A FEELING OF GLE (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_mercedesgle_2019

By Jonathan Crouch

This updated version of the second generation Mercedes GLE is a large luxury SUV with a more dynamic look and a more sophisticated feel. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 72

In this updated form, the second generation Mercedes GLE is now a stronger contender in the large part of the luxury SUV segment thanks to smarter looks and more efficient engines. Infotainment and off-road tech has been improved and, as before, key attrributes include cabin space, a huge boot and the option of sophisticated air suspension. Rivals like BMW's X5 and Porsche's Cayenne must continue to take this car very seriously indeed.

Backgroundword count: 209

Think of all the reasons not to like a large, luxury SUV. Thirst. Poor performance. Huge tax liabilities. Wobbly handling. Yet upper-middle class motorists still love them, patiently sure that one day, the brands involved would bring us something better. Something perhaps, like this - the second generation Mercedes GLE, first launched in 2019, then lightly updated four years on to create the car we're going to look at here. This contender sits at the heart of the large section of the luxury SUV segment, just above the brand's more compact Audi Q5 or BMW X3-sized GLC model. And just below the Range Rover-sized Mercedes GLS. As you might be aware, cars in this GLE's class tend to fall into two categories in their approach to likely buyers. Seven-seat practicality is favoured by SUVs like Land Rover's Discovery, Audi's Q7 and Volvo's XC90 - which is one way to go. As an alternative, contenders like BMW's X5, Porsche's Cayenne and Volkswagen's Touareg give you only five seats but offer more dynamic looks and agile handling. Visually, this Mercedes seems naturally to slot into the X5/Cayenne/Touareg category, but it actually comes with seven seats and hopes to appeal to both areas of this segment. There's also separately-styled GLE Coupe model.

Driving Experienceword count: 318

All GLE variants feature 4MATIC 4WD and as part of this update, all the conventionally-engined models use the brand's latest 48V mild hybrid tech. This 'EQ Boost' set-up uses a 48-volt onboard network with a belt-driven starter/alternator and the system adds 22hp to the car's overall output.  The conventional powerplant range starts with the base four cylinder 2.0-litre GLE 300 d diesel, which offers 227hp. Which sits below the straight-six-engined GLE 450 d, putting out 362hp. There's also a straight-six petrol model, the GLE 450, which offers 375bhp. There's also a Plug-in Hybrid petrol model, the GLE 400 e, which uses a 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine with a 31.2kWh battery pack and claims up to 68 miles of e-range. Petrol-engined Mercedes-AMG performance GLE variants are still offered too: there's the straight-six-engined GLE 53, which offers 429hp and gets to 62mph in just 5.0s. Or if you're totally out of tune with the current zeitgeist, you could stretch to the thumping GLE 63, which has a 603hp V8 and demolishes 62mph in just 3.9s. As before, in all variants, power is transmitted via 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Ride comfort and agility are promised by the optional 48V E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension, which is combined with the optional AIRMATIC air suspension. This is the only system in the market where the spring and damping forces can be individually controlled at each wheel. This means that it not only counteracts body roll, but also pitching and squat. On conventional models, an optional 'Off-Road Engineering' package adds under-body protection, air suspension and 30mm of extra ground clearance. If air suspension and the 'E-Active Body Control' system have been fitted, Mercedes says the GLE can tow up to 3.5-tonnes. And the car can be had with a clever 'Trailer Manoevring assist' system and also a 'trailer route planner' in the nav system to help drivers avoid pinch points for long or tall vehicles.

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