M-Class gets a facelift and a new name
Now called the GLE, Merc’s SUV is updated with thriftier engines
THE ML is dead, long live the GLE. Mercedes-Benz has gone on a renaming exercise in its line up of SUVs which among others sees the long-running ML (otherwise known as the M-Class) wearing a GLE badge from now on.
This signifies its position within the Benz SUV heirarchy between the smaller GLC and the larger GLS – just like the E-Class sedan is stacked between the C-Class and S-Class.
In conjunction with its renaming, the GLE, which competes against the BMW X5 and Audi Q7, has undergone a range-wide facelift and the engines have been tweaked with a 17% fuel efficiency improvement. Even with its revamped styling the GLE lives in the shadow of the sexy new GLE Coupé which was launched here a couple of months ago as a rival to the BMW X6. Compared to its more sharply-dressed coupé cousin this regular GLE looks quite utalitarian but beneath that bigger bum is more boot space – a full 690 litres expandable to 2010 with the seats folded, compared to the GLE Coupé’s 650-1720 litres.
The GLE engine line up comprises two diesel and four petrol derivatives, all putting the power down through 4Matic permanent all wheel drive either through a 7-speed or 9 speed G-Tronic auto gearbox.
The baseline GLE 250d is powered by a four-cylinder 2.1-litre turbodiesel engine with outputs of 150kW and 500Nm. Next diesel up is the GLE 350d, which uses a 3-litre V6 turbodiesel wielding 190kW/620Nm. The petrol versions start with the GLE 400 which has a 245kW/480Nm 3-litre V6 twin turbo under the bonnet. The GLE 500 employs a twin turbo 4.6 petrol V8 with 320kW/700Nm on call.
There are also two AMG versions, both hustled along by a petrol 5.5 turbo V8. The standard AMG 63 GLE rocks to a 410kW/700Nm beat while the AMG GLE S63 is tweaked to a potent 430kW and 760Nm.
A smorgasbord of high technology awaits GLE owners. Some of it comes standard on all models, including an upgraded infotainment system with a 7” display, and safety features like Crosswind Assist and Collision Prevention Assist Plus. Reach deeper into your pockets and you can also specify extra-cost gizmos like active lane keeping assist, blind spot assist, soft-closing doors, and a self-parking feature, just to name a few. If there’s still budget left over you can create a bit of visual drama by buying side mirrors that project the Benz star onto the floor at night.
If the money doesn’t quite stretch into the foam-at-the-mouth GLE 63 models, you can at least look the part with an AMG Line package that’s available as an option on the lower derivatives. There’s also a Night package on offer which brings out the vehicle’s dark side with black radiator grille louvres, exterior mirror housings, roof rails and window surrounds.
All GLE versions come standard with 4Matic permanent all wheel drive and five Dynamic Select driving modes that alter the throttle and gearshift settings to suit varying kinds of turf, but how offroad-capable you want your GLE to be de- pends entirely on the size of your budget. The four- and six-cylinder models come with steel suspension and a non-adjustable 202mm ground clearance – a decent enough ride height if not quite suited to Okavango expeditions.
Lay down extra money on the Airmatic air suspension option (which comes standard in the eightcylinder models) and this lifts the vehicle to 255mm and adds an Off-Road mode to the Dynamic Select function. Or go the whole hog with the Off-Road Engineering package (not standard on any derivative) which raises the height to 285mm and adds a low range transfer case, reinforced underbody panelling, and a traction-enhancing centre differential lock. Whether riding on steel spings or Airmatic, every GLE’s suspension is adaptive, meaning it gives a cushy ride on bumpy roads but firms up for improved cornering agility. As an option, an Active Curve System further reduces body roll during cornering.
PRICES
GLE 250 d 4MATIC – R866 694 GLE 350 d 4MATIC – R970 053 GLE 400 4MATIC – R968 747 GLE 500 4MATIC – R1 181 287 AMG GLE 63 – R1 726 006 AMG GLE 63 S – R1 855 006 Prices include a 6-year/100 000km Premium Drive maintenance plan.