The GL nomenclature seems to be the new favorite for Mercedes-Benz and add the E to it lets you know this one is a midsized luxury model. What this SUV really does is replace the M-Class which has been deleted from the lineup. The GLE adds an upgraded luxury with a much better interior, improved technology and more choices for the powertrain. This is an excellent five-seater SUV that will make you want to keep on driving and enjoying the awesome features that are in place, along with the exceptionally responsive driving characteristics that we all love.
The GLE is the SUV you choose when you want a luxury SUV that is both comfortable and confident on the road. Mercedes-Benz has always found great ways to give us the vehicles we want and carry on a reputation for being some of the sportiest and most capable drives on the road. Other than just a new name for the outgoing M-Class this SUV offers improved front and rear appearances, new safety features that include Crosswind Assist and an upgraded collision prevention system. Another new item on this lineup is the GLE550e which is a plug-in hybrid to give us a great ride from a vehicle that is more fuel efficient than ever.
One of the challenges of driving this SUV is the fact that every model behaves differently. Of course that is only a challenge if you are somehow opposed to being pampered by your SUV and given the best ride possible with the powertrain that is in place. Mercedes-Benz has done a masterful job of matching the looks and feel of the GLE with the right suspension and steering systems to ensure your ride will be one of perfect performance to give you an amazing experience each and every time.
As for those powertrains there six to choose from and all of them use the seven-speed automatic transmission for your driving enjoyment. The only one that is not made with the 4Matic AWD is the GLE 350 in the RWD model and the towing capacity for this SUV ranges from 6,600 to 7,200 pounds to give you a way to bring more fun with you.
The engine lineup starts with the 2.1-liter twin-turbocharged diesel inline four-cylinder engine that brings in 201 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. This is the engine for the GLE 300d 4MATIC and brings you fuel mileage of 22 city/29 hwy mpg. The base engine is actually up next and is what you find for the GLE350 and GLE350 4MATIC. This is a 3.5-liter V6 that gives you 302 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque while giving up 18 city/24 hwy mpg for the RWD and 17 city/22 hwy mpg for the AWD model. Continuing up the line you see a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine with 329 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque. This is the power plant for the GLE400 4MATIC and it will net you 18 city/22 hwy mpg.
Going to the power pair you see a 5.5.liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine powering the AMG GLE63. This beauty offers up 550 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque while bringing you 13 city/17 hwy mpg. The GLE63 S uses the same engine but is tuned up to 577 horsepower and 561 lb.-ft. of torque while offering the same fuel numbers. The GLE550e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid uses the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 plus an electric motor to give you 436 horsepower and 479 lb.-ft. of torque. We don’t have the fuel mileage numbers for this setup yet, but it should come in at a significant savings for you with this premium luxury SUV.
Looking inside the cabin you will be greeted with a gorgeously designed but simply colored interior that is attractive and sophisticated. There is plenty of cargo space with 38.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and every seat is comfortable and easy to enjoy. The controls are placed to make it easy for you to get in and drive right from the start. On the outside you see an SUV that has a handsome look and feel to it. This is one SUV you can confidently take to the curves and turns on the roads with its wide and athletic stance and low ride position.
With any luxury vehicle you expect to have some great features to make use of, especially if it’s from a leader in the market which Mercedes-Benz certainly is. The GLE offers some great standard features which includes a power tailgate, a sunroof, dual-zone climate controls, heated front seats, rain sensing windshield wipers, three drive modes to choose from, an audio system with a USB input and Bluetooth connectivity, an eight-inch color infotainment screen, MB-Tex faux leather upholstery and Brake Hold to give you a great way to ride at the standard model.
If you want some upgrades to your GLE the equipment that can be added includes heated and cooled cupholders, massaging front seats, AMG performance parts, the Premium 1 Package which adds navigation, blind-spot monitoring, a rearview camera, keyless entry and the COMAND touch pad controller. There is a great list of safety features you can add as well which encompasses automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane keeping assistance, active cruise control and the Steering Assist. You can add wood and leather to the interior and upgrade the audio system to an amazing Bang & Olufsen system that gives you a fantastic way to listen to whatever you want to hear.
As a luxury SUV you know the GLE will come with a significant price tag, but it certainly is worth it. The GLE 350 starts at a little over $52,000 for the RWD model and $54,000 for the AWD version. The GLE300d asks for $53,425 while the GLE400 will begin at over $65,000. The price jumps for the AMG twins to over $100,000 for the GLE63 and $108,000 for the GLE63 S which can easily reach up over the $125,000 mark with the added features you want on this SUV. It may be time for you to have a great new luxury SUV to enjoy and the Mercedes-Benz GLE makes a great choice.
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