GLE warning
I leased a new Mercedes-benz GLE 400d last September and have found it seriously wanting in a few areas.
One, wet-weather handling. It’s atrocious on the standard Pirelli tyres, with huge side-stepping and aquaplaning. So much so that I spent £2000 of my own money to get something that stands a better chance (these Continentals are only slightly better, however).
Two, slow-speed manoeuvring. At any speed lower than 5mph, the front differential is wound so tight that the GLE hops, skips, graunches, bumps and jumps in a manner that I haven’t felt since driving my old Series Land Rovers.
Three, snow driving. The above issues combined with the traction set-up meant it was about as much use as a chocolate fireguard.
Why am I telling you this? Partly to vent, but mainly because I raised these issues with Mercedes directly, and I couldn’t believe its answer.
It refused to comment on the wet-weather behaviour. I’ve driven some very expensive and some very mundane cars, yet I haven’t come across something quite so bad in this regard. My wife now refuses to drive the GLE when it’s wet out.
Apparently, the slow-speed hopping is a design characteristic that I should be very happy to live with after parting with £80,000.
And this final statement I found laughable: this rugged 4x4 SUV isn’t designed to be used in snow. Yes, the manufacturer is telling me not to drive in snow. Are the various UK insurance companies aware of this?
There’s little Autocar can do for me, but I’m sure there are many out there who might be considering the GLE, and I’m hopeful that this letter will save at least a few of them.
Simon Gillett
Cornwall