part, the GLE’s nine-speed automatic is every bit as silken smooth on upshifts as it is during downshifts. As good as the driveline and resulting performance are, however, the manner in which the GLE450 manages to mask its considerable size and weight with impressive handling traits while delivering a cossetting is arguably its crowning achievement.
The steering has better weighting and responsiveness compared to the old model, even though it goes without the rear-wheel steer assistance of some more contemporary luxury SUV rivals. The adoption of a full variable four-wheel drive system in the GLE450 also provides outstanding all-weather traction.
Where the new Mercedes-Benz really rises above the competition, though, is in the area of body control. With the optional E-Active suspension providing individual control of each spring and damper, the GLE450 remains remarkably flat and composed during brisk driving.
Still, that’s not the end of it by any means. There’s another option called curve inclination function. The amount of lean can be controlled within three different settings, with the most extreme providing sports car levels of cornering speed and a level of purchase more akin to a well sorted sporting estate than a high riding luxury SUV.
You can confidently place it and maintain a brisk pace over winding back roads without any untoward tyre squealing drama or premature interruption from the stability control system. Admittedly, it takes some while to become fully accustomed to the leaning effect.
The primary ride is also a strength. Undulations are dealt with in a controlled manner, while potholes are nicely ironed out at lower speeds around town.
With the arrival of the new fourth-generation model, the GLE has moved up in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, offering greater space, markedly higher levels of refinement and a range of standard features not even available in the German car maker’s upper luxury models.
In GLE450 guise, it is a compelling, complete and highly accomplished SUV that makes for outstanding family transport, both on and off-road.