First test drive of the Mercedes-Benz GLE 2020

The 2020 GLE is the newest replacement for the outgoing GLE and the latest addition to the Mercedes-Benz brand's mid-size, mid-size SUV class. Let's start with the bottom line – there is nothing to dislike about this vehicle. It's incredibly comfortable, fast and beautiful. Mercedes had to do a good job because the segment of mid-size luxury SUVs is a must-have competition with fierce competition.

The new GLE will be measured against the usual competitors from Europe and Asia, including the BMW X5, Volvo XC90, Audi Q8, Acura MDX and Lexus RX. You can send competitors from Land Rover, Porsche, Jaguar and Tesla, but these do not usually attract the same buyers.

In America, you can purchase the GLE 350 with a powerful four-cylinder turbocharged 2.0-liter and rear-wheel drive, or the GLE 350 4Matic with permanent all-wheel drive. You can also order the GLE 450 4MATIC with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder in-line with smooth 48V hybrid assistance and AWD. Mercedes will offer a range of turbo-diesel in the world, but not here. In fact, the only GLE we will have in common with the rest of the world is the 450 4Matic.

Mercedes has not yet announced its prices, as the first models will not arrive until the spring of 2019, but it is reasonable to assume that the starting price of the GLE 350 will be about $ 55,000, as they are with the current model. We will have first all wheel drive models, then the rear wheel 350 later next year.

Interior and technology

The main thing to know about the new GLE is that it is a fun technological house. Mercedes has focused on all the electronic features you can imagine and everything contributes to making this SUV smooth, comfortable and easy to use.

Let's start with the suspension. You have the choice between three options. There is the normal suspension, which is Mercedes-nice. It's tight, smooth and predictable. You can switch to overhead mode with the AirMatic suspension option. Like most air suspensions, this allows you to raise or lower the ride height. The GLE will do this automatically depending on where you drive. AirMatic comes with adaptive damping based on the pressure exerted in the system.

However, the upper suspension option is where things get interesting. Mercedes offers what is called E-Active Body Control, which works over the AirMatic to offer you a predictive damping. The GLE system has a radar / camera system that continuously scans the road surface right in front of the vehicle and searches for bumps, potholes and bumpy roads. Then, the E-Active system prepares the suspension for the management of everything in front of you before flying over it.

This is not everything. The E-Active system also monitors your direction and relies on turns and turns. The system reduces the interior suspension height so that the side profile created by the turn pushes you into your seat instead of pulling you out of the turn. When you leave the corner, the GLE is flipped. Motorcyclists will recognize this feeling instantly and all will like it.

The GLE is also equipped with all modern conveniences, including a large optional head-up display, configurable with all kinds of information. Some drivers found it intrusive, but we liked it. You can turn it off if it bothers you. Next is Mercedes' Distronic Adaptive Cruise Control with steering assistance. This system will now automatically maintain the GLE at the posted speed limit, unless you replace the function. It's a great asset for those of us who need to control our traffic violations.

In addition to all this, the GLE offers lane departure assistance, emergency braking, evasive steering assistance, active assistance for blind spots and left turn assistance. What is truly amazing is that most of these items are not worth mentioning on a new luxury vehicle.

On the dashboard, the GLE comes with not one but two 12.3-inch short displays. One of them is in front of the driver and provides a configurable information display, but to tell the truth, we have barely examined it, as the same information can be displayed on the HUD . Other actions occur on the central dashboard screen, where you control navigation, infotainment and seat functions via the MBUX interface (Mercedes-Benz User). experience). Mercedes told us that there were about 40 new features in the MBUX system and that we did not have most of them. GLE buyers can fully explore the MBUX ecosystem as they see fit, but be sure to try gesture control. You will feel like a Jedi.

The MBUX navigation system has taken a page from the world of video games. When you approach a navigation instruction, the central display switches to a view of the road in front of the camera, with floating tags that identify the street names, destination addresses, and floating arrows you indicating the path to follow to activate the desired route. Our only complaint with this system is that it encourages the driver to look at the dashboard long enough to absorb detailed information. The obvious upgrade is to float these labels and arrows on the windshield under the HUD.

Another note on technology. MBUX now includes a "Hey Mercedes" function as part of the voice command system. Like her cousins ​​Siri and Alexa, Mercedes can search the web, find music or chat with you in English, German and Mandarin. The only downside is that Mercedes tends to engage in unrelated conversations with your passenger to offer help if she thinks you've said her name. At least until the GLE gets used to your voice, saying "my dog ​​has rabies" can trigger the automated assistant.

These are just the highlights of the technology package on the GLE. There is much more to discover, but the bottom line is that everything works without you having to do a lot of management.

The rest of the interior is exactly what you expect from a premium luxury SUV. The rear seats can be controlled with adjustment of heat and power. The front seats offer more massage possibilities than a navy town, including a simulated hot stone effect. The GLE even has an energizing trainer feature that will recommend different massage programs, ambient lighting and audio depending on your mood. Programs available include Freshness, Warmth, Vitality, Joy and Comfort, as well as three workout modes for muscle relaxation, muscle activation and balance, as well as exercises you can do while driving. To top it all off, if you have a smart watch or a Garmin fitness monitor, the GLE will interact with it to determine if you are more stressed or tired than usual and the vehicle will use this information to suggest a restoration program. Your Benz can also be your personal trainer.

Oh yes, the GLE also has a fragrance system with eight different fragrances, as well as a coconut charcoal filtration system and a high air ionization negative voltage. In other words, you can now carry your dog without fear in the car, no matter what he has eaten recently.

On the practical level, the GLE can accommodate up to seven passengers with third-row seats. There is 22.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 72.5 cubic feet with all seats folded down. The seats fold down almost flat in the GLE, the space is very functional.

Driving experience

The heart of the GLE in America is made up of two powerful engines. There is a 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 lb. of torque, which Mercedes operates with a nine-speed automatic transmission. We had only driven the 4Matic version, which will be the first to be sold by dealers at the beginning of the year, but it is likely that the rear-wheel drive GLE 350 will be perfectly adapted to the belt. The GLE 450 comes with a 3.0-liter, turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder offering 367 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, as well as an additional 22 horsepower available on demand with the smooth hybrid system.

In figures, it's a big difference, but the perceived performance is not very different between the two models. The 450 displays a time of 0 to 60 seconds of 5.5 seconds, while the 350 performs the dash in 7.1 seconds. While the difference of 1.6 seconds is not expected, what you notice is that the six-cylinder has more grunt, while the four-cylinder rolls impatiently into the heights.

The AWD system is a field that makes the difference. The 350 4Matic uses a fixed 50:50 torque split between the front and the rear, wheel slip being controlled by the actuation of the brakes. The 450 4Matic is equipped with a clutch pack that can deliver up to 100% of the torque on either axle. A low-end gearbox with locking center differential is available as an option on the 450 4Matic. Like other automakers, Mercedes has designed the AWD system so that it is smart enough to get out of a traffic jam if it is caught in the sand. But let's face it, no one takes a mid-size luxury SUV in deep sand in North America.

Realistically, most buyers will choose the 350 4Matic because it's not slow and it's not a sports car. Nobody will ever ask the GLE pilot about their 0 to 60 times. However, if you plan to tow a trailer, the GLE 450 4Matic is capable of pulling up to 3,500 pounds and includes swing control assistance and trailer maneuvering.

On the road, both versions of the new GLE are a joy to drive. This SUV is not as fast or agile as the Jaguar F-Pace, but it's as quiet and stable as a Range Rover. The GLE compares favorably with the Acura, Audi, BMW, Lexus and Volvo offerings. Especially when it is equipped with the E-Active system, the GLE is confident and firm, while offering a smooth and silky ride on all types of road surfaces. If you do not want to spend money on electronic devices, the air suspension is also smooth and offers the possibility to raise and lower the GLE. For those who have an eye on the bottom line, the base suspension is perfectly good. You will never feel like you are in a penalty zone if you play with the GLE base.

As you probably expect, the GLE has all the modern security features you can think of, and some that you probably would not have thought of needing. The bottom line is this: the new GLE will do its best to prevent accidents and take care of the occupants if an accident can not be avoided. It's not an autonomous car, but the GLE is at work.

guarantee

GLE warranty information has not been announced, but Mercedes is offering a standard four-year limited warranty on 50,000 miles for new vehicles. Mercedes also offers a prepaid maintenance plan.

How DT would configure this car

Without knowing the actual price range, it is more difficult to make a definitive statement about what we would buy, but the GLE 350 4Matic will probably be the best value for most North American drivers. Unless you live in Los Angeles or Houston, all-wheel drive is expected in an SUV.

We would really have the spring for the HUD and the E-Active suspension. Leaning in the corners is too cool to let through. We love our comfort, so we make sure our GLE has heated and ventilated front seats, but we probably would not pay for the massage system. A car should be the last refuge against fitness.

The navigation system is definitely worth buying, but we would probably prefer the standard seven-speaker audio system. Mercedes offers two optional levels of Burmeister surround sound enhancements for audiophiles, allowing you to access them if you wish.

Our take

The new GLE is a wonderful mid-size luxury SUV. It is full of technologies, including some features that you will really appreciate. Those who bought the latest GLE or M-Class before enjoying this experience will be delighted. Driving dynamics, comfort and safety are above average.

Comparing the new GLE to the competition is a matter of taste. The Jaguar F-Pace is our current personal favorite for its driving dynamics and the Volvo XC90 for its comfort and design. However, the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne will both be renewed for 2019, and both have already been hailed. The truth is that the Mercedes-Benz GLE 2020, whatever its configuration, will be a competitor worthy of one of these choices, and that it will depend on the price and features, and the preference you give to the Mercedes technology.

Should you have one?

Yes. If you liked the old GLE or the M-Class, you'll love the new GLE.