2023 Mercedes GLE SUV Review
Mercedes has updated the GLE SUV with a focus on more electrification.
Mercedes has updated the GLE SUV with a focus on more electrification.
Review
Pros: space, sense of quality, luxurious cabin
Cons: compromised boot space
Mercedes GLE Design
Not a lot has changed on the outside of the revised GLE to set it apart from the pre-updated model. Arguably, not a lot was needed, as it still looks like a large modern SUV from the Mercedes school of design. For the record, there’s a new front bumper, a restyled radiator grille, a few new colours and slight changes to the light detailing front and rear.
As before you can enhance the presence of the GLE with the optional Night Package or the AMG exterior body styling.
Mercedes GLE Interior
The GLE’s interior is as spacious and luxurious as before, though the infotainment and digital offerings are upgraded to use the latest generation of technology Mercedes has. That’s indicated by the use of new steering wheels with touch-sensitive controls on the spokes and the inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The “Hey Mercedes!” voice-control system has also been upgraded.
Those that value boot space should be aware that the non-PHEV versions of the GLE hold more luggage, and that a seven-seat layout is not available in the plug-in hybrids, either. All versions feature split-folding rear seats to allow for carrying of larger loads, though.
Mercedes GLE Performance & Drive
Because of its low emissions – and hence VRT – the GLE 350 de plug-in hybrid is the entry-level model in terms of pricing, but not performance. A 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine works with a 100kW electric motor to provide up to 333hp and a considerable 750Nm of torque. Flat-out, it can dispatch the benchmark 0-100km/h time in just 6.9 seconds, which is astounding given the size and weight of this car.
In truth, it’s at its best when cruising on the motorway, as the diesel engine can sound a little uncouth under hard acceleration. Depending on how fastidious you are with charging up the 31.2kWh battery pack, you may never need that engine, of course. Mercedes quotes an electric range of 103km, and even when the battery charge is fully depleted it’s still relatively economical thanks to the torque-rich diesel engine under the bonnet.
The basic passive suspension does an acceptable job of containing the GLE’s mass, but we’d suggest that it’s worth investing in the optional air suspension option.
Mercedes GLE Pricing
The GLE 350 de starts at €105,900, which puts the entry-level diesel model, the GLE 300 d, in the shade in terms of performance even though it’s over €22,000 less expensive. Those that fancy a six-cylinder diesel will have to pay €153,145 for the GLE 450 d. There are plenty of petrol-fuelled options too, starting with a plug-in hybrid called the GLE 400 e from €107,150 and rising to full-on Mercedes-AMG variants at the top of the line-up.
Carzone Verdict
More electrification than ever defines the updated Mercedes GLE, and an electric range of over 100km from the plug-in hybrids in particular helps make these large SUVs a more palatable purchasing decision. It’s a shame that comes with versatility compromises, but if you can do without extra seating and a little boot space, the PHEVs are undoubtedly the picks of the range thanks to their strong pricing and breadth of capability. If you don’t need the long-distance efficiency of the diesel variant, we’d suggest that the petrol alternative might be the star of the line-up.