2015 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV Review – A New Name For A Familiar Face
The skinny: A new look front end, a new dashboard, and a new name help set the Mercedes-Benz GLE apart from the outgoing ML. Dig a little deeper though and there’s still acres of space and a properly high-end feel to the interior.
Competition in the luxury SUV category (which Mercedes-Benz helped to define with the original ML) is sharp, but with added safety features and extra luxury inclusions the GLE shouldn't be too bothered by the advancing opposition.
Vehicle Style: Large luxury SUV
Price: GLE 250d $86,900 - GLE 63 S $189,900 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans:
GLE 250d 150kW/500Nm 2.2 4cyl turbo diesel | 9spd automatic
GLE 350d 190kW/620Nm 3.0 6cyl turbo diesel | 9spd automatic
GLE 400 245kW/480Nm 3.0 6cyl turbo petrol | 7spd automatic
GLE 500 320kW/700Nm 4.7 8cyl turbo petrol | 7spd automatic
GLE 63 S 430kW/760Nm 5.5 8cyl turbo petrol | 7spd automatic
Fuel Economy claimed:
GLE 250d 6.0 l/100km | tested: 8.5 l/100km
GLE 350d 6.6 l/100km | tested: 10.4 l/100km
GLE 400 9.3 l/100km | not tested
GLE 500 11.0 l/100km | tested: 15.1 l/100km
GLE 63 S 11.8 l/100km | tested: 18.3 l/100km
OVERVIEW
The Mercedes-Benz GLE pioneers a new name for the brand
The most obvious changes can be seen in the new bonnet and grille, with new head and tail lights, as well and new bumpers front and rear and a range of new alloy wheel designs.
Under the bonnet the engine range is much the same as before, however diesel models (GLE 250d and GLE 350d) now come paired to a new nine-speed automatic transmission.