It’s been some time, however we’ve lastly gotten again into the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
The large household SUV has gone by means of plenty of modifications through the years, beginning life because the rugged body-on-frame ML-Class and morphing into the extra road-focused – however nonetheless tech-laden – GLE we all know immediately.
The fourth-generation mannequin you see right here launched in 2019 after which obtained a mid-life refresh in 2023. Whereas the design modifications are pretty minimal, there’s tech like a new-generation infotainment system and 48V mild-hybrid tech throughout the lineup.
Costs are up considerably, however so are gear ranges. There’s additionally no petrol-powered non-AMG model within the SUV vary, although the three.0-litre inline six turbocharged petrol engine stays out there within the GLE Coupe.
On take a look at we’ve got the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d 4Matic, which has seen its base value rise by over $25,000 to $168,800 earlier than on-road prices – and that’s $2000 up on the unique pricing introduced late final yr.
That’s some huge cash in anybody’s books, and the six-cylinder Benz is costlier than its key rivals within the luxurious phase. The BMW X5 and Audi Q7 with six-cylinder diesel engines are some $30,000 extra inexpensive – and it’s not like both are missing in luxurious appointments or badge credibility.
Does the GLE justify its premium positioning in comparison with the competitors? And, is that this gentle refresh of the present system make for a compelling purchase for prosperous households wanting “one of the best or nothing”?
How does the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class towards equally sized automobiles.
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How a lot does the Mercedes-Benz GLE price?
As famous earlier, the GLE 450d is priced from a lofty $168,800 after a current value adjustment on July 1, 2024. That’s on high of the circa-$25,000 enhance that got here with this mid-life replace.
It’s additionally price noting when this technology of GLE first launched in 2019, the equal GLE 400d began at underneath $120,000. So, the six-cylinder diesel GLE has risen by practically $50,000 through the course of its lifecycle.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d 4Matic Night time Version | $139,900 |
| 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d 4Matic | $146,900 |
| 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d 4Matic | $168,800 |
| 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ | $182,000 |
| 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 4Matic+ | $270,300 |
To see how the GLE strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability software.
What’s the Mercedes-Benz GLE like on the within?
Aside from a brand new steering wheel design, you’d be arduous pressed to note any main modifications to the GLE’s cabin.
You get the identical twin 12.3-inch show format, a large design theme with sprawling dashboard and centre console, and the leather-clad seize handles within the centre that could be very Porsche Cayenne.
There’s a brand new steering wheel shared different Benz fashions, however in any other case it doesn’t appear to be a lot has modified. There’s some fairly large modifications for those who dig just a little deeper, although.
The twin show association now runs the second-generation of the MBUX working system, which brings with it a flatter, extra intuitive menu construction, in addition to wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
That second half is a key change from the previous mannequin, that means you don’t need to awkwardly have cables jutting out of the wi-fi charging pad to have your telephone related to smartphone mirroring. It additionally simply works flawlessly.
Up entrance are electrical entrance seats with reminiscence and heating, in addition to an electrically adjustable steering column which additionally aligns itself with the reminiscence presets. You must pay further for air flow, although.
The usual seats are fairly comfy and provide good assist, although the bottom is just a little missing in aspect bolstering. I’m not a fan of the rough-look graining of the black leather-based on our tester, although you will get lighter trims with a smoother look if you want.
Should you go for the Plus Package deal ($6900) you get even nicer Multicontour entrance seats with air flow and prolonged heating for the entrance armrests in addition to a massaging operate. These weren’t fitted to our tester, nevertheless.
Given the value level I’m unsure the trims and finishes really feel fairly as much as scratch for a automotive nudging $190,000 on the highway earlier than choices.
The tough leather-based and cheap-feeling air vent mechanisms don’t actually scream high-end Mercedes SUV, and I noticed some misaligned stitching in areas just like the centre seize handles. The decrease sections of the doorways are arduous, scratchy plastic, and there’s no correct lining of the door bins to cease issues rattling round.
I’m additionally not a giant fan of Benz’s touch-capacitive multifunction steering wheels.
The uneven surfaces and the angle of among the controls makes for a fiddly expertise – it’s comparable story for the MBUX touchpad on the centre console.
Not less than they’re indented so that you don’t go urgent the unsuitable button like is sort of simple to do in variations of the Volkswagen Touareg.
Not less than there’s nonetheless that clicky motion to a lot of the switchgear, and the show tech is crisp and responsive. Nonetheless, the GLE doesn’t really feel as polished because the Audi Q7 or BMW X5.
Storage options are fairly neat although, with large toothed cupholders, a wi-fi telephone charger slot sufficiently big to carry bigger smartphones, large door bins, and a deep centre cubby beneath a double-lidded armrest console that means there’s loads of locations to retailer your odds and ends.
One factor that may’t be refuted both is the GLE’s passenger-carrying capabilities within the rear. It’s gives good width to seat three abreast for those who want, but in addition there’s heaps of head and leg room even for taller adults.
You’ll be able to see the American origins of this SUV come into play right here – be mindful that is “mid sized” within the States. I can simply sit behind my most popular driving place and I’m a long-legged 6’1 (and a bit).
There are many facilities again right here too, like rear air vents, a fold-down armrest with cupholders, map pockets behind the entrance seats in addition to your typical baby seat anchor factors (i.e. ISOFIX and high tethers).
It’s a disgrace you might want to shell out for a $6900 package deal to get separate local weather controls on the rear, significantly at this value. There’s additionally a little bit of a driveline hump within the flooring forward of the center seat, however it’s not tremendous intrusive to the purpose you might want to be knees up or splayed out to take a seat there comfortably.
One other factor to notice, our take a look at automotive’s elective third-row seating ($3900) provides electrical adjustment for the second row, permitting you to regulate the usual slide and recline features electronically, fairly than utilizing guide levers. There’s additionally a powered entry operate for the third row, although that is nonetheless painfully sluggish.
When you’re in that again row, you’ll realise that is nonetheless greatest left for smaller adults or youngsters, and even then they’re greatest left for infrequent utilization fairly than recurrently. Adults might be knees up, and for those who’re over 6’0 like me your hair is likely to be brushing the headliner.
There’s a pleasant little console between the individually folding seats that includes cupholders and USB-C cost factors, however in any other case there’s no air vents. Should you’re seeking to cart round three rows of individuals usually, it may pay to have a look at the bigger GLS.
With the third row in use there’s not a lot baggage house for greater than a few small, gentle luggage. Drop the manual-folding rear seats and also you get 630 litres with the second row of their rearmost place.
Fold the second row and that opens to a reasonably helpful 2055 litres, with a comparatively flat load space save for a slight incline on the second-row seat backs. There’s no spare wheel out there, only a tyre restore package.
| Dimensions | Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d 4MATIC |
|---|---|
| Size | 4924mm |
| Width | 2010mm |
| Top | 1790mm |
| Wheelbase | 2995mm |
| Cargo capability | 630 litres (5 seats) 2055 litres (2 seats) |
To see how the GLE strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability software.
What’s underneath the bonnet?
The 450d upgrades from the 300d’s four-cylinder turbo-diesel to a beefier inline six with 48V mild-hybrid tech.
| Specs | Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d 4MATIC |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L i6 turbo-diesel 48V MHEV |
| Energy | 270kW at 4000rpm |
| Torque | 750Nm at 1350-2800rpm |
| Electrical motor | 15kW + 250Nm |
| Transmission | 9-speed auto |
| Pushed wheels | AWD |
| Weight | 2428kg (tare) |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 5.6 seconds |
| Gasoline economic system (claimed) | 7.4L/100km |
| Gasoline economic system (as examined) | 8.6L/100km |
| Gasoline tank capability | 85 litres |
| Gasoline requirement | Diesel |
| CO2 emissions | 194g/km |
| Emissions customary | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capability | 2700kg |
To see how the GLE strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability software.
How does the Mercedes-Benz GLE drive?
Regardless of revisions to the drivetrains, the elemental GLE expertise stays the identical with this facelift.
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Abroad mannequin proven
You may be forgiven for initially considering the 450d was fuelled by petrol, such is the quietness and refinement of the three.0-litre inline six on startup and when on the transfer.
With 9 gears and 750Nm of torque from simply 1350rpm, the GLE 450d is a simple performer and a really stress-free factor to drive in any respect speeds. It gives linear efficiency with minimal lag, save for the odd hesitation off the road.
There’s no agricultural diesel clatter even underneath heavy acceleration, and the 48V mild-hybrid system neatly cuts out and in to save lots of treasured drops of gas. As you decelerate it’ll reduce out the engine round 15km/h, after which hearth it again up whenever you raise off the brakes a lot faster than typical idle stop-start techniques.
It’s so easy it could possibly nearly really feel lazy, given in its Consolation setting the GLE will shift up very early across the 2000rpm mark except you actually sink your boot in – fortunately there are 9 ratios to select from.
Whereas I personally want Mercedes didn’t drive you into the AMG Line with bigger customary wheels, the GLE with 21-inch AMG alloys is surprisingly pliant in and round inner-city Melbourne
Drain covers, highway joins, and tram tracks had been all dealt with fairly effectively throughout my day by day commuting, with my solely grievance being the slight edge to the preliminary bump absorption from stated 21-inch rims and 45-profile Pirelli rubber.
Our tester was fitted with the usual steel-sprung suspension with passive damping, and if Mercedes hadn’t advised me in any other case I may have been fooled into considering it had the $3400 adaptive air suspension choice fitted. I think about this may solely make it even higher if ticked.
Whereas the GLE typically did a very good job filtering out highway imperfections, it exhibited a trait I’ve discovered to be frequent to a whole lot of bigger Mercedes fashions – there’s a sideways motion as you go over some harsher bumps that make the physique really feel prefer it’s rocking fore and aft in addition to left and proper.
It may be just a little odd and at instances unnerving as a result of it feels prefer it lacks physique management, nearly giving the feeling of being dizzy. I felt an analogous factor within the GLC to a lesser extent.
On the open highway although, the GLE is excellent. As is the case with a whole lot of high-end European metallic designed to eat up miles on high-speed German autobahns, the Benz is comfy, quiet and rock strong.
It settles properly right into a cruise at 100km/h and the six-cylinder diesel is barely above idle. Nonetheless, it has loads of oomph to ship greater than ample response if you might want to make a fast overtake or simply stand up to hurry on an on-ramp.
Do you have to require its full energy for a standing begin or a correct squirt, the GLE 450d has fairly a little bit of grunt on faucet to get its 2.4t mass transferring shortly. Mercedes’s 0-100km/h declare of 5.6 seconds feels very correct by the seat of the pants, and the rolling acceleration is arguably much more spectacular.
It makes a candy sound too. Whereas four-cylinder diesels can get just a little rattly underneath load, the 450d’s inline six has a easy and nearly brassy tone to it which just a little addictive.
You’ll get glorious gas economic system too. We managed an indicated 8.6L/100km with nearly per week’s price of peak-hour commuting, however we noticed real-time readouts of practically half that with extra 80-100km/h freeway cruising – for reference, the vary indicator was displaying round 1200km after I picked it up.
Whereas I’ve lamented the requirement of choices for fulls help suites on cheaper Benz mannequin strains, the GLE fortunately has all of the out there driver help techniques fitted as customary.
The Driver Help Package deal incorporates adaptive cruise management and lane centring to offer semi-autonomous help on the freeway, and there’s even an Energetic Lane Change Help that lightly nudges you into the lane you’re indicating into when it’s protected.
There’s additionally blind-spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring to present you that added security web over your shoulder when navigating gaps in visitors or reversing out of tight areas, and the extra exit warning operate will warn you if an oncoming automotive or bicycle owner is within the path of your opening door.
Lastly, there’s a encompass digital camera system with Clear Bonnet mode which makes parking this 4924mm-long and 2010mm-wide luxurious bus that little bit simpler – robust the rear digital camera perspective was just a little off so at instances it was tough to park it good and straight.
What do you get?
Apart from the powertrain, the GLE 450d gives the identical customary specification because the GLE 300d.
GLE 300d + GLE 450d gear highlights:
- 21-inch AMG alloy wheels
- AMG Line Exterior Package deal
- Aluminium working boards
- LED headlights with adaptive high-beam
- Entrance seats with reminiscence operate
- 13-speaker 590W Burmester sound system
- MBUX Augmented Actuality Navigation
- Panoramic sunroof
- Head-up show
- Semi-autonomous parking help
- Keyless entry and begin
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
GLE 450 Coupe provides:
- AMG Line Inside Package deal
- AMG Night time Package deal
Choices
Plus Package deal: $6900
- Multicontour entrance seats
- Seat Heating Plus incl. heated armrests
- Ventilated entrance seats
- Encompass lighting
- Inside Assistant
- Air Stability
- Energizing Package deal
- Guard 360 Automobile Safety Plus
- Energy-closing doorways
- Temperature-controlled cupholder
- Thermotronic 4-zone local weather management
7 Seat Package deal: $3900
- Third-row seating
- Energy-adjustable rear seats
Airmatic Package deal: $3400
- Airmatic air suspension
- Adaptive damping
Towbar Package deal: $2900
- Trailer coupling
- Elevated towing capability
- 750kg unbraked
- 3500kg braked
22-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels: $1500
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE protected?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE retains its five-star ANCAP ranking from when the pre-facelift mannequin was examined in 2019 – this ranking excludes AMG variants, nevertheless.
| Class | Mercedes-Benz GLE |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 34.9 out of 38 (91 per cent) |
| Baby occupant safety | 45.2 out of 49 (92 per cent) |
| Susceptible highway person safety | 37.9 out pf 48 (78 per cent) |
| Security help | 10.4 out of 13 (79 per cent) |
Normal security gear consists of:
- 9 airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Junction help
- Cross-traffic help
- Adaptive cruise management
- Blind-spot help
- Lane departure warning
- Lane preserve help
- Site visitors signal recognition
- Protected exit warning
- Encompass-view digital camera
How a lot does the Mercedes-Benz GLE price to run?
Mercedes-Benz Australia covers its vary with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, although its servicing prices stay on the upper aspect of the phase.
| Working prices | Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d 4MATIC |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 25,000 kilometres |
| Capped-price servicing | As much as 5 years (Service Plan) |
| Complete capped-price service price | $7585 (5 years) |
CarExpert’s Tackle the Mercedes-Benz GLE
Whereas the GLE has its strengths, I merely can not justify why you’d spend an entire $30,000 extra on this over an Audi Q7 or BMW X5.
There’s positively a presence and status to the GLE, helped by the large Three Pointed Star on the nostril. It additionally has that large display wow-factor the model’s vehicles impress with whenever you first get in.
Whereas the 450d inline six diesel is a peach, that’s about the place the GLE’s promoting factors finish.
For me, there’s nothing in regards to the Benz that basically justifies the $30,000 premium over a equally engined Audi Q7 or BMW X5, each of which arguably provide higher perceived construct high quality, equal efficiency, and comparable status.
I don’t assume Mercedes-Benz is essentially extra premium than Audi and BMW just because it chooses to place itself as such with its pricing.
The X5 might be nonetheless the benchmark on this phase, and the Audi is probably the most sensible with probably the most typical cabin design.
Even past different manufacturers, the GLE 450d is an entire $20,000 greater than the four-cylinder GLE 300d, which aside from completely different energy outputs and the notion of desirability that comes with four-cylinder and six-cylinder luxurious vehicles, the spec sheets are in any other case just about the identical.
I’d argue that whereas the 450d is my most popular engine selection in all the GLE lineup, the 300d is highly effective sufficient to do all of the issues a GLE ought to, and you’ll have it effectively optioned and nonetheless be cheaper than the bottom pricing of the 450d.
However, except you’re utterly offered on the Benz, I’d be taking a look at an Audi Q7 50 TDI quattro or a BMW X5 xDrive30d and pocketing the change for household holidays or different extra sensible retailers.
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