Everything you need to know about the Mercedes-Benz GLE

In this article:

Who is the Mercedes-Benz GLE a good car for?

What is the Mercedes-Benz GLE like to drive?

Tech features in the Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes-Benz GLE price

Similar cars to the Mercedes-Benz GLE

 

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE a good car? 

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is the successor of the ML-Class and although the first-generation ML models received criticism around their build quality, the current-generation GLE-Class models are assembled with the highest quality standards and it shows. The large SUV model has evolved over the years and currently offer some of the latest safety and comfort technologies, not to mention a chassis and suspension system that will allow occupants the cruise in the highest levels of comfort while retaining off-roading capabilities. Unless you opt for the more sporty Mercedes-AMG variants, the GLE also comes fitted with very efficient petrol and diesel motors as we see the return of the inline-6 configuration.

Who is the Mercedes-Benz GLE a good car for?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a good car for those that have families and need the added space on the rear bench and in the luggage compartment to accommodate their needs. While it might not be able to tackle every route the famed G-Class can conquer, the GLE-Class remains very capable off-road with torque figures of 500 Nm on the GLE300d and GLE450 and 700 Nm on the GLE400d being employed by the clever 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. 

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE a good first car?

Seeing as though the GLE-Class comes very well equipped with comfort and safety technologies, it would be a great first car. While it might take some time for new drivers to get used to the large dimensions of the model, the 360-degree cameras, front and rear park distance control system and Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC will make parking in tight spaces a breeze. The biggest hurdle might be the price, and if it is too big of a hurdle, maybe take a gander at the GLA, GLB or GLC models.

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE a good family car?

When compared with its predecessor, the GLE offer rear passengers improved headroom (35mm) and legroom (69mm). The new model is also 231 mm wider which provides a 72mm wider tailgate if you want to load larger items. Provided that you opt for the 5-seat configuration, you will gain access to an 825-litre boot, and if the rear seats are lowered will expand to around 2 055-litres. With this level of practicality in combination with the standard safety and comfort features, the GLE-Class is certainly a good family car.

Is there a Hybrid Mercedes-Benz GLE?

In other markets, Mercedes-Benz offers a GLE350de plug-in hybrid derivative. While on the exterior the model looks very much the same as the vehicles we get here in South Africa, under the bonnet features a 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder diesel motor coupled to a 100 kW and 440 Nm electric motor. The motor gets its electricity from the 31.2 kWh Lithium-ion battery system. While this model is not available locally as yet, it could perhaps make an appearance in the near future. But customers should note that the GLE450 combines a mild-hybrid system to its inline-6 engine to both improve performance under acceleration and efficiency while driving.

 

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What’s it like to drive? 

Reviewer's opinion

"It was around this time in 2019 when I first got to sample the W167 Mercedes-Benz GLE range. A spiritual successor to the M-Class of the 1990s, renamed because BMW objected to three numerals succeeding the letter 'M', the GLE-Class retains much of its original off-road prowess while managing to offer a luxurious drive when you're opting for tarmac instead. Let's face it, the GLE-Class will spend 99.99% of its driven life on the road."

- Chad Luckhoff, AutoTrader

Read the full Mercedes-Benz GLE review >

What does it look like?

Exterior

 

Interior

What is the Mercedes-Benz GLE like inside? 

While the interior features many soft-touch surfaces and compliant leather upholstery, the design itself retains a muscular appearance. The rectangular air vent design, central grab handles upfront and the dual 12.3-inch screens that performs the duties of the instrument cluster and infotainment display are just some of the stand-out features when you first step inside the premium SUV.

The soft colour glow from ambient lighting can also be customized to suit your taste and will elegantly bath the interior in light at night. The interior of the GLE-Class does create an elegant, premium and modern environment for the occupants.

Style

While the LED headlamps and grille design are soft in its design, it still manages to create quite an imposing look. This is also due to the dimensions of the GLE which is longer and wider than its predecessor. Down the side, the 18-inch wheels on the base trim already fill the wheel wells, however, larger items are available and the customer can option up to 22-inch wheels from the manufacturer.

Towards the rear of the vehicle, we see a familiar C-pillar design, one that has been featured on the first ML-Class all the way through to the GLE. Mercedes-Benz made the rear LED combination lamps thinner and longer which bolster the wide appearance of the GLE range. If the traditional boxy SUV design on the standard models is not in your taste, you can also opt for the GLE400d coupe model which combines the off-road capabilities and raised ride height from the standard models with a coupe-like silhouette.

The roof slopes down towards the rear for a more elegant design. Do note that this might encroach on the headroom of the rear passengers and the capacity of the luggage compartment.

Tech features

• Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 12.3-inch MBUX infotainment system with built-in Navigation and extended functions
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Preinstallation for Live Traffic Information
• Active Brake Assist
• GPS aerial
• Mercedes-Benz emergency call system
• Communications module (LTE) for the use of Mercedes me connect services
• Hard-disc navigation
• Advanced connectivity Plus
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Media Interface cables
• ESP trailer stabilisation
• THERMATIC automatic climate control
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• LED static Headlamps
• Additional USB ports
• Preinstall for digital radio
• Ambient lighting
• EASY-PACK tailgate
• EQ Boost starter-alternator/generator
• Automatic front passenger airbag deactivation
• Parking Package & 360° camera
• Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC
• Interior mirror and driver's exterior mirror automatically dimming
• Electric folding ext. mirrors
• Ambient lighting for doors with projection of brand logo
• Anti-Theft Package
• Anti-theft alarm system with preinstallation for collision detection
• Interior monitoring system
• Memory Package

Price and specs

Which is the cheapest GLE-Class?

The cheapest Mercedes-Benz GLE is the entry trim GLE300d 4Matic - prices usually start from R 1 427 080

 

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How much does it cost?

Mercedes-Benz GLE300d 4Matic	from R 1 427 080
Mercedes-Benz GLE300d 4Matic AMG Line	from R 1 502 880
Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4Matic	from R 1 570 640
Mercedes-Benz GLE400d 4Matic	from R 1 593 840
Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4Matic AMG Line	from R 1 646 440
Mercedes-Benz GLE400d 4Matic AMG Line	from R 1 669 640
Mercedes-Benz GLE400d coupe 4Matic AMG Line	from R 1 827 800

*Pricing correct at time of publishing and subject to change without notice.

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