Review: 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Take this new Mercedes-Benz GLE. Not only is both longer and wider than the car it replaces, most significantly it is lower too – more car-like in other words. And when you look inside, save the still high driving position, there are really no indicators at all that this car has a dual function, even if only in theory. Indeed with its sumptuous leather, smooth metal surfacing and enormous, immaculately rendered TFT screens, you really could be looking inside an S-class.

Except the GLE is one of few SUVs of any kind that can still be specified in proper off-road guise, complete with under-body protection, hill descent control and even a low ratio transfer box. Versions fitted with 48 volt networks can even use their active dampers to make the car jump up and down very quickly to help dislodge it from wherever it’s got stuck. At the launch they even got it to do a little dance. Yes it’s hard to imagine any GLE negotiating more than a muddy field with a horse box on the back, but people still like to know that what they’re buying is more than an SUV in name alone, but a proper, authentic off-roader.

That said, in two days of roaming around Texas in various GLEs our prescribed routes included not so much as a gravel path – indeed when I asked whether we’d be doing any off-roading the spokesman from head office looked momentarily thrown off balance by such a left-field question. In the end he just said ‘no’.

There are just two versions coming to the UK in the first wave, a two-litre diesel called the GLE 300d with 236PS (239bhp) and a 3-litre 357PS (362bhp) GLE 450 petrol version with a 48-volt mild hybrid engine that adds a little power and a lot of torque to the car’s output. If neither of these fit the bill, a 3-litre diesel engine will soon be available as either a 264PS (268bhp) GLE 350d or 320PS (325bhp) GLE 400d. This is also the first generation of GLE to offer seven seats, standard on all models save the base 300d, which is also the only version not to benefit from air springs.

We drove all bar the 350d and beforehand would have bet plenty that it would be the big diesel to which we'd be drawn. In fact the 140mph 2-litre oil burner offered more than enough performance and refinement to make a strong case for itself, its ride on steel springs perfectly acceptable too. And, as is always the case with these cars, you notice the lack of weight in the nose when it comes to corners. That said the GLE 450 was one of the most complete all-round SUVs I’ve driven, just so long as I didn’t spend too much time looking at its fuel consumption. The 400d didn’t to me seem to offer enough additional performance or refinement to offset the likely additional cost, though for those wanting air springs and seven seats, I expect the 350d will end up providing the most compelling all round package.

Stat Attack

Mercedes-Benz GLE 450

Engine: 2,999cc six cylinders, turbocharged, petrol, 48V mild hybrid

Transmission: nine-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive

Power/Torque: 257PS (362bhp) @ 5,500rpm and 500Nm (369lb ft) @ 1,600rpm

0-62mph: 5.7sec

Top speed: 155mph

Price £62,300