The Mercedes GLE is a well-rounded luxury SUV with a mix of positive attributes and some minor drawbacks. It maintains its elegant exterior, offering a familiar yet refined design. Inside, the cabin is comfortable, though the touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel can be a learning curve. The GLE shines in terms of features and technology, making it a convenient choice for daily use. The plug-in hybrid version provides an eco-friendly option for those with short commutes. However, its added weight affects its handling on twisty roads.
In this article, we’ll delve into exterior redesign, interior comfort, performance, and more. So, let’s embark on this journey to discover what’s new with the Mercedes GLE and how it might fit into your lifestyle.
The Redesigned Exterior
Mercedes hasn’t reinvented the wheel with the GLE’s exterior, but they’ve made noteworthy improvements. The most apparent changes include the new taillights and a slightly tweaked bumper design. However, one thing that hasn’t changed, and perhaps should have, is the faux exhaust outlets. Unfortunately, these outlets don’t lead anywhere real. As we move down the side, you’ll notice new alloy wheel designs ranging from 20 to 22 inches, giving the Mercedes GLE a more assertive look. Roof bars and running boards add to its off-road aesthetic, though they’re more for show than practical use.
Upfront, the lower part of the grill has been redesigned, now featuring the iconic Mercedes Star emblem. Redesigned headlamps with new LED daytime running light elements add a touch of modernity and luxury to the GLE’s face. While the exterior tweaks aren’t revolutionary, they maintain the GLE’s elegant and expensive appearance.
Exploring the Interior
Inside the Mercedes GLE, not much has changed compared to the previous model. However, there’s one noticeable difference, and it’s not necessarily an improvement. The new steering wheel features touch-sensitive buttons for various functions, which can be accidentally triggered while driving. These touch-sensitive controls might require some getting used to and can be a bit finicky.
On most models, the interior trims feature fake leather, which feels decent but has an odd texture. Additionally, the dash incorporates fake wood that might not suit everyone’s taste. Nevertheless, the overall design is stylish and ergonomic. The climate controls are easily accessible, eliminating the need to navigate through the infotainment system. Speaking of which, the updated infotainment system is user-friendly and straightforward, with a clear and responsive touchscreen.
In terms of seating, the Mercedes GLE offers comfortable seats with electronic adjustments, while the cabin boasts ample storage space. You’ll find a roomy glove box, generous door bins, and even cold and heated cup holders. The vanity mirror isn’t the largest, but the glass roof is a pleasant touch. The GLE’s rear seats are spacious, with ample knee and headroom. While the middle seat is a bit narrow, it’s still comfortable. However, with three passengers in the back, shoulder room can be somewhat tight. The plug-in hybrid version is a 5-seater only, unlike the standard GLE, which offers seven seats. Fitting a child seat is easy, with ample space for maneuvering and accessible ISOFIX anchor points.
Back Seat Comfort and Boot Space
The rear seats of the Mercedes GLE provide a comfortable and spacious environment. There’s ample knee room, headroom, and decent shoulder room for three passengers. The rear windows can be fully lowered, enhancing the overall experience. You’ll also find large door bins, two USB-C ports, dual-zone climate control, and a 13-speaker Burmester sound system as standard. An armrest with cup holders adds to the convenience, and the rear seats can be folded nearly flat to maximize cargo space.
The GLE’s boot space is decent, with the standard model offering 630 liters of capacity. However, the plug-in hybrid version sacrifices some space due to the batteries, offering 490 liters. Nevertheless, the boot is well-designed, with a 12-volt socket, tie-down points, and fold-down rear seats that lie almost flat. It’s worth noting that the plug-in hybrid lacks electrically folding rear seats, so manual adjustment is required.
Five Annoying Aspects of the Mercedes GLE
While the Mercedes GLE has much to offer, it’s not without its drawbacks. Here are five aspects that might not align with everyone’s preferences:
- Running Boards: While they look cool, the running boards on the GLE aren’t the most practical. They’re too narrow to be of much use, and they can transfer dirt onto your clothing as you climb in and out.
- Fuel Filler Cap: With the plug-in hybrid version, the fuel filler cap doesn’t open automatically when the car is unlocked. This can be inconvenient when switching between electricity and gasoline.
- Rapid Charging: In the UK, the facelifted GLE plug-in hybrid no longer supports DC rapid charging, which means it takes longer to charge the battery. The reasoning is that customers rarely use DC charging for long trips.
- Charging Cable Storage: The absence of underfloor storage in the boot due to the batteries means you have to carry your charging cables, which can be cumbersome.
- Ambient Lighting Glare: The ambient lighting strip on the dash reflects in the passenger window at night, which can be distracting.
Five Good Things About the GLE
Despite its quirks, the Mercedes GLE has several strong points that make it a worthy contender in the luxury SUV segment:
- 360-Degree Camera System: The GLE comes equipped with a front-view camera and a 360-degree camera system as standard, making parking and maneuvering a breeze.
- Air Suspension: The air suspension system in the GLE provides a comfortable ride, even on uneven surfaces, ensuring a smooth journey.
- Towing Features: The Mercedes GLE offers an electrically deployable tow hitch, and it can tow up to 2.7 tons. It also includes features like a towing route finder for added convenience.
- Off-Road Mode: The GLE now features an off-road driving mode that optimizes the car’s performance on rugged terrain. It also offers a specialized off-roading camera view.
- Heads-Up Display: The GLE comes with a heads-up display that allows drivers to access essential information without taking their eyes off the road. It also features a standard dash camera and security mode for added peace of mind.
Engine Options
The Mercedes GLE offers a range of engine options to suit different preferences. The plug-in hybrid model combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 380 horsepower. If you prefer a non-hybrid variant, there are diesel and petrol options available.
The diesel range includes a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 290 horsepower and a 3.0-liter straight-six with 390 horsepower. On the petrol side, there’s a 3.0-liter straight-six turbocharged engine with 400 horsepower, a more powerful 3.0-liter petrol engine with 445 horsepower in the AMG 53 model, and a top-of-the-line AMG 63 with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing over 600 horsepower. All Mercedes GLE models come with four-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic gearbox.
Performance and Driving Impressions
In town, the Mercedes GLE performs admirably in electric-only mode, with ample power for everyday driving. When required, the petrol engine seamlessly kicks in, providing a smooth transition. The GLE can achieve over 60 miles of electric power alone, making it a viable option for short commutes. However, it’s essential to charge the battery regularly to maximize fuel efficiency. In hybrid mode, the GLE is rated at around 280 miles per gallon, but real-world figures might be closer to 40 miles per gallon when relying mainly on the petrol engine.
On the motorway, the GLE cruises comfortably at 70 miles per hour. It offers a quiet and refined ride, even with the 4-cylinder petrol engine. The GLE’s 0-60 mph time is approximately 6.2 seconds, just slightly shy of Mercedes’ claim of 6.1 seconds. The engine’s sound is pleasant, and the overall acceleration is impressive. However, keep in mind that the plug-in hybrid’s added weight affects its handling and agility on twisty roads. It tends to lean a bit, and the delay in gear changes when using the paddle shifters can be somewhat frustrating.
Mercedes GLE Price
In terms of pricing, the starting price for the Mercedes GLE is £78,000, with the plug-in hybrid variant reaching £93,000.
