Mercedes-Benz GLE350 -class marries a luxurious cabin and a potent powertrain in a ruggedly handsome package. It's the latest in a long line of luxurious off-roaders from Mercedes-Benz that started back in the late 1990s with the introduction of the M-class.
This new…
Mercedes-Benz GLE350 -class marries a luxurious cabin and a potent powertrain in a ruggedly handsome package. It’s the latest in a long line of luxurious off-roaders from Mercedes-Benz that started back in the late 1990s with the introduction of the M-class.
This new Mercedes-Benz GLE350 is also a huge improvement compared with the version it replaces. That’s not to say it’s perfect. In its quest to out-tech key rivals such as the BMW X5, Lincoln Aviator, and Volvo XC90, Mercedes has overlooked a few important details, namely interior ergonomics and ride comfort.
While a slope-roofed “coupe” model will surely join the lineup soon, the GLE-class is offered only with a squareback SUV body at the moment.
Benz’s popular mid-size SUV has been completely redesigned for 2020 and features a more modern lineup of engines, additional luxury options, and more contemporary technology features.
After driving two of the three available powertrains, we’d suggest sticking with the entry-level turbocharged four-cylinder GLE350 model. Despite the fact that it’s the lowest-powered option, it moves the GLE-class along with enough authority to satisfy most drivers, and it gets better fuel economy to boot.
Since we’re saving our hard-earned dollars by going with the base model, we’d allow ourselves to splurge on the Premium package (Burmester audio system, ambient interior lighting, a wireless smartphone-charging pad, and SiriusXM satellite radio), the Energizing Package Plus (massaging front seats with heat and ventilation,
cabin-air purification system, in-cabin fragrance diffuser), and the Warmth and Comfort package (heated front armrests and upper door panels). We’d also add heated seats in the second row, four-zone automatic climate control, and soft-close doors, all of which are standalone options.
Starting with the base GLE model, a Mercedes buyer gets a 302-hp 3.5-liter V-6 paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is standard with the optional twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, which puts out 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque.
The added grip of all-wheel drive is also standard on the plug-in hybrid version of the GLE, which is motivated by a 3.0-liter V-6 coupled to an 85-kilowatt electric motor.
Combined output is an impressive 436 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This is more than enough to get this fuel-sipping SUV down the road in a hurry, plus there’s 10 miles of electric-only driving range.
In terms of its ride and handling characteristics, let’s stress that the GLE-class is far more tuned towards the comfort end of the luxury spectrum.
The steering is overly light and, while the GLE soaks up bumps in the road and is adept at venturing off road, this Mercedes SUV simply doesn’t have the degree of athleticism found in a number of competitors.
While the souped-up Mercedes-AMG GLE53 (reviewed separately) brings even more heat, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE580 represents the most powerful and expensive non-AMG model. The 48-volt system combines with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 to make up to 504 horsepower.
Every GLE-class can be outfitted with a cutting-edge air-suspension system that can lean into corners and even wiggle itself loose if the driver gets stuck in sand or mud. The standard setup is traditional steel springs and anti-roll bars.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn’t released crash-test results for the new GLE-class, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick+ due to its good performance in that agency’s testing. A standard suite of driver-assistance features also makes the GLE-class a good pick for families. Key safety features include:
Whereas BMW includes three years of maintenance included in the price of any new X5, Mercedes offers zero complimentary maintenance. As far as warranty policies go, the GLE-class’s standard offerings are among the most basic in the luxury-car marketplace.
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