Refreshed Mercedes-Benz GLE Range Now in SA
The Mercedes-Benz GLE range received a makeover earlier this year, consequently giving the SUV a new breath of life to make it an attractive option in terms of styling and specification.
And just before we close the year, the refreshed range has finally touched down on local dealership floors in their respective GLE and GLE Coupe variants, ready to compete with Munich's prized X5 and X6.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is sold in three engine options: the GLE 300d, GLE 450, and GLE 450d, before the brutal AMG versions join the lineup. Despite the initial lack of the latter AMGs, each of the models brings something to the table, be it power, efficiency, or a petrol engine.
Besides the subtle makeover, the biggest news here is that the entire GLE range has been electrified in the form of a 48-volt mild hybrid technology and an integrated starter generator for better performance and fuel efficiency.
Starting with the GLE 300d, it employs a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine with 198kW and 550Nm of torque, while the sole petrol engine in the form of the GLE 450 has a bigger 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit with 280kW and 500Nm of torque. The GLE 450d, on the other end, has a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel powerhouse with 270kW and 750Nm. The entire range shifts through a 9-speed automatic gearbox that channels power to all four wheels via the 4Matic all-wheel drive system.
Performance? Well, the 300d hurtles from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds before hitting its top speed at 230km/h. The GLE 450 and its GLE 450d counterpart get the same task completed in 5.6 seconds en route to a top speed of 250km/h.
As a reminder, the exterior updates include new front bumpers, two horizontal louvres with chrome inserts as well as a horizontal chrome fin for the grille’s air intakes. Mercedes-Benz offers LED high-performance headlights with two light points as daytime running lights. The rear now features two horizontal blocks in the GLE and two bars in the coupe variant.
Buyers can have the AMG Line exterior trim as standard on the coupe, which looks even more elegant, courtesy of a diamond grille with a Mercedes-Benz pattern in chrome, an AMG front apron with a chrome trim element, AMG side sill panels plus wheel arch cladding in the vehicle hue, and an AMG rear apron with a diffuser-look insert.
Then you get the upmarket interior that comes fitted with the latest-generation steering wheel with sensor surfaces, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and the latest 12.3-inch MBUX infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other features include a chrome treatment for the centre and side air vents instead of the forebear’s black shade.
There’s also Catalana beige/black for the standard GLE and Bahia brown/black for both cars as well as black/classic red appointments and the AMG Line for the coupe. Whichever one you choose, there’s something to like.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLE is currently available to order in South Africa, and with the modest changes, it should still hold its own in the mid-upper ranks of luxury SUVs.
Pricing
- GLE 300 d 4MATIC: R1,964,600
- GLE 300 d 4MATIC 7-Seater: R1,984,000
- GLE 450 4MATIC: R2,075,400
- GLE 450 4MATIC 7-Seater: R2,094,800
- GLE 450 d 4MATIC: RR2,041,500
- GLE 450 d 4MATIC 7-Seater: R2,060,900
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