Even if you are a Mercedes-Benz fundi, you’ll be hard-pressed to identify the styling differences between the latest updated version of Stuttgart’s luxury SUV pioneer and its forerunner, as the visual alterations are very subtle, with most of the important changes hidden under its metal skin.
Externally, the latest Mercedes-Benz GLE can be distinguished from its forebear by subtle styling changes to the front bumper, a new design pattern for the front grille, subtle changes to the headlights and slight alterations to the rear lights. The new grille now has two horizontal louvres with chrome inserts running through it, and the outer air intakes have been given a horizontal chrome finish.
The characteristic light flare in the LED headlamps is now complemented by two light points in the distinctive daytime running light signet, with four light points in the optional Multibeam LED lights. The light signet on the taillights is now formed by two horizontal blocks, while on the GLE Coupé, it is in the form of two bars.
The AMG Line exterior is now standard on the GLE Coupé. Elements of this line include the diamond grille with Mercedes-Benz pattern in chrome, the AMG front apron with chrome trim, AMG side sill panels and wheel arch cladding in vehicle colour, as well as the AMG rear apron with diffuser-look insert.
Besides the external changes, interior revisions to the GLE and GLE Coupé include the latest-generation steering wheel with sensor surfaces on the horizontal spokes for touch control, and a chrome look for the centre and side air vents (galvanised in real metal, as in the Mercedes-Maybach GLS).
Colours for the interior trim now include combinations of Catalana Beige and Black (in the GLE SUV) and Bahia Brown and Black (in the GLE SUV and the Coupé). The black and classic red appointments (combined with the AMG Line trim) are available exclusively for the coupé.
Familiar from the Mercedes-Maybach GLS and now also available for the GLE family is the Manufaktur piano lacquer black trim, in combination with seats available in a black Nappa leather finish and the same ambient lighting colours and colour palettes can now be selected as in the S-Class.
The 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system now features the Dolby Atmos immersive audio experience, and newly available as an optional extra in the GLE models is the Energizing Air Control system that monitors air quality by using fine particle sensors.
The second-generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system features improved colour differentiation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now available wirelessly. The appearance of the driver’s and central displays can be individualised into three display styles (classic, sporty, discreet) and four modes (navigation, assistance, service, off-road).
The GL E-volution also introduces a first to the range – a seven-seat derivative. Interestingly, there is also a long-wheelbase version (but this is only available in India). However, the most significant differences are under the hood, with mild hybrid 48-volt technology and an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), making the latest GLE SUVs and Coupés more potent than the previous versions.
ELECTRIC ASSISTANCE
Our GLE 300 d 4Matic and 450d 4Matic test units looked imposing and magnificent in the parking area of George Airport, virtually all bearing striking AMG Line trim and shod with (optional) 20” or 21” low profile rubber. The route led to Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn over the Robertson Pass to the Louvain Guest Farm and back to George and Oubaai via the Outeniqua Pass.
Even with its smaller two-litre oil burner, the GLE 300d 4Matic proved anything but underpowered on the highway leading to Mossel Bay and it impressed with its litheness in the sweeping corners of Roberston Pass. With 198 kW and a stout 550 Nm of torque available thanks to its 48V battery system and fleeting ISG-induced burst of 15 kW and 200 Nm, the smaller GLE made the route feel short.
Its lively performance translates into a zero to 100 km/h acceleration time of only 6.9 seconds, but even so, our average consumption over the route was less than 9.0 l/100 km. However, its dynamics still do not compare to the linear power surge of its bigger 450d 4Matic stablemate.
With a proven 3-litre diesel power plant now producing 270 kW (only 10 kW less than the V6 petrol derivative) and a hefty 750 Nm of torque with electric assistance from the ISG, this bruiser has impressive acceleration traits – blasting from zero to 100 km/h in only 5.6 seconds. Even more remarkable, this is precisely the same time as stated for its petrol counterpart, even with the diesel variant not being a full-blown AMG model.
However, as we have also found with the previous range, the wide rubber on both model derivatives (as well as on the GLE Coupe variants) compromises their ride quality on anything but smooth, autobahn-like tarmac. It was too firm even in Comfort mode (Sport mode is only advisable for freeways), and any dirt section needs to be approached with care.
LAST WORD
Given the suspension’s firmness, it will be advisable to specify the standard 18” or perhaps 19” rubber for your new GLE. Even so, the latest GLE models have few peers as luxurious, comfortable long-distance road missiles, so long as the route does not include too many rough backroads.
We also preferred the 300d derivative, mainly because this model does everything expected from a GLE without being ostentatious or pretentious. Also, we do think there is space for the (by all accounts) impressive 350de 4Matic PHEV derivative to slot in above the 300d locally. Now, we are holding our breath in anticipation of the latest AMG GLE 53 and GLE 63 models, with power figures ranging from 400 kW to 450 kW.
Pricing: Mercedes-Benz GLE
GLE 300d 4Matic R1,964,600
GLE 300d 4Matic 7-seater R1,984,000
GLE 450 4Matic R2,075,400
GLE 450 4Matic 7-seater R2,094,800
GLE 450d 4Matic R2,041,500
GLE 450d 4Matic 7-seater R2,060,900GLE 450d 4Matic Coupe R2,340,500
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © MERCEDES-BENZ SOUTH AFRICA
