Mercedes’ splendid GLE even better in new 450 d get-up
We have tended to rave over the Mercedes-Benz GLE over time. For good reason too, we reckon. There were however aspects that were becoming a touch dated as the GLE more recently aged like wine. Happily however, that has mostly now been addressed too.
Now available in wagon, 7-seater or this sleek Coupé, it carries fresh styling nuances. But you may need to go back and look at again after you read this, to notice them. They’re there, promise! The biggest change on the GLE menu is Benz’ latest, more intelligent, even more immersive MBUX User Experience infotainment inside. Along with this new GLE 450 d model, now in a greener, fully 48-volt electrified range.
Pedigree GLE 450 d has a fine bloodline
The Mercedes-Benz GLE, nee ML of course, pioneered the premium SUV segment back in ‘97. Built as always at Merc’s Tuscaloosa, USA plant, the current architecture was released in 2018. Now it’s just been mid-life nipped, tucked. Detail tweaks include this one’s tri-star struck grille, a fresh front bumper, and those subtle trim tweaks.
This flagship for now, 450 d gets full four-point DRL Multibeam LED headlamps. These latest-generation composite lights take full beam driving next level. Now rather than place general black blocks around approaching cars, this one seems to identify the car and only precision blocks the windscreen out. So you can even see the car in your bright beam, while the driver and passengers in that car will never know the difference.
Add that grille, a car colour AMG front apron, skirts, and wheelarch cladding. Talking colours, this new metallic blue changes hue according to the ambient light. It even goes a bit red. Groovy indeed.
Latest gen Starship Enterprise infotainment
Hop aboard to experience that biggest GLE step to more holistic, and aesthetic Starship Enterprise artificial intelligence ‘My Mercedes’ MBUX 12.3 inch intelligent touchscreen infotainment. It fills the same space that the old one did, but now with wireless CarPlay and Auto. It also brings crisper, cooler graphics and great hardware and software strides.
Benz’ latest-generation surface sensing multifunction steering wheel is new too. It still runs the 12.3 inch driver display to the right and central displays on the left. We remain unconvinced by the new steering pads. We think they’re useless versus the older, simpler, uglier stalk controls. Happily the major controls remain in a row of buttons below the vents, and rollers in the centre console. So it won’t lose NCAP safety points like those ridiculous knobless systems do, even in this car’s EQ siblings.
Other strides inside the crisp, cavernous, curvy, and current cabin include new chrome look real galvanised metal air vents. Our 450 d Coupé also had ambient lighting and a premium 590 watt Burmester surround audio with Dolby Atmos and 13 separate amplifier speaker channels among its intensive arsenal of kit. Even optional Energizing air quality control.
Benz says 450 d will do 100 in 5.6. We did
This 270 kW 750 Nm 2989 cc straight six 450 d sips 8.1 litres per 100 km at 213 grams of carbon per kilometre. Splendid on the road, Benz also promises 5.6 seconds 0-100 km/h and 250 km/h top speed, but we achieved closer to five on our trusty VBox on our Boland test strip.
Yes, it is expensive. It’s chasing two and a half million of our long suffering rands after all. And it’s heavier than some rivals on fuel. Still it’ll literally drive forever on a good day with around a thousand kilometres of claimed range. Which we easily bettered on the cruise.
Talking about our travels, we took our Benz deep into the middle Karoo, where we not only learned a little about this great car’s superb heritage, but a bit about pedigrees and bloodline too. Klawervlei Stud near Bonnievale in the Western Cape has just opened its splendid estate guesthouse, and lo and behold, we found a similarly hued 1956 Mercedes-Benz 219 in residence there.
Pedigree GLE 450 d met great grandpa
That slab-sided Ponton style executive four-door W105 not only shares its straight-six engine with its great grandkid (it’s just a petrol 2.2 though), but also a 170 mm longer wheelbase for more space and practicality than its E-class progenitor 220a sibling. Which is pretty much what this GLE SUV offers over the standard E saloon today.
All pretty appropriate of course, considering that it was all about pedigree and bloodline at Klawervlei which was flat out preparing its latest pedigree racehorse herd for the annual winter yearling sale. Learn more about the horses, and the fine accommodation at klawervlei.co.za.
Getting back to our trusty steed, there are of course cheaper, thriftier GLEs out there. But none of them scream premium as much as this one does. Nor do they waft you along as royally as our 450 d did.
It has regal feel about it on the road, a command driving position, and almost peerless infotainment in an elegant and effortless driving experience. And that all comes with top performance and impressive dynamics too. Never mind a bloodline and pedigree to die for. – Michele Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 d Coupé Engine: 270 kW 750 Nm 2.9-litre Turbodiesel I6 Drive: 9-speed Automatic AWD TESTED: 0-60 km/h: 2.30 sec 0-100 km/h: 5.15 sec 0-120 km/h: 7.04 sec 0-160 km/h: 12.13 sec 400m: 13.4 s @ 168 km/h 80-120 km/h: 3.52 sec 120-160 km/h: 5.10 sec CLAIMED: VMax: 250 km/h Fuel: 8.1 l/100km CO2: 213 g/km Range: 1,000 km Warranty 2 years unlimited Service Plan: 5 years 100 000km LIST PRICE: R2.34M How does it shape up? Check Auto's Test Records now!