Some poor soul behind me was honking, honking, honking — but I could barely hear it, sitting tall in the redesigned 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE. I might never know what I’d done to put that driver on edge, but I made a mental note to use my sense of hearing more in this tech-tonic statement of driving redefined.
The GLE is a midsize SUV with roots going back to the debut of the 1997 M-Class, which was about the first true luxury SUV after the Lexus RX and Range Rovers. The M-Class was a dumbed-down vehicle for the American market, but it was very successful, despite many teething problems.
Now, in its fourth generation, the midsize 2020 GLE is storming the segment to plant a flag for its higher experience of luxury and its sophisticated and myriad electronic functions in a slightly larger vehicle for more family-friendly excursions. It is up against the best, including a redesigned Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5, the very well-done Audi Q7, Volvo XC90 and Acura MDX.
It is sold in two trim levels with two powertrains in rear- or all-wheel drive (4Matic). The AWD versions will launch first followed by rear-drive models and high-performance AMG versions will follow.
Pricing begins at $54,695 for the GLE 350 RWD, $57,195 for the GLE 350 4MATIC and $62,145 for the GLE 450 4MATIC; pricing includes the $995 freight charge from Tuscaloosa, Ala.
With nearly $21,000 in options, the GLE 350 4MATIC tester was $78,020, creating an unregrettable and somewhat intimidating experience.
The evolved 2020 GLE is 5.2 inches longer, but about the same width and height as before with an inch-plus-wider track (the distance between the wheels on an axle), for a more solid stance.
The added length allowed for the option of a two-seat, third-row bench that folds into the floor. It is tight spacing but OK for children on the school or sports commute, as long as there is not much gear to transport.
Despite a wheelbase stretched by 3.1 inches, the turning circle grew by just 0.7 inch to a still manageable 39.4 feet, for a large SUV.
As elegant and advanced as the GLE is, it still has the durable perception of a sleeves-rolled-up family helpmate — with all the comforts and connectivity of a home office.
The Mercedes-vault security is felt in its toughness — and in some heft and heave transitions from the steel-spring suspension. At times, there is more head toss than expected, due to its SUV height. But on most road surfaces, it is a silent steamroller of calm. The 19-inch alloy wheels and hefty touring rubber can whomp through potholes without concern of damage.
The 3.1-inch longer wheelbase helps settle the highway ride, which on the tester’s 20-inch tires was rewarding (even with the steel-spring suspension). Braking is strong without grab from four-wheel disc brakes with 13-inch rotors front and rear.
Techno-temple
There will be a learning curve to this techno-temple. Step up to the driver’s seat and behold an electronic data stream transmitted across two 12.3-inch color displays that appear as one, slim, 28-inch-wide plank of digital information.
With a mix of hard buttons for heat-fan-AC controls, the electronic control center is easy to view in all light conditions and not difficult to master. But it just takes time to sit and figure it all out, which includes setting up a driver profile.
And there are many categories of preferences to set, not the least of which are seat-massaging styles, from heated shoulder and back massaging to the wave, mobile and workout.
The more important topics will include the self-parking feature, the semi-autonomous driving feature, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go (optional), which is integrated with active lane control and a system that can move the 2020 GLE into an open lane automatically if the turn signal is tapped.
There also is a “Hey Mercedes” function to the infotainment system. Like Siri or Alexa, the callout is an electronic concierge for a web search, to find music or to inquire about other intriguing subjects.
Mercedes-Benz Experience (MBUX) is eager to help with voice control and natural-language understanding, but it can be too helpful (intrusive) as it listens in on conversations. And there is the new MBUX Interior Assistant, which can recognize hand and arm movements to make various cabin and audio adjustments.
And if perseverance fails, there is a setup assistant to get you on road.
Powertrains
The standard engine is a turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 255 horsepower and 273 foot-pounds of torque from 1,800-4,000 rpm.
Its acceleration performance is completely adequate for a 4,700-pound SUV. It takes a bit more push on the accelerator to get things rolling, but from there the nine-speed automatic fills the gaps and makes for an enjoyable drive to work. A sport mode (which also adjusts suspension settings) spikes responsiveness without overwhelming.
Fuel-economy ratings are 19 mpg city, 26 highway and 22 mpg combined on fuel.
Inline 6
The 362-hp turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder in the GLE 450 4Matic might not be worth the cost and added tech features, unless you need a 7,700-pound towing capacity.
This new inline six debuts a 48-volt electrical system with so-called EQ Boost, which integrates a hybridlike starter-generator, called ISG.
Like a gasoline-electric hybrid, the motor assists the engine when accelerating and allows “sailing” when cruising without heavy acceleration. Sailing also pipes energy back into the battery for continued boost and to power the cabin electrics.
Powering the motor on 48 volts requires a quarter of the electrical current it would with a 12-volt system, Mercedes-Benz says, so the wiring can be thinner and lighter. The 48-volt system also is less costly than plug-in hybrid technology with similar gains in fuel economy.
The engine has 362 hp and 369 lb.-ft. from 1,600-4,000 rpm, with another 21 hp from the EQ Boost for brief bursts of power. The GLE 450 weighs 5,000 pounds yet manages fuel-economy ratings of 19/24/21 mpg on the required fuel.
3 suspensions
There are two optional air suspensions above the standard steel-spring setup. The more sophisticated E-Active Body Control can scan the road ahead to balance shock-absorber reaction. Each wheel can be electronically changed to set up for cornering to counteract body roll and control pitch and squat on braking.
The fully variable 4Matic all-wheel-drive system can send power between the front and rear axles from zero to 100 percent, depending on the drive mode.
And there is an off-road calibration, called free-driving mode, to rescue a GLE stuck in sand by trying to rock it free by raising and lowering the suspension, essentially doing wheel hops.
Safety
Two new driver-assist features will be lifesavers. In a traffic-jam situation, Active Stop-and-Go Assist can accelerate or brake, to about 37 mph. And Active Brake with Cross-Traffic Assist watches as the driver is turning across oncoming traffic and if there is risk of collision, the system will hit the brakes.
Other driver assistance systems include the new Active Stop-and-Go Assist that enables the GLE to recognize traffic jams at an early stage and assist the driver in stop-and-go traffic.
The front seat area is richly appointed with precise alignment, handsome materials and all the electronic comforts of a smart home. Not only are there heated and ventilated seats, but heated door armrests and center console lid, plus a heated steering wheel.
The ambient color array includes ocean blue, purple sky, red moon and fire red. And the cabin filtration system offers a choice of scents, which was Forest in the tester. The large and locking glove box also had a four-pack of spritzer vials of interior perfume: Sport mood had a cloverlike spring grass scent; Nightlife is like a dress-up occasion; Downtown, like a department store cologne spray; and Pacific, which was kind of a fresh soap scent.
It is a roomy front cabin with 40 inches of headroom with the standard sunroof. There are five USB ports throughout, but all are the new USB-C design, not with the broader connector of the 2.0 series USB, but an adapter will be provided.
The door s have Champagne-class bottle holders and the large visors have small, lighted mirrors, and a secondary visor with the main visor is swung to the side.
The optional, integrated (and lighted) runningboards ($650) are useless as a boost into the cabin and seem more of a cosmetic add on.
Back seat space isn’t as comfy as it looks, but the low transmission hump helps three-across footroom. The bench is a little short for adult thigh and the seat height is not raised, which helps trim sensitivity to motion sickness. But the occupants have access to full heat-fan-AC controls with air vents in the door pillars, which is another useful trick to settle children who struggle with motion sickness.
The cargo space is wide and square with a rather tall liftover, but with air suspension the rear can be lowered by around 1.6 inches for easier loading and unloading. The cargo area is 43.5 inches wide by 40 inches deep by 32 inches tall at the opening, but with 6 feet of length when the second row is folded.
With this evolution of the GLE, Mercedes-Benz has brought equality to the SUV as luxury car.
Mark Maynard is the automotive editor at The San Diego Union-Tribune.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 4Matic
- Body style: midsize, 5-7 seat AWD SUV
- Engine: 255-hp, turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder; 273 lb.-ft. torque from 1,800-4,000 rpm
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic with paddle shifters
- 0-60 mph: 7.1 seconds, estimated
- Fuel economy: 19/26/22 mpg city/hwy/combined; fuel
SPECIFICATIONS
- Fuel tank: 22.4 gal.
- Cargo space: 33.3 cu. ft.
- Front head/leg room: 40.5/40.3 in.
- Rear head/leg room: 39.6/40.9* in. (41.1 with optional adjustable 2nd seat row)
- Length/wheelbase: 194.3/117.9 in.
- Curb weight: 4,696 lbs.
- Turning circle: 39.4 ft.
FEATURES
- Standard equipment includes: keyless entry and push-button ignition, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touch-screen multimedia display, voice-recognized navigation system, 5 USB-C ports, active parking assist, LED headlights and taillights, power sunroof, heated front seats, 5 USB-C ports, double sun visors, power liftgate, 60/40 folding second row
- Safety features include: 9 air bags, blind-spot assist, active brake assist, attention assist, active parking assist
PRICING
- Base price: $57,195, including $995 freight charge; price as tested $78,020
- Options on test vehicle: Emerald green metallic paint $720; Macchiato Magma Grey leather $1,620; air balance package $350; M-B Tex upper dash and trim $700; power enger seat with memory $350; power rear side window blinds $580; heated and cooled cup holders $180; massaging multicontour front seats $1,100; heated and ventilated front seats $450; heated steering wheel $250; 20-inch 10-spoke wheels $750; trailer hitch $575; 4-zone climate control $860; Burmester surround-sound audio $850; illuminated runningboards $650; heated rear seats $580; soft-close doors $550; driver assistance package Plus $2,250; parking assistance package $400; LED lighting package $900; warmth and comfort package $1,050; acoustic comfort package $1,100; Airmatic suspension $1,710; package $1,000; MBUX technology package $1,300
- Where assembled: Tuscaloosa, Ala.
- Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper to bumper
