Bigger and better plus luxury
M-B’s SUV now rivals its traditional sedans for cabin comfort and technology, writes David Linklater.
Don’t be fooled by the exquisite styling proportions of the new Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV: step up into it and you suddenly find everything’s about 20 per cent larger than you expected.
It is a big vehicle but that is OK.
A lot of it is about 20 per cent more impressive than you might have been expecting as well. Know what you mean: M-B has embraced the SUV revolution with a dizzying array of options. The brand offers five distinct SUV lines, or more if you want to start counting inter-model variations on the theme.
The GLE is significant for many reasons. It is the latest incarnation of the brand’s original SUV, the ML-class of 1998; its footprint is indeed nearly 20 per cent larger than that model, depending on how you measure it.
It is also the newest thing in the M-B range, which makes it the most hi-tech model the company offers.
It is small beginnings for the range: our 300d four-cylinder is the entry point, with the six-cylinder 400d above it. That is it for now but expect a bigger lineup to come, including the obligatory go-fast Mercedes-AMG versions.
You bet. Diesel power is still the logical choice for an SUV of this size.
Despite what the number on the tailgate might imply, the 300d has a small engine: it is a 2.0-litre four but makes impressive numbers. Lots of gearbox ratios to keep it working as well: nine, driving all four wheels.
For all that, the 300d is still far from the automatic choice. It provides great
2.0-litre turbo-diesel four, 180kW/500Nm, 9-speed automatic, AWD, fuel economy 6.9 litres per 100km/180g/km (source: RightCar), 0-100kmh 7.2 seconds.
Vital statistics: 4924mm long, 1797mm high, 2995mm wheelbase, luggage capacity 630-2055 litres, 21-inch alloy wheels with 275/45 front and 275/50 rear tyres (part of AMG Sport Package, 20in standard).
We like: On-road presence, technology and luxury, good value.
We don’t like: Engine has to work for a living, naff running boards.
performance on paper but you are always aware that it is working hard and it feels a bit thin once you really start to press on.
If you like to drive a bit harder or like an engine with lots of character, try the six-cylinder 400d and you will be hooked. It is another $11k but it adds a whole other dimension to the GLE beyond just power and speed.
The GLE is not an especially sporting SUV, although that might change when we start to see the AMG-enhanced versions.
In standard form, there is plenty of grip (especially on our test car’s optional 21-inch wheels and fat rubber) but the steering and chassis both remove the driver from the road somewhat.
There is also quite a bit of body roll in quick corners, although that may be opportunity cost for an impressive ride – at least on the larger undulations. The suspension can still react sharply to smaller imperfections (secondary ride).
You can sharpen up the 300d with any number of chassis options.
There is Airmatic suspension ($3400) for a start, and once you have got that on board you can also go for E-Active Body Control ($13,000), which includes a curve-tilting function (like a motorcycle) and road-surface scan that prepares the suspension for the tarmac ahead.
Yes, they have thought of everything. But it is clear that in standard form, the GLE is very much about luxury.
So prepare to be amazed by the cabin. The GLE gets the twin-screen (but it is supposed to look like just one) MBUX dashboard from the A-class but it looks and feels even more dazzling at this scale.
The GLE has every conceivable piece of driver-assistance technology, including a function called Active Stop and Go Assist that gives extra automation at low speed. You can see what is happening on the massive headup display.
The fit and finish is exceptional and M-B’s option packages do let you take the GLE to whatever level of luxury you want.
Our car had the AMG Sport Package, with extra styling and trim upgrades inside and out, but also the Luxury Seat Package ($3700) with ‘‘climatised’’, multicontour chairs and the Vision Package ($4200) with a panoramic glass roof and grunty Burmester surround sound system.
You can also be practical and take advantage of the GLE’s size by adding the seven-seat package, complete with power adjustment, for $3900. It is beautifully integrated and does nothing to undermine the luxury ambience of the GLE’s cabin.
The only low point is rather high: M-B NZ insists on putting running boards on its SUVs, which not only look naff but also make your (presumably) expensive trousers dirty because they are too small to safely step on in wet weather but too large to be out of the way. Luckily, they are also a no-costdelete item.
Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d Base price: $128,200. Powertrain and performance:
A few short years ago the E-class was the pinnacle of the M-B lineup and arguably the most hi-tech car in the world. The only reason you would have bought the ageing GLE (the ‘‘E’’ aligning it with the E-class in the brand’s model range) would be if you really, really wanted an SUV. Which lots of people did.
Now, the GLE is not just an SUV alternative: it is a rival for the traditional E-class in terms of luxury (if not ride comfort or handling) and beats it for technology.
There are the usual German premiumbrand suspects, especially the BMW X5. One more thing, though. Tick a few option boxes as we have done here and suddenly you are into premium EV-SUV territory.
There is a plug-in hybrid version of the GLE on the way (with 100km electric range and a diesel engine), but our 300d’s $150k-ish as-tested pricetag could easily go towards a BEV like an Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace, Tesla Model X – or presumably Mercedes-Benz’s own forthcoming EQC.
All smaller SUVs than the GLE, granted. But none are tiny.
All fuel (or not) for thought if you are really thinking in terms of high technology.