It's a toasty 26-degrees outside at midday and I'm staring almost directly at the sun. I squint as the light pierces my eyes and I try to make out the silhouette of black Mercedes-Benz flags. I need to locate them as they're my only reference as I climb the steep gradient of their new 4x4 course at Zwartkops Raceway.
The vehicle I'm in is seldom thought to be any good off-road and yet, here I am, traversing rocky outcrops, tectonic plates, 33% side inclines and axle-busters and the new Mercedes-Benz GLE is eating it up as if it was a trip to the shops.
The GLE story starts with the planned joint venture with Mitsubishi and Mercedes-Benz to create a 4x4 SUV to replace the ageing G-Class. It eventually transformed into the GLE with the GL part of the name still referring to the Gelandewagen and the E indicating that it is toed to the E-Class sedan in size. This makes it larger than the GLC but smaller than the GLS.
Styling
Rather than try and reinvent the wheel, Mercedes-Benz took the form of the previous generation, the W166, and fettled it for a more modern and contemporary look, tying in with their new design language.
The front sees a large grille dominated by the three-pointed star with the grille featuring either two shaped bars for the standard-line and a diamond grille element for the AMG-line with a single grille bar running through the centre. The two powerdomes on the bonnet are a direct hark back to the ML and do not go unnoticed.
The lower air dams differ as well with the standard line looking more rugged, a lower aluminium trim giving the impression of a front nudge bar. The gaping mouth of the AMG line bumper takes some getting used to though.
Two DRL elements in each headlight instantly differentiate the new V167 model from its predecessor and LED headlight units, that are standard fare across the range, provide the backing to offset these DRLs.
At the rear, the taillights have been pulled to a sharp point and the arches flared to create an impression of width. The new GLE is indeed wider, longer but marginally lower than the model it follows. Here too the ML DNA is present with the C-pillar retaining its forward slant and the floating roof element that makes it so recognisable.
Interior
The interior sees the biggest improvement and the GLE plays home to a horizontally themed dashboard with squared-off vents and the latest MBUX infotainment, presented in their widescreen cockpit format.
This clean and uncluttered approach is refreshing and the two centre grab handles add an air of sportiness to the cabin, as does the brushed aluminium trim and Alcantara inserts on the half-leather seats.
It's a quiet and comfortable cabin with more than adequate space for four adults (5 at a push) but should this not be enough, a third row of seats can be specified as an optional extra.
Tech
The new GLE is the home base for the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz technology including Active Steering Assist and Active Brake Assist which when combined with the latest Active Distance DISTRONIC cruise control, which uses live traffic information to regulate speed for the road conditions.
Much has been said about the new MBUX infotainment system and in the GLE is works seamlessly to provide a complete driver and passenger experience. The natural speech function for vehicle and infotainment controls works well in most situations and the new interface is simple and intuitive to use.
A downside to the connectivity is the omission of standard USB ports in the cabin with only USB-C ports available for smartphone and accessory charging. This early adoption will undoubtedly cause some concern for users that now have to source adapter cables for their use.
Engines
The new Mercedes-Benz GLE is initially available with a choice of three engines, all mated to the excellent 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
The GLE 300 d is powered by a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel that produces 190 kW and 243 Nm torque with a 0 – 100 km/h sprint time of 7.2-seconds. Mercedes claims that this one will return fuel consumption figures of 6.4 and 6.1 l/100km.
Next is the GLE 400 d 4MATIC with a Euro6 compliant 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder turbodiesel. The 400 d churns out a meaty 243 kW and 700 Nm torque, making the climbs up and down the gradients child's-play. Fuel consumption figured are quoted to be 7.5 and 7.1 l/100km.
The sole petrol offering for the moment is the GLE 450 4MATIC that also uses a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder but burns regular petrol instead. This one is good for 270 kW and 500 Nm but then also benefits from a 48-volt hybrid starter/alternator boost. This EQ system boost power by 16 kW and 250 Nm when active. Fuel consumption figures here are quoted to be 9.4 and 8.3 respectively.
Verdict
The new GLE is a handsome devil and thanks to the impressive 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, is rather capable off-road too. Substantial ground clearance and the intelligent torque transfer helps the GLE traverse terrain that one would not expect.
Thankfully, the on-road manners are not compromised due to this. The ride is quiet and comfortable with predictable handling for a vehicle in this class. E-Active Body Control can be specified as an additional option that will see the GLE 'lean' into corners and scan the road surface to ascertain what sort of surface is ahead and adjust the damping rates accordingly.
It is competitively priced and appears to be robust enough to handle nearly anything you throw at it. The new GLE has just the right balance of traditional luxury SUV and modern technology to keep drivers safe, engaged and relaxed no matter the terrain or traffic conditions.
Pricing
| Mercedes-Benz GLE 300 d 4MATIC | R1 210 500 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 d 4MATIC | R1 351 200 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC | R1 329 400 |
