Whether it’s one of seven or a straight out HOT one, Mercedes’ new GLE is sure to have a seat that fits. The (optional) seven seat GLE 450d and the AMG 63 S SUVs have just landed in New Zealand and as luck would have it, Merecdes-Benz gave us both to try.
The first GLE off the block for us to test out was the 450d 4Matic and the timing was perfect, as not only is it always a good time to drive a new Mercedes, but we also had a couple of airport runs on the calendar, which meant all seven seats were required.
The GLE has its roots nestled firmly in the M-Class of ‘97, however, it didn’t become a ‘GLE’ until 2015. In fairness, the new GLE is in fact a mid-cycle spruce up of the 2018 model, but it’s had more than a simple botox jab, with the exterior, interior, technology and equipment all receiving attention.
The 450d is the Mercedes-Benz range topper for NZ (the AMG model being in a league of its own) and shows it at every opportunity. Aside from its near stately roadside appearance, the build quality is something else, the cabin materials are premium-plus and the tech is something NASA would be proud of. And then there’s the power.
For the GLE’s latest revision, the engine range is now electrified throughout. Sure we haven’t got the PHEV’s here in NZ (yet?) but the 450d’s mild hybrid 3L diesel with a 48-volt system and Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) is both grunty and efficient.
270kW and 750Nm of torque begins to tell the story, however, put your foot to the floor and the clever electrics give you an extra 15kW and 200 more newts. The result is a 0-100km/h time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed that’s been limited to 250km/h. In terms of efficiency, again the clever powertrain comes to your aid (8.4L/100km), while emissions sit at around 220g/km – and remember that this is all from a substantial SUV that can seat seven and tow a big boat, a small house, or maybe even a houseboat!
Up front, there’s a new bumper to enhance its good looks (ok it’s still a big SUV) and the propeller grille now comes with added chrome bling. The Multibeam LED lights ‘flare’ upon start up (so park facing the garage door) and the tail lights have been updated too. Of course the tail gate is hand’s free and if you decide to only carry five, there’s 630L of suitcase space.
The interior has taken its lead from the S-Class and Maybach, and as such is premium all the way baby. It has the latest-generation steering wheel with sensor surfaces on the horizontal spokes that operate the infotainment and instrument screens that are presented as one panel.
There are metal air vents for all, wood-style panelling, piano blacks, leather, aluminium.. I could go on, just rest assured that it’s out to impress, and for those that like their sounds loud, the 13-speaker Burmester stereo is a whopper.
The drive itself in many ways befits a vehicle of this stature and as I said before the power is a gift that keeps giving, it’s delivered smoothly and gives the impression that it will never end. It’s not a sports car in terms of handling, however, its wide footprint and 4Matic AWD means that it corners with dignity – even with a full load or passengers on board.
On that, it was remarked on more than one occasion as to how roomy the cabin was, even those in the third tier had leg and shoulder space – but they were smaller in stature.
If space is the big feature of the GLE 450d, then ‘ferocity’ is the key to the GLE AMG 63 S allure.
My second review model came with an AMG badge and a 4L twin-turbo V8 petrol mild hybrid. Its output figures come in at 450kW/850Nm (plus 250 more newts and 21 more horses under boost) and despite it being longer and wider than its 450d sibling, it gets to 100km/h almost 2 seconds faster, which in car terms, is a lifetime.
Then there’s the quad exhaust soundtrack that comes along with it. Sure, the hefty Burmester stereo will belt out your favourite tunes at ear-bleeding levels, but the AMG GLE’s gravelly voice when shifting up and down the gears would put a smile on the face of any Joe Cocker fan.
The grille is AMG-Panamericana style, and the three pointed bonnet logo has been replaced with an AMG one. The vents, spoilers and diffusers all play their part in cooling and down-forcing, and the huge fat feet and 6-pot brakes keep you affixed to the tarmac.
The AMG GLE’s air suspension will hunker down when travelling at lightspeed and will conversely rise should you venture off road, it has all-wheel steer and a multitude of drive modes that cater to various terrain and conditions, however, just quietly, I spent most of my time in RACE.
The cabin is refined and yet sporty, with figure hugging seats, leather, alcantara and a steering wheel that has a top racing stripe and dials for the aforementioned driving modes and exhaust/suspension systems. Believe me, you really feel in control of this beast.
Yes it still takes five with relative ease, however, with all my duties completed in the previous week, my time with the AMG GLE 63 S, was MY TIME.
I’m certain that the AWS and endless reems of driver and safety aids work well around the town, but with performance on my mind I headed for the wilds of north-west Auckland and quite simply had a blast.
It drives like an SUV shouldn’t and raises the heart rate to places a guy of my age should stay clear of, and I couldn’t have been happier – that fact of the family not being there too may have helped (hopefully they don’t read this).
The new Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG GLE’s really do offer a seat for all. For those that have more people to carry or more toys to tow, there is the more torquey 450d, but for those that like their seats hot, the 63 S is sizzling – I guess you can work out my preference.
