Mercedes-Benz GLE (2024) Review
The facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLE recently arrived in local showrooms. If you want a luxurious and powerful premium SUV that can virtually do it all, well, look no further.
We like: Exceptional powertrain, luxury cabin, impressively quiet.
We don’t like: A bit pricey, clumsy steering-wheel controls.
FAST FACTS
- Model: Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d 4Matic AMG Line
- Price: R2 158 362 (April 2024, before options)
- Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbodiesel
- Power/Torque: 285 kW and 750 Nm
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- 0-100 kph: 5.32 sec (tested)
- Fuel consumption: 7.6 L/100 km (claimed)
- Luggage/Utility space: 630-2 055 litres
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Where does the Mercedes-Benz GLE fit in?
Want to make the ultimate statement of personal success? If so, acquiring a luxurious and powerful SUV is at least one surefire way of letting your neighbours know you’ve “made the big time”. And, the great news for you – the aspiring conspicuous consumer – is that if you’re shopping for a suitably imposing new premium SUV, numerous automotive brands will gladly help you lighten that heavy wallet of yours.
Of course, your first port-of-call is likely to be the German premium brands (although British, Japanese and Swedish marques also offer attractive wares). The BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne (and their coupe-SUV variants) are all highly recommendable; your choice may simply come down to your own taste. Bear in mind a facelifted version of the Audi is due at some point in 2024.
Compare the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d 4Matic AMG Line specs with its BMW X5 and Audi Q7 rivals
Also consider models such as the Lexus RX, Range Rover Sport, Land Rover Defender and Volvo XC90.
How the Mercedes-Benz GLE facelift fares in terms of…
Design and Packaging
The Mercedes-Benz GLE facelift incorporates a subtle visual makeover, which includes a revised front bumper (adorned with chrome inserts), as well as new-look LED headlamps. Inside, Benz’s premium SUV gains a redesigned steering wheel, which not only looks the part, but boasts an array of extra functions.
As we’ve found with ‘wheels with capacitive touchpad setups, the user experience can be frustratingly fiddly, but this issue is not unique to the revised GLE, or even Mercedes-Benz models, for that matter.
What’s more, the Three-point Star has updated the MBUX infotainment system to make more onboard functions accessible via the touchscreen, instead of by pushing buttons. In truth, our testers were in 2 minds about it; we appreciate the convenience of having buttons within easy reach, but the minimalism of the redesigned fascia’s clean, uncluttered look is nonetheless attractive – and befits the model.
Best of all, the cabin exudes that oh-so-desirable tech-laden luxury ambience. Ambient lighting has always been one of Mercedes-Benz’s party tricks and at night, the GLE’s interior resembles a disco.
The facelifted model’s dimensions are unchanged; all occupants are availed impressive leg-, head- and shoulder room. The key to the GLE’s capaciousness is its 2 995-mm wheelbase, which, although not the longest in its segment (that title belongs to the BMW X5), produces acres and acres of occupant space.
Now, you may assume that all that roominess would limit the GLE’s load-bay capacity, but that is rated at 630 litres – only fractionally smaller than the BMW X5’s. If you fold the rear seats down, you will free up a claimed 2 055 litres of utility space (the ‘Benz is well suited to hauling bulky Builders Warehouse items).
Performance and Efficiency
The Mercedes-Benz GLE facelift line-up offers a variety of powertrains – buyers can choose between turbopetrol and -diesel powerplants in various states of tune. On test here is the highest-output diesel, badged as the 450d, it’s motivated by a 3.0-litre inline-6 turbodiesel engine that produces impressive peak outputs (285 kW and 750 Nm). We had a hunch it would deliver sledgehammer-like performance…
According to our test equipment, the GLE 450d 4Matic AMG Line bolted from a standstill to 100 kph in 5.32 sec (with its sportiest drive mode engaged) and that time was even quicker than the Sindelfingen-based brand’s claim of 5.6 sec. As expected (of a Teutonic premium SUV endowed with a large-capacity turbodiesel motor), the Benz’s in-gear performance/overtaking ability proved even more impressive.
Without a hint of hesitation, the test unit would hurtle towards the horizon and refuse to run out of puff, well, so to speak. But the best part of the driving experience was that you don’t need to engage the car’s sportiest mode or use more than half of the accelerator pedal’s travel to exact considerable acceleration.
The 9-speed transmission element of the powertrain puts in the hard yards to facilitate smooth and almost imperceptible gear shifts, but like most auto boxes that seem to have almost too many ratios, sudden throttle inputs may result in some jerkiness as the transmission hurriedly shuffles down.
While having stupendous turbodiesel torque delivery at your right foot’s disposal is a boon, the biggest benefit of driving a premium SUV with an oil-burning heart is that it consumes fuel (relatively) miserly. Premium SUVs with the performance capability of the 450d 4Matic AMG Line are expected to display double-digit consumption figures, but after 10 days of being driven spiritedly, the test unit indicated 8.4 L/100 km! If you drive conservatively and use Eco mode, figures in the 6s might even be achievable.
The 48V mild-hybrid system, which has been implemented as part of the GLE facelift, plays a major role in the Benz’s efficiency and smoothness. The electrically-operated integrated starter generator (ISG) is capable of contributing 15 kW/200 Nm, and the car will lean on this system to compensate for low torque delivery under, say, 1 500 rpm. Also, it works largely unobtrusively; for example, it discreetly switches the engine off as you coast to an intersection and subtly reactivates the motor when the vehicle pulls away.
Ride and Handling
Our test unit was fitted with optional 20-inch alloys, wrapped in the standard 275/50 tyres. While “low profiles” would look prettier, the variable quality of our nation’s roads requires a chunkier tyre to contend with potholes, ruts and undulations. Besides, a thicker sidewall facilitates a softer, comfier ride quality.
Interestingly, our GLE featured the standard steel springs and not the optional Airmatic air suspension (R38 300), which would take the comfort levels to another level. Mercedes-Benz also offers an E-Active Body Control setup – it constitutes a fully active electric-hydraulic suspension – for an extra R138 300.
The GLE 450d 4Matic AMG Line offers commendable ride comfort (even when riding on the standard suspension), but can shudder and lose composure on badly rutted and pockmarked roads. If you often drive on such routes, stick with the 20-inch alloys and consider speccing an adaptive suspension setup.
As expected, the Benz is happiest when spearing along freeways, where the cabin exhibited impressively low levels of noise, vibration and harshness, even when the big diesel engine was working hard. Still, if you find yourself in a hurry and need to corner briskly, the GLE is unlikely to flounder. The chassis and suspension do a great job of hiding the car’s heft; after all, this SUV tips the scales at just over 2 tonnes.
Comfort and Features
If you’re after business-class-like levels of occupant comfort, the facelifted GLE’s cabin is a great space to occupy. Contrary to most high-end luxury offerings, our test unit was not overloaded with optional extras; the list included: Traffic-sign Assist (R6 300), Driving Assistance Plus Package (R42 200), Night Package (R16 900), 20-inch AMG wheels (R6 400), MBUX augmented reality for navigation (R7 600).
Our vehicle also came specced with the Advanced Plus Package (R73 100), which comprises features such as keyless go, a 360-degree camera, adaptive high beams, high-end Burmester audio, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, five USB-C ports, heated front seats, as well as a wireless phone charger.
Mercedes-Benz GLE facelift price & After-sales support
The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d 4Matic retails for R2 158 362 (April 2024, before options). The price includes a 2-year/unlimited km warranty, as well as a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
| GLE 300d 4Matic | R1 984 304 |
| GLE 450d 4Matic | R2 064 662 |
| GLE 300d 4Matic AMG Line | R2 078 004 |
| GLE 450 4Matic | R2 102 966 |
| GLE 450d 4Matic AMG Line | R2 158 362 |
| GLE 450 4Matic AMG Line | R2 196 666 |
Verdict
Although it incorporates “only” minor enhancements and incremental improvements, the Mercedes-Benz GLE facelift earned kudos from our test team. Granted, the Three-pointed Star’s premium SUV was always bound to be a well-resolved product – it simply has to be, given the calibre of its segment rivals.
Should you buy one? If you’re a fan of the Three-Pointed Star and looking for a full-sized luxury SUV, we’d have no hesitation in recommending it. But, as much as we adored the 450d 4Matic AMG Line’s magnificent powertrain (which proved remarkably frugal too), well, “that’s the gravy, not the main dish”.
Given the strength of the competition and the GLE’s pricing structure, we believe there is better value available from lesser-powered derivatives, such as the 300d, and some of the ‘Benz’s rivals. The BMW X5 30d, even with its veritable tech-fest of a cabin, is an incredibly tough act to follow at its price point.
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