This car came out back in 1997. In a time when most manufacturers were building full size SUV’s Mercedes-Benz tried to take a diff approach. Providing a comfortable 5 seater with and loads of luggage space instead of 7 seats with the most of the offroading capabilities. Over the years , models have changed, design has changed, now in 2016 even the nomenclature has changed. What was earlier known as the ML is now known as GLE. Mercedes is now basing its SUV names in correlation with its sedans of the same category. For Eg the GL became the GLS for the S-class. The ML subsequently became the GLE. for 2017 let us have a look at what the Mercedes-Benz GLE is all about.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Price

Variant On-Road Delhi
250 D INR 76,11,007
400 4MATIC INR 86,25,766
350 D INR 88,19,328

Mercedes call this the Midsize SUV. It is a lavish and comfortable 5 seater and a bit less in length from the GLS but the lack of rear third row seats gives it a huge boot space. With a difference of 12 lakhs Mercedes has kept three models. Both the D’s beijing diesel and the 400 4matic being petrol. Seems to be a value for money as the other midsize suv’s like the X3 and the Q5 the ML competes with are really really small. Like the Hulk would say “Puny Cars”!

Also Read: 2018 Mercedes G-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE Design

The GLE too comes with dual projectors Intelligent lighting system. For the best possible visibility on country roads and motorways, when cornering and on bends, the low beam mode of the LED Intelligent Light System automatically adapts to the weather, lighting and driving conditions. The LED Intelligent Light System thus makes a key contribution to safe driving. The Grill is massive very intimidating, comes with dual parallel chrome strips. The bumper too is split in for four grills. The base of the bumper is made up of a large chrome diffuser. The bonnet is bulky too with strong muscular lines to make Arnold feel weak.

mercedes-gle

The massive wheel arches protrude out to support the large 17 inch tyres. The alloys are simple 5 twin spoke alloys. This could have been better. The side is filled with bld character lines. First being a shoulder line that flows from the headlamp through just below the window all the way to the back. The second character line flow from the front fender across the doors to the rear fender. And the last one starts from the wheel arch through the lower part of the doors all the way to the rear wheel arch.

You also get a brushed aluminium footboard. The mirrors have the parallel line led strip for indicators. The rear windscreen is huge and visibility is top notch for such a big vehicle. The tail lamp is made of sharp looking LED lights. The upper part of the bumper comes with a good thick chrome strip and the base with a brushed aluminium diffuser with exhaust on each side.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Interiors

You have to climb into the cabin as the seats are high. Thanks to its high seating position typical of an off-roader, the GLE offers you the very best in comfort the moment you get in. Plus it comes with electrically adjustable front seats fitted as standard, providing optimum support and excellent comfort on long journeys. You also get a memory package but it is only on the 400 and 350D.  Up to three different positions for the electrically adjustable front seats, steering column and exterior mirrors can be stored and retrieved at the touch of a button. The Memory programming comprises all the seat adjustment options, such as height and fore/aft position of the seat, inclination and height of the seat cushion and seat backrest angle.

Mercedes Benz GLE

The seats itself are large and offer excellent thigh support and heavenly leg room. Operation is intuitive using ergonomic switches in the door control panels. For a better view when reversing into parking spaces, the exterior mirror on the front passenger side can be automatically lowered when reverse gear is engaged. Unlike in the E.class the climate control is just two zone. The brushed wood adds a certain rawness to the cabin and a more rugged feel.

With 2010 litres of stowage space, the new GLE has the largest load compartment in its segment as I had mentioned earlier. Plus it boasts the longest load compartment length and best through-loading height at 1833 mm and 839 mm respectively. Not to mention outstanding flexibility. The rear backrests can be folded with a 60 : 40 split, also the cushions can be raised to form a level load compartment floor. And the rear backrest angle can be set in any one of ten positions. The screen is large at 7 inches but is not a touch screen. All can be controlled from the COMAND system.

 

Mercedes-Benz GLE Colours

The GLE is available in the following colours

  • Obsidian Black
  • Tenorite Grey
  • Citrine Brown
  • Cavansite Blue
  • Iridium Silver
  • Polar White

This car looks amazing in any colour but as always I would go with back. The Cavansite is another gorgeous color that would capture your mind.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Engine

Variant 250d 400 350d
Engine 2143 cc 2996 cc 2987 cc
Power 204 hp @ 3800 rpm 333 hp @ 5250-6000 rpm 258 hp @ 3400 rpm
Torque 500 Nm @ 1600-1800 rpm 480 Nm @ 1600-4000 rpm 620 Nm @ 1600 rpm
Transmission 9G-Tronic -//- -//-
Cylinders 4 V6 V6
Top Speed 212 km/h 247 km/h 225 km/h
0-100 km/h 8.6 sec 6.0 sec 7.1 sec

Mercedes has given three engine options. The 250 for the more economical public. And the 400 petrol for places like Delhi that has restriction on Diesel engines and the massive beat the 350D with a whopping 620 Nm of torque. The cars exactly a sec apart as far as 0-100 is concern and except the 250D ther other are almost neck and neck for top speed. The gearshifts are flawless and mentioned in all the Mercedes Articles as Mercedes has removed every glitch that the 7G-tronic had.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Mileage

Place 250 D 350 D 400
City 19.3 km/l 11.6 km/l 6 km/l
Highway 13 km/l 17 km/l 12.2 km/l
Overall 17 km/l 13 km/l 9 km/l
Tank 93 litres -//- -//-
Distance 1400 kms 1050 kmss 720 kms

Alinne with engine options you also get a wide options for efficiency. The efficiency of the ML 250 is simply unbelievable. At 17 km/l is what most low end sedans try to achieve. With a monstrous 93 litre tank the GLE 250d can do a easy 1400 km run on one tank. Whatever I say is less for this figure. The 350d can do a 1000 kms and the 400 petrol can do a good 700 km. This is good for any car by any means. The GLE 250d could do a trip to goa and back in one tank.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Dimensions

Dimensions GLE
Length 4819 mm
Width 2141 mm
Height 1796 mm
WheelBase 2915 mm
Ground Clearance 132 mm
Kerb Weight 2150 kgs

With a weight of almost a full size SUV at 2150 kgs the ground clearance is low at 132 mm. But for the 350D and 400 you get airmatic suspension to increase the height when adventure seeks in and you want a bit of offroad. The wheelbase is almost 3 meters long and that is how Mercedes has managed the massive legroom. I am still trying to figure how is this a mid size suv at almost 5 meters long. These are dimensions at which other manufacturers are making full size SUV’s.

Also Read: Mercedes-Benz GLB Launch Date and Price

Mercedes-Benz GLE Drive and Handling

This a good old school design SUV with hosts of modern features. All three models are 4matic and this indeed works very well. There is a special feature about the 4matic. After a speed of 120 km/h the individual power to all 4 wheels gets cut off ait is same power to each wheel. This helps providing more traction and less chance of failure. Because of the weight and soft suspension there is a slight understeer at high speed corners.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

On the bright side the GLE has an amazingly plush ride. The seats are soft and the bumps do not filter into the cabin especially to the people. There is enough boot place to carry half a house if shifting and the 2nd row seats go completely flat and can be use as a double bed. Thank god for the new 9G-tronic. It eliminates all the flaws of the 7G-Tronic and is way less jerky. Also the gear shift time has reduced drastically. And incase you do want a little fun you have paddle shifts to get into formula one mode.

Verdict

Well the GLE 250D seems like a formidable foe for other SUV’s at this price range. Giving decent performance. Surely more comfort and luxury and mind blowing efficiency. It is a tough competitor for the GLE 400 and 350D itself. GLE has always been a well selling SUV and it is obvious why. Hope Mercedes-Benz continues to keep this up and make more such all round vehicles.

Comments

Your email address will not be published. All the fields are required.