Before the start of the SUV era, Mercedes already had a model for sale. It was him Mercedes GLE, although at that time it was not known under that name. The GLE is located within the firm as the model between the Mercedes GLC and Mercedes GLS. A large SUV belonging to the E segment.
We have tested this car:
Test Mercedes GLE 300 d 4Matic 245 CVAs we were saying, the first GLE we saw did not use that name, was known as Mercedes ML. It was in 1997 when the ML hit the markets, narrowly anticipating the launch of the BMW X5. He kept the name in the following generations, three to be exact, until the year 2015 when it passed to the official name of Mercedes GLE.
Today it reaches its fourth generation, the last one presented in 2019. It still belongs to the same segment, although with much larger dimensions than the original model., now being closer to the GLS than the GLC. An SUV of its own Mercedes that provides high comfort, a lot of technology and certain aptitudes for the field. One of the references of its segment.
Technical characteristics of the Mercedes GLE
The use of the name GLE is not a mere coincidence. Following the line drawn by the rest of the brand, the SUV is so called because it is a derivation of the Mercedes E-Class. It uses the MHA architecture, a variant of the same used by the saloon. A chassis adapted to the particular conditions of a large SUV, prepared to use a wide variety of possible mechanical and bodywork solutions, as demonstrated by his brother, the Mercedes GLE coupe.
The dimensions of the Mercedes GLE are not at all discreet. 4,92 meters long, 1,95 meters wide and 1,8 meters high. To these dimensions must be added a wheelbase of three meters. Battle enough to have up to three rows of seats and capacity for seven passengers. Bearing this in mind, it offers a trunk with a minimum capacity of 630 liters, expandable to 2.055 if the second row of seats is folded down.
Although the most common battlefield of the GLE will be the cold asphalt, Mercedes has prepared it to be able to face many different scenarios. Its off-road dimensions are discreet, but quite capable. 23 degree approach angle, 23 degree exit angle, and 15 degree breakover angle. To these must be added a free distance from the ground of 18 centimeters, variable thanks to an air suspension and specific driving modes for off-roading.
Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Mercedes GLE
When it comes to mobilizing the more than two tons of weight of the GLE, Mercedes renews the mechanical offer in 2023 with updated propellants with better performance and more adjusted consumption. The range is made up of two diesel engines, three gasoline engines and two plug-in hybrids, one diesel and the other gasoline.. All units come standard with a 4MATIC all-wheel drive system typical of the house, and with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The power supply starts with the 300-horsepower GLE 269 d MHEV and combined consumption in WLTP cycle of 6,7 liters. The other diesel variant is the GLE 450d MHEV with 367 horsepower. The offer of gasoline engines starts with the GLE 450 with six cylinders in line and 381 horsepower, followed by the AMG GLE 53 with 435 horsepower. The top of the range is signed by the AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ with 8 horsepower four-liter V612 biturbo engine.
As for the PHEV versions, the access unit is the GLE 350 from. Enjoy a four-cylinder diesel engine, a front electric motor and a high-capacity 31,2 kWh battery. It develops 333 horsepower and an electric range of 109 km in the WLTP cycle.. Bill GLE 400 and It uses a four-cylinder gasoline block, a front electric motor and the same battery as its colleague. develop a maximum of 381 horses with a 100% electric autonomy of 107 kilometers.
Equipment of the Mercedes GLE
The Mercedes GLE belongs to the most exclusive and expensive range of the German firm. That means that Inside, high quality is offered, both in materials and finishes.. The occupants will enjoy great comforts on board, although it will be the two front ones who will enjoy most of them, such as the seats with massage function.
As usual, Mercedes puts up for sale different trim lines that allow us to alter the exterior design of the GLE, going from a more basic finish to a more elegant, sporty or country one. The degree of customization is not very high, although there are many possible configurations. One of the most demanded options is the incorporation of the third row of seats, hidden under the boot floor.
As for the rest of the equipment, there is much to highlight, because thanks to its recent update it can have a large number of systems. Among them we highlight: LED matrix headlights, servo-assisted door closing, pneumatic suspension, steered rear axle, 360º camera, MBUX system with two 12,3-inch panels, COMAND online system, and a wide range of safety and security elements. driving aids that make it a level 2 autonomous driving car.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE in video
The Mercedes GLE according to Euro NCAP
With the purchase of an SUV of these dimensions one also thinks about safety. Being well endowed, as far as care elements are concerned, the GLE achieves excellent results in the Euro NCAP crash tests, five stars for it, the highest possible score. Outstanding are the values obtained in the protection of adult and child passengers, with an assessment of 91 and 90 out of 100 respectively. One of the safest SUVs on the market. These ratings have not changed after the 2023 update as no changes were made to the structure of the car.
The Mercedes GLE of Km 0 and Second Hand
The GLE is an expensive model, an almost luxury model that is not accessible to the general public. For this reason, many buyers choose to divert their attention to secondary sales channels. Over the years, the ML and then the GLE have earned a great reputation for durability, comfort and quality.. Its depreciation percentage is low, standing at the average of its segment.
If we take a look at the second-hand market we see how the cheapest units date from the first generation of the GLE, year 2016. Its price starts at figures close to 30.000 euros. The Km 0 channel is much less popular due to the high sale prices. Also, since the new model is relatively recent, all available units belong to the third generation.
Rivals of the Mercedes GLE
Although they are not the most popular market niche of all, many manufacturers dare to launch Large SUV belonging to the E segment. Of course, the most direct rivals that the GLE must face are located within the section of premium brands, and among them are: Listen Q7, BMW X5, Volvo XC90, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Maserati Levante y Porsche Cayenne, although these last two in a slightly higher price range. All of them are rivals for size, concept and in most cases, for price.
Highlight
- Behavior
- Materials quality
- Equipment
To improve
- High price
- Consumption
- Access to 3rd row seats
Mercedes GLE prices
At the time of going through the box, the GLE shows us that high cost of its size and qualities. The starting price of the Mercedes GLE is 80.960 euros, without offers or promotions. That value corresponds to a GLE 300 d of 269 horses. The first GLE PHEV available is the 350 e gasoline and 333 horsepower with a starting price of 88.930 euros. The top of the range, how could it be otherwise, is signed by the AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+. Its 612 horsepower have a minimum cost of 170.311 euros.
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