Tweaks all-round keep Mercedes’ GLE right in the game
Mercedes-Benz says that its GLE wagon, seven-seater and GLE Coupe define class in the luxury SUV segment. That’s a sentiment we’ve tended to concur with over time. There were however aspects that were becoming a touch concerned with as the GLE more recently aged like wine. Happily however, that has now mostly been addressed too.
Squint to see the GLE style changes
Merc this week launched the subtly facelifted and significantly tech advanced GLE in South Africa. Now available in wagon, 7-seater or sleek Coupe, both carry fresh styling touches that you may need to squint to see. GLE more importantly now also benefits Benz’ latest, more intelligent, even more immersive MBUX User Experience infotainment, along with a new GLE 450 d model in a now fully 48-volt electrified range.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE, albeit then called ML, pioneered the premium SUV segment back in ‘97. Built as always at Merc’s Tuscaloosa, USA plant, this version was released in 2018. It now benefits its customary mid-life nip-and-tuck. That starts with detail and style changes including a revised two-bar grille, and a fresh front bumper and trim tweaks.
New grille, LED DRL lights, colours
Add a new two-point DRL signature for the LED headlamps, or four-point on optional Multibeam LEDs. The 7-seater GLE’s taillight style has not escaped attention with a twin horizontal block signet, or two bars on the GLE Coupé. It now comes standard in AMG Line get-up with a star pattern diamond grille. Add vehicle colour AMG front apron, side panels and wheel arch cladding. Talking colours, there’s a new metallic blue and a solid grey too
Hop aboard to the biggest GLE step in Mercedes’ latest, more holistic, and aesthetic MBUX ‘My Mercedes’ 12.3 inch intelligent digital infotainment. Now with wireless CarPlay and Auto, the new car also brings great hardware and software strides. The smart latest-generation sensor surface multifunction steering wheel is also new. It runs the 12.3 inch driver display to the right and central displays to on the left.
The major GLE strides are inside
Other cabin strides include new chrome look real galvanised metal air vents. A broad palette of interior options from classic to progressive stretches to a particularly sporty AMG Line option. Add ambient lighting and premium 590 watt Burmester surround audio with Dolby Atmos and 13 separate amplifier speaker channels. And optional Energizing air quality control.
Slipping under the bonnet, two turbodiesels and a turbo petrol make up the GLE range. The 198 kW 550 Nm 2-litre four pot 300 d delivers 7.2 l/100 km fuel economy and 189 g/km CO2 emissions. The 270 kW 750 Nm 2989 cc straight six 450 d sips 8.1 l/100 km 213 g/km. The petrol option is the 280 kW 500 Nm 3-litre straight six turbo GLE 450 good for 10.2 l/100 km and 230 g/km CO2.
All GLE models get a 15 kW 200 e-boost
Most models now have more power than previous versions thanks to that electrified 15 kW 200 Nm 48-volt integrated starter generator mild hybrid boost applied across the range. The 300d accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and surges on to a 230 km/h top speed. Both straight sixes come with a claimed 5.6 second 0-100 km/h and 250 km/h top speed.
Mercedes-Benz GLE Pricing GLE 300 d 4MATIC R1,964M GLE 300 d 4MATIC 7 seater R1,984M GLE 450 4MATIC R2,075M GLE 450 4MATIC 7 seater R2,094M GLE 450 d 4MATIC R2,041M GLE 450 d 4MATIC 7 seater R2,060M GLE 450d 4MATIC Sports Coupe R2,340M