The Curve function allows the GLE to lean into corners like a motorcycle
Electric adjustment for the sliding second-row opens up generous space for passengers, and varies boot space between 630L and 825L, or 2055L with all seats stowed. Clever packaging of the folding third row means cargo capacity is the same as the five-seater with the rear pair tucked away, and a storage compartment for the cargo blind gives it somewhere to hide when all seats are deployed. Kids in the third row get USB ports and cup holders, though an absence of vents means making do with airflow from face-level B-pillar outlets is as good as it gets.
Elsewhere the GLE’S premium cabin is an attractive and comfortable place to spend time. Advanced driver assistance and Benz’s latest MBUX infotainment are standard, presented on a beautiful dual-pane widescreen display. Thoughtful touches are littered throughout, especially with Merc’s Interior Assistant package optioned in. This brings a huge head-up display, augmented reality for clearer navigation and gesture control that buyers might actually use.
Air suspension is standard on all variants, and adjustable for height and firmness via drive modes depending on driving style and terrain. On broad Texan roads around San Antonio where we drove the GLE, its ride comfort was impressive, with only a hint of terseness over the few choppy surfaces we encountered. But the party trick, for those who option it, is a new suspension system called E-active Body Control.
Mercedes has been playing with active suspension since the 1970s to minimise the impact of bumps on cabins (see sidebar, left), but this 48v system is a first. It’s available on GLE450 and 400d, with the latter gaining the 450’s 48v battery and alternator when E-ABC is fitted. The hardware can vary the ride height of each wheel for off-roading, and has a rocking-free mode for getting out of soft sand. Integration with the GLE’S radar and cameras can scan the road surface to preemptively react to potholes, and a function called Curve allows the GLE to lean into corners like a motorcycle, which works better on fast, flowing tarmac than tight, twisty terrain. The struts even recuperate kinetic energy to charge the 48v system.
Benz has taken an allencompassing approach to the development of this GLE and delivered a thoroughly wellrounded family car. How much of its cutting-edge tech will be standard in Oz remains to be seen, but the GLE is set to take the fight to a new generation of BMW X5 with more weapons in its arsenal than ever.