The facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLE incorporates a more powerful GLE450d turbodiesel derivative. This week, we drove the new addition to the premium SUV line-up on the Garden Route to see what the revised Three-pointed Star has to offer!
Mountain passes are best traversed in low-slung sportscars, but not always…
At the foot of the Robinson Pass in the Garden Route, I found myself comfortably ensconced in the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLE. This latest iteration of Benz’s premium SUV – and its Coupe variant – arrived in local showrooms in November 2023 with a mildly revised grille and bumpers (“a light nip and tuck”, as they say). This week, we finally had the opportunity to experience the changes in the metal.
While the GLE retains a dapper, oh-so-sophisticated appearance, perhaps the most significant update pertains to the model’s powertrains. All turbodiesel and -petrol powerplants are now supplemented with 48V mild-hybrid technology (including an integrated starter generator). As a result, Mercedes-Benz engineers have been able to squeeze more performance and, supposedly, efficiency from its engines.
The range starts with the turbodiesels: the 3.0-litre GLE300d now develops 198 kW and 550 Nm, while the outgoing GLE400d has been superseded by a more powerful GLE450d that produces 270 kW and 750 Nm from its enhanced 2.9-litre 6-cylinder engine. The turbopetrol-powered GLE450 offers 280 kW and 500 Nm. All variants are paired with Mercedes-Benz’s 9-speed automatic transmission.
For performance enthusiasts, the updated Mercedes-AMG GLE53 and -63 can be expected in local showrooms later this year!
What’s the Mercedes-Benz GLE like to drive?
Our launch route started at Ou Baai Golf Estate in George and, after setting the GLE300d’s drive mode to “Comfort”, we began driving towards Oudtshoorn via the Robinson Pass.
The GLE’s chunky, well-bolstered seats were particularly comfortable and our route was loaded into the large 12.3-inch infotainment system featuring the firm’s MBUX Augmented Reality Navigation, which is optional. The leather-wrapped steering wheel features a comprehensive control stack that allows you to control both the infotainment system and the configurable 12.3-inch instrument cluster with ease.
I was pleasantly surprised by the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE’s forgiving ride quality and responsive steering feel. More so, with peak outputs of 198 kW and 500 Nm of torque on offer, the GLE300d wasn’t short of pulling power – the “starter GLE” could accelerate up to highway speeds with minimal effort.
In the twisty corners of Robinson Pass (and with the Sport drive mode engaged), the GLE hid its heft remarkably well. The ‘Benz’s kerb weight is no less than 2 165 kg… and yet it could comfortably tackle corners at pace – and with minimal body roll. Driver engagement is enhanced with gearshift paddles mounted behind the steering wheel and we found the transmission responsive and well-calibrated.
With the outside temperature nearing 41 °C near Oudtshoorn, the GLE’s automatic aircon (climate control) system worked hard, but quite effectively to keep us cool and content.
After a quick coffee stop at the Tall Goose in Oudtshoorn, we switched to the newly introduced GLE450d derivative and were soon back on the road.
The performance hike was immediately noticeable! The GLE450d pulled strongly towards the horizon and piled on the pace quickly and effortlessly. Mercedes-Benz reckons this derivative can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 5.6 seconds, which is mightily impressive for a car that weighs close to 2.2 tonnes.
The extra performance, however, takes its toll on fuel efficiency. While ‘Benz claims 7.5 L/100km, you’ll likely see figures closer to 10 L/100 km – and above. Our trip computer was indicating 11.5 L/100 km.
The Outeniqua Pass was the highlight of our drive back to George; the burly GLE450d made light work of the sweeping bends, proving that a sizeable premium SUV can indeed deliver impressive dynamism.
Mercedes-Benz GLE prices in South Africa
| Mercedes-Benz GLE300d 4Matic | R1 964 600 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d 4Matic 7-seater | R1 984 000 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4Matic | R2 075 400 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4Matic 7-Seater | R2 094 800 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE450d 4Matic | R2 041 500 |
Prices include a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Summary
The Mercedes-Benz GLE competes against the likes of the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and Range Rover Velar, but none of the V167’s rivals offers a turbodiesel powertrain that can match that in the GLE450d. However, the GLE is a pricier proposition with pricing starting from R1 964 600 for the GLE300d 4Matic, while the GLE450d 4Matic is priced from R2 041 500. Remember, Mercedes-Benz does offer a wide range of optional equipment which will inevitably bump up the final purchase price.
As for the pick of the range, the Mercedes-Benz GLE450d 4Matic is the one to have! The GLE can be had in both standard SUV or Coupe body shapes with the former being the more practical option. A 7-seater option is also available for buyers who need a premium SUV with more people-carrying ability.
While this was a fairly short drive, we will hopefully have the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLE on test soon for a thorough evaluation.
Buy a used Mercedes-Benz GLE on Cars.co.za
See specifications for the Mercedes-Benz GLE here!
