DRIVEN: 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE 450
The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 is presently one the most powerful vehicle in its segment. We were able to spend a few days with this top-of-the-line model to see whether it deserved the accolades it has.
Design
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has received standard "new model" upgrades to its look. It has shrunk in height and expanded in width and length. "The GLE exhibits iconic Mercedes-Benz design while remaining true to its character as an off-roader," says Selvin Govender, Marketing Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars in South Africa at its launch. The GLE 450 comes standard with LED headlights and chrome accents, while the AMG variant ups the ante with a diamond radiator grille, bigger air inlets, and body-color wheel arches.
The SUV's strong posture is emphasized by the sleek 22-inch alloys. The new GLE also features a more aerodynamic design with the lowest drag coefficient in its sector, improving variables like handling and fuel efficiency.
In comparison to its predecessor, the new Mercedes-Benz GLE is noticeably longer. More space is available for passengers' legs and heads thanks to an extra 80 mm in length. The new GLE is also functional in that it has a large cargo hold (at least 825 liters, and up to 2055 if the rear seats are collapsed).
Two 12.3-inch widescreen screens serve as the primary infotainment display and instrument cluster up front, providing the driver with the newest edition of Mercedes-Benz User Experience, or MBUX. The MBUX interface is responsive to speech, touch, and gesture instructions that are recognized and learned by the system. The system may also be operated via the touch pads located on the Mercedes-Benz 4th generation multifunction steering wheel and in the center console. At night, the AMG sports seats, sports paddles, and AMG floor mats come to life thanks to the 64-color ambient lighting.
Interior
The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 is loaded to the gills with advanced technologies and helpful driving aids. The new multibeam LED headlights can be adjusted to direct light in any direction, thanks to the 84 LEDs that rotate along with the car. Off-road technology has seen the most development, with features including a differential lock, a low-range transmission, and a special off-road theme that customizes the MBUX displays to provide the driver with off-roading data like tilt angles and a G-force meter.
The GLE 450 has a 6-cylinder turbocharged gas engine that generates 270 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque, with an extra 250 Nm available via the EQ boost function. The 450 comes equipped with a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLE 450 outperforms its rivals in the luxury SUV market when it comes to passenger convenience. It has some pep, but it's the kind of vehicle where you'll spend most of your time in comfort mode.
Our Judgment
After a few rides, I found that the sole gasoline option wasn't as wasteful as I had anticipated. The EQ motor kicks in at low rpm, which actually saves a lot of gasoline. Given that I sometimes use a quite heavy right foot, my average of around 9.5 liters per hundred kilometers is rather respectable. The GLE 450 impressed me greatly due to its excellent combination of speed and fuel economy.
Specifications
Power: 270 kW
Rev. at Max Power: 5,500 - 6,100 rpm
Torque: 500 Nm
Rev. at Max Torque:1,600 - 4,500 rpm
Displacement: 2,996 cc / 3.0 l
Cylinders: 6 Cyl.
Top Speed: 250 km/h
Acceleration, 0-100 km/h: 5.7 sec
Combined: 8.3 - 9.4 l/100km
Design
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has received standard "new model" upgrades to its look. It has shrunk in height and expanded in width and length. "The GLE exhibits iconic Mercedes-Benz design while remaining true to its character as an off-roader," says Selvin Govender, Marketing Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars in South Africa at its launch. The GLE 450 comes standard with LED headlights and chrome accents, while the AMG variant ups the ante with a diamond radiator grille, bigger air inlets, and body-color wheel arches.
The SUV's strong posture is emphasized by the sleek 22-inch alloys. The new GLE also features a more aerodynamic design with the lowest drag coefficient in its sector, improving variables like handling and fuel efficiency.
In comparison to its predecessor, the new Mercedes-Benz GLE is noticeably longer. More space is available for passengers' legs and heads thanks to an extra 80 mm in length. The new GLE is also functional in that it has a large cargo hold (at least 825 liters, and up to 2055 if the rear seats are collapsed).
Two 12.3-inch widescreen screens serve as the primary infotainment display and instrument cluster up front, providing the driver with the newest edition of Mercedes-Benz User Experience, or MBUX. The MBUX interface is responsive to speech, touch, and gesture instructions that are recognized and learned by the system. The system may also be operated via the touch pads located on the Mercedes-Benz 4th generation multifunction steering wheel and in the center console. At night, the AMG sports seats, sports paddles, and AMG floor mats come to life thanks to the 64-color ambient lighting.
Interior
The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 is loaded to the gills with advanced technologies and helpful driving aids. The new multibeam LED headlights can be adjusted to direct light in any direction, thanks to the 84 LEDs that rotate along with the car. Off-road technology has seen the most development, with features including a differential lock, a low-range transmission, and a special off-road theme that customizes the MBUX displays to provide the driver with off-roading data like tilt angles and a G-force meter.
The GLE 450 has a 6-cylinder turbocharged gas engine that generates 270 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque, with an extra 250 Nm available via the EQ boost function. The 450 comes equipped with a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLE 450 outperforms its rivals in the luxury SUV market when it comes to passenger convenience. It has some pep, but it's the kind of vehicle where you'll spend most of your time in comfort mode.
Our Judgment
After a few rides, I found that the sole gasoline option wasn't as wasteful as I had anticipated. The EQ motor kicks in at low rpm, which actually saves a lot of gasoline. Given that I sometimes use a quite heavy right foot, my average of around 9.5 liters per hundred kilometers is rather respectable. The GLE 450 impressed me greatly due to its excellent combination of speed and fuel economy.
Specifications
Power: 270 kW
Rev. at Max Power: 5,500 - 6,100 rpm
Torque: 500 Nm
Rev. at Max Torque:1,600 - 4,500 rpm
Displacement: 2,996 cc / 3.0 l
Cylinders: 6 Cyl.
Top Speed: 250 km/h
Acceleration, 0-100 km/h: 5.7 sec
Combined: 8.3 - 9.4 l/100km
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