Yahoo Autos The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Is a Smarter Mid-Size SUV
For those who haven't given any thought to Mercedes-Benz's mid-size GLE SUV lately, you are forgiven. We hadn't really given it much thought ourselves since the last one launched in 2011. There was nothing particularly wrong with the outgoing GLE-it's one of Benz's best-selling vehicles, after all-but it was easy to ignore in a world of sexier small crossovers and larger three-row elephants. It didn't look like much, either. It wasn't quite ugly, but it bore a frumpiness that kept us from getting too interested. Calling it ML- or M-class and then changing the name to GLE didn't help.
A comprehensive redesign should reduce the ennui. With this new fourth-generation vehicle, Americans will be able to choose between the rear- or all-wheel-drive GLE350, which comes with a 255-hp turbocharged inline-four, and the all-wheel-drive 362-hp GLE450. Somewhat surprisingly, power from the GLE350's turbo 2.0-liter never left us wanting for more, and both engines pair intelligently with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLE450's turbocharged inline-six gets a boost from a 21-hp electric motor sandwiched between the flywheel and the transmission that can add a squirt of torque when needed. Perhaps it was the added weight of the electrical components, active suspension, and giant sunroof, but the GLE450s we drove didn't feel radically quicker than the more lightly optioned GLE350s.
In either guise, cabin noise is hushed, although we did notice some wind rush around the windows despite the optional sound deadening and double-paned front glass on the cars we drove. The GLE's new platform benefits from a 3.1-inch-longer wheelbase, which expands rear-seat legroom by 2.7 inches. The second row is simply arena-like, and the split bench can slide forward to increase cargo capacity or to share the wealth of space with occupants in the newly available third row.
Both models have two 12.3-inch screens mounted side by side on the dash, one for the virtual gauges and the other for the infotainment touchscreen. Say, "Hey, Mercedes," and the new MBUX infotainment system's voice-command feature will respond to commands such as "Find a Starbucks" and set the destination to the nearest one. Complain that you're cold, and it'll raise the interior temperature.
Suspension Wizardry
Optional on the GLE450, E-Active Body Control gives the GLE the ability to move each individual wheel up and down by about four inches. If you switch to Off-Road mode and then select Rocking mode, each corner will pump up and down to help the tires search for traction should you find yourself stuck in a sand dune or a snowdrift. If you've ever seen a dog trying to walk while wearing booties, the GLE's awkward pumping movement will look familiar. If you've ever, uh, jumped on a squeaky mattress, the sound will be familiar. (Watch it in action here.)
But its mastery of the Humpty Dance is not the active suspension's only trick. It also can completely eliminate body roll and will even lean the body into corners like a motorcycle when set to Curve mode. To smooth the ride, a camera scans the road ahead to help the suspension anticipate and react to bumps and imperfections. Switch into Comfort mode and the ride is sublime; it's as if the DOT carpeted and padded the road. Even if you don't opt for the active suspension, the GLE is a nice place to unwind vast distances.
A Four and a Six
Sales start next year. Pricing has not been released, but we'd expect the GLE350 to start in the mid-$50,000 range, with the six-cylinder version requiring about $5000 more. A more attractive design gives the new GLE some much needed presence, and it's sure to breeze right through even the hardest luxury and technology exams. Inevitably, some tutoring by AMG will allow it to ace our performance tests, too.
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