Mercedes is a brand synonymous with luxury and innovation. Establishing themselves as pioneers in the world of luxury sedans and sports cars, Mercedes had to prove their might in areas they’ve never explored before. Lo and behold, their first off-roader- The G-Class was born in 1979.
After a couple of decades, Mercedes brought out their first-ever midsize SUV- The M-class; a cheaper alternative to their flagship G-class. Befitting a Mercedes, the M-class was rather advanced for the time- being the first-ever SUV to feature electronic stability control.
In the wake of 2016, Mercedes decided to alter the model name from M-class to GLE-class. With global success, 2020 saw the second-generation GLE enter the market. Currently slotting between the smaller GLC-class and the larger GLS-class, the GLE has garnered a lot of attention for being one of the most luxurious midsize SUVs available.
For 2021, the GLE is carried over with a few AMG-tuned models added to the lineup. Is the $72,000 midsize Mercedes all show and no go? Read on to find out.
Engine And Performance
Being one of the more potent Mercs in the lineup, the GLE gets several engine choices. For starters, there is the base GLE 350 that is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Transmission duties are dealt with a 9-speed automatic sending powering to the rear wheels unless optioned with an all-wheel-drive 4Matic system.
Moving up the trim ladder, you get the GLE 450 that comes with a 3.0-liter inline-6 paired to a 48-volt EQ boost system good for a robust 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. With 4Matic as standard, the GLE 450 comes with an integrated starter generator (ISG) responsible for sudden bursts of power (EQ boost) and improved fuel economy.
Then there is the GLE 580 which boasts a 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 making 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It gets 4Matic as well as the 48-volt mild-hybrid tech as standard equipment. However, if you feel the GLE 580 underwhelming, Mercedes offers the full-blown AMG GLE 63 S.
The latest entrant to the 2021 lineup of GLEs, the AMG-powered behemoth gets a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 making a colossal 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. According to Car and Driver, the 2021 GLE 63 S rockets to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds- 0.4 seconds quicker than its previous iteration.
In terms of driving, the GLE apart from the AMG-powered lunatic is more inclined towards comfort than agility. Softer suspension coupled with the E-Active body control helps with a cushioned ride. On the other hand, the GLE AMG recalibrates the idea of a 5500-pound SUV taking a corner- A complete animal, in simple terms.
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Exterior Styling
The GLE has seen a complete makeover in terms of design and styling to take on the classy BMW X5. With the advent of its fourth-generation, the GLE has taken a modern take on Benz’s design theme. According to Merc's press release, the font has become tout with slim LED headlights and the large Mercedes logo which houses the radar for the driver assistance tech.
From the sides, the wide c-pillar harks back to the M-class of yesteryears while the wheels remain flushed within the arches. Speaking of rims, as standard you get 18-inches while there is an option for massive 22-inchers, which to be honest is overkill and sort of defeats the purpose of an SUV.
Nothing fancy at the back, as Mercedes has kept it clean with the addition of newly updated LED taillights. Overall, the GLE’s looks are inclined towards the corporate environment which favors an under-the-radar look than flamboyance.
However, if exuberance is what you’re after, the GLE 63 S should fit the bill. With a much wider track alongside bespoke AMG rims, heavily redone front and rear bumpers, quad-exhaust tips, and the lower ride height befit the 603-horsepower machine.
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Interiors And Tech
One of the go-to features of modern-day Mercs is their interiors- There’s hardly anyone in the automotive industry that could rival them. As you enter the cabin, you’ll notice the extensive use of the leather, complemented by the impressive build quality.
The dash is dominated by two large 12.3-inch screens running the latest MBUX software. Connectivity features are off the charts with Mercedes employing a world-first augmented reality assisted navigation. The system also houses an Interior Assist feature which uses the onboard cameras to detect if a hand is approaching the screen and accordingly highlights the onscreen elements.
The seats are nicely padded and offer great comfort. In addition to massaging function, Mercedes has employed seat kinetics which energizes its occupant with minute movements of the seat cushion and backrest. As the chassis is reworked, the interior room has seen an increase from the previous generation. Moreover, Mercedes has included segment-first fully adjustable second-row seats which further adds to the opulence on offer.
Other amenities available include advanced driver assistance features, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, driver-drowsiness alert, panoramic sunroof, soft-close doors, 25-speaker Burmester premium hi-fi, and an Energizing package which includes a fragrance dispenser. Here’s the verdict- Whatever the case may be; whether its comfort or safety, you won’t be disappointed in the all-new Mercedes GLE.
Sources: wikipedia.org, caranddriver.com, edmunds.com