The facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV and coupé models initially went on sale in SA in October, including the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 and 63 S, which aren’t on sale yet but can be ordered.
The AMG high-performance versions are scheduled to arrive sometime in the second quarter of 2024, and I had a first taste of some of the enhancements at the media launch in scenic George. The GLE has consistently formed part of the luxury offering since it pioneered the niche back in 1997 as the ML-Class.
The new SUVs are identified with a front bumper with a pair of horizontal louvres with chrome inserts that run through the radiator grille. Standard fitment LED headlamps have a new daytime running light signature, while the optional LED multibeams get four light points. The rear tail light cluster is also revised.
The AMG Line exterior is now standard fitment on the GLE Coupé and boasts the diamond grille with Mercedes-Benz pattern and the AMG-specific front apron, both with chrome trim. Sodalite blue metallic and alpine grey solid are fresh additions to the colour palette.
Inside the latest generation GLE the dashboards wrap around the front occupants. The regular SUV is also available as a seven-seater (not the coupe, though) if you require this, and you sit on well-padded and leather-clad seats that are cushy and add to the invitation to drive it to a faraway place. The thick steering wheel has capacitive surfaces from which the driver controls many features but is too sensitive, and the operator is prone to changing things aimlessly.
A variety of interior colours can be had but the options now include catalana beige/black and bahia brown/black. The black/classic red is available exclusively for the coupé while electronic device charging is boosted by an optional pair of 100W USB-C ports in the rear armrest. A premium 590W 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system Dolby Atmos is standard.
Regular Benz features include the latest generation MBUX system running through 12.3 inch touchscreen displays. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now available, as is an optional Energising air control climate system with fine-particle sensors and filters. While these German SUVs look superb and are well-equipped, the bit that also matters is the drive experience, which is greatly improved, as you might have hoped.
The engine line-up comprises a 190kW and 550Nm four-cylinder turbodiesel in the GLE 300 d; a 280kW and 500Nm V6 3.0l petrol engine in the GLE 450; and a 270kW and 750Nm six-cylinder 3.0l turbodiesel in the GLE 450 d — the latter being the only model I got to drive at the launch. All models feature nine-speed automatic transmissions and mild-hybrid technology of a 48-volt starter generator. This gives a jolt of 15kW and 200Nm extra under certain conditions.
The GLE 450 d, which has a deep timbre, reserves of torque and brilliant accelerator response from any revs is a waft-mobile that also feels poised and quiet in operation when driven slowly or fast. Both the steering response and feeling of connectedness to the road are better than before, and the standard brakes offer excellent retardation from any speed.
Price
GLE 300 d 4MATIC SUV — R1,964,600
GLE 300 d 4MATIC 7 SUV seater — R1,984,000
GLE 450 4MATIC SUV — R2,075,400
GLE 450 4MATIC 7 seater SUV — R2,094,800
GLE 450 d 4MATIC SUV — R2,041,500
GLE 450 d 4MATIC 7 seater SUV — R2,060,900
GLE 450d 4MATIC Sports Coupe — R2,340,500
GLE 53 4MATIC+ SUV - R2,400,000
GLE 53 4MATIC+ SUV 7-seater - R2,419,400
GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ SUV - R3,799,000
GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe - R2,525,850
GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupe - R3,799,000
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