First Drive: 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE

First Drive: 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes-Benz prides itself on producing a diverse range of premium SUVs. The GLE, for one, commands respect on the road owing to its imposing stature and bold appearance. There's a new one, and its polished design is striking both inside and out.

The GLE comes with three engine options; the first is the 300d. This model is a great starting point and comes with a 2.0-litre hybrid turbodiesel engine. It produces 198kW and 550Nm, providing more than enough power for overtaking on the highway. The 300d also has some pep in its step as it launches from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds and tops out at 230km/h. A strong selling point for the 300d is its consumption, gently sipping away at between 6.8 and 7.8 litres per 100 km.

On the other hand, buyers get more muscle in their GLE with the 450 and 450d. With a rather thirsty 9.7–11.1l/100km of fuel consumption, the 450 3.0-litre hybrid turbocharged engine generates 280kW and 500 Nm of torque. The 450d, for me, is the motor to choose with the same 0-100km/h time as the 450 at 5.6 seconds, producing 270kW and a strong 750Nm from its 3.0-litre hybrid turbodiesel engine. It boasts better consumption at 7.5-8.4l/100km. Both the 450 and the 450d have a top speed of 250km/h. 

Wafting around is the best way to describe the GLE's driving experience. Its sizable frame glides silently and gracefully through the air, gaining speed pretty rapidly. It takes a few minutes to wrap your head around the torque, especially in the 450d application. The car almost feels light, which can be offputting when you need to hastily get on the brakes. Only under heavy braking and initial corner turn-in do you really feel the weight of this 2.5-tonne car.

The ride quality is another standout feature of the GLE. At speed, the GLE's ability to remain composed over undulations and bumps is nothing short of impressive. Although the GLE's comfort may make you think that its weight and soft suspension would be a problem in the corners, it's surprising how stable the chassis is in the twisties. Despite its size, the GLE is a great all-rounder, with emphasis on its highway and comfort capabilities.

The GLE isn't a vehicle that would encourage you to discover a gravel road, but if you do, it offers a smooth and predictable ride. A few creaks and rattles on the corrugations were to be expected, but not enough to cause real concern. Two body options are available, and like the outgoing model, the GLE is available as both a 7-seater and a coupe. The third row in the 7-seater accommodates bigger families, while the coupe cuts a sportier and more distinctive look while removing some cargo space and the option to take the extra two passengers.

Although the new model's exterior design looks similar to the outgoing model, its shape is more modern and uncomplicated. At first, I thought the new design made the car appear smaller, especially in the coupe version, even though the measurements are the same as the pre-updated model. 

Upon first inspection, the interior hasn’t changed all that much. Leg room is plentiful for both the front and second-row passengers. Of course, being a more premium Benz product, there are plentiful amounts of features in the GLE, starting with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, GPS, an Extended MBUX function on the infotainment system, automatic climate control, trailer stabilisation, cargo packing with tie-downs, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and a selection of other creature comforts and tech.

The interior is plush, with wood textures in the dash to add to the exclusive feel, along with arguably the best ambient lighting system in the premium segment. The experience inside a GLE is special yet relaxing, as the ride is gentle and the cabin is impressively quiet. I did, however, struggle with the seat quality, as they were already creased after only a couple thousand kilometres. 

Safety is also a major factor at Mercedes, and the GLE emphasises this with an active braking assist system, blind spot assist, a preinstallation feature for live traffic information, and an emergency call system to ensure that drivers are prepared for any road scenario. That is, if you like all the alerts and warnings that come with modern safety systems. 

The pricing for the GLE starts at R1,964,600 for the GLE 300d 4Matic, with the 7-seater option coming in at R1,984,000. The GLE 450 4Matic starts at R2,075,400 and R2,094,800 for the 7-seater. The GLE 450d 4Matic starts at R2,041,500 and R2,060,900 for the 7-seater. The GLE 450d 4Matic coupe starts at R2,340,500.

After reviewing the price, there is a clear option for me: the GLE 450d 4Matic with or without the 7-seater option. While maintaining a rather impressive fuel economy, the torque this engine provides makes driving more enjoyable. Also, the larger engine of the 450d comes in at R76k more than the 300d, which, for me, is worth every cent. The Coupe, on the other hand, raises concern. It comes with the same engine and technically less space, and yet it costs R300k more—just for the look. The Coupe is ultimately down to taste if you have the extra cash lying around.

The GLE is an impressive SUV; it provides a sense of luxury and excitement while also providing a large road presence and good safety credentials. It’s a head-turner of an SUV with elegant styling that supplies that special factor in heaps. Though it feels a little bit more premium and is ultimately a matter of taste, the starting price is almost R300k more than that of the BMW X5 30d. It is a phenomenal product and one that will certainly get my nod of approval out on the roads.

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