New Mercedes-Benz GLE arrives in SA

The car blended luxury as well as off-road ability into one attractive package. It was so unique that the German carmaker decided to introduce it as an addition to the Mercedes-Benz lineup while retaining the G Class which was still a popular product and in so doing pioneered the luxury SUV segment. Fast forward to 2019 and with over two million ML units being sold, now known as the GLE, celebrates its fourth generation and I got behind the wheel to see what this new model has to offer.

The looks

The latest GLE features a bold new look which is most noticeable from the front thanks to the large new grille, a stylistic bumper and new headlights which feature double blade-like LED daytime running lights. The bonnet features two power bulges which add to the cars overall muscular look and feel. Down the side, the GLE retains that iconic rear side window that was introduced on the first model, I also really like the rear wheel arches which have been somewhat flared and made even sportier-looking when you tick the AMG line body kit. The rear of the car was not my favourite angle when I first saw pictures of it but seeing it in the metal, my opinion has changed. The rear lights feature LED technology with an upsweep design. As mentioned the car is offered with a sportier and more aggressive body kit which I think is an option that you should select. It also comes with a variety of rim options.

The interior

As with most modern cars, the interior is becoming less cluttered which leaves space for eye-catching design elements. The new GLE, as with many other Mercedes-Benz models features two large 12.3-inch screens which are placed side-by-side. The one screen functions as a customizable instrument cluster and the other the infotainment system which houses the brands latest user interface software known as MBUX. A unique feature of MBUX is its learning capability which uses artificial intelligence to anticipate the driver’s wishes. The centre console features a large touchpad which lets you control the functions of the infotainment display, I will admit that I prefer a rotary dial as the touchpad can be a bit finicky to use at times.

The touchpad is however surrounded by various buttons which control other aspects of the car such as the drive mode selector, traction control functions as well as the volume control to name a few. On either side of the console, there are neatly designed grab handles. Another design element which I like on the car is the square air vents, a welcoming departure from the round ones found on every other Mercedes-Benz model. One can also select from around 64 different colours for the ambient lighting which adds a sense of theatre to the overall experience, especially at night.

The Space

The new GLE features a wheelbase that is about 80mm longer than its predecessor, this means the rear passengers can expect a legroom increase of about 69mm. The GLE is also available with an optional third row of seats to become a seven-seater and the second row of seats are now electronically controlled. As for luggage capacity, the new GLE boasts an impressive 825-litres behind the rear seats and up to 2055-litres when the second row of seats is folded flat.

The drive

Available to customers are three engine derivatives in the form of the GLE 300d which features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that develops 180 kW and 500 N.m. For the power-hungry, there is a GLE 400d which features the brands latest in-line six-cylinder 3.0-litre turbo diesel that develops 243 kW and 700 N.m. These are the two engines I would recommend, however, if you do not prefer diesel powertrains then the GLE 450 might impress you as it features a 3.0 litre in-line six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that develops 270 kW and 500 N.m. This particular model can develop a further 250 N.m of torque thanks to a 48 volt EQ Boost over short periods.

Out on the road, I found myself in the GLE 400d 4MATIC. The car performs effortlessly and thanks to the smooth 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox one hardly even notice the cogs swapping. My drive saw me meander the streets of Sandton out toward the AMG Dynamic Driving Academy which is situated at Zwartkops race track west of Pretoria. Once there we headed out to the off-road course to put the cars through a few tests. The new GLE 450 and GLE 400d features a transfer case with an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch, this allows a variable transfer of drive torque (torque on demand) from 0-100 per cent between the axles. Available as an option, is a new and unique transfer case specially configured for superior off-road driving characteristics. Added to this is clever off-road software which enables the car to distribute power via the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system for better traction. I was very impressed with the capabilities of the car, as well as the overall comfort over the rough terrain.

Verdict

After spending a brief time with the new GLE range I was left impressed. The car offers the latest in safety technology and the overall driving experience is noteworthy. It can go off-road and handle some technical obstacles but I wouldn’t recommend it for a humanitarian excursion into Africa. As for a luxury SUV, the new GLE is worth consideration within this competitive segment.

GLE 300d 4MATIC  – R 1 210 500

GLE 400d 4MATIC  – R1 351 200

GLE 450 4MATIC     – R1 329 400