Mercedes-Benz South Africa has launched the facelifted model of its fourth-generation GLE luxurious SUV and its GLE Coupé sibling to the South African automobile market. Kyle Kock received behind the wheel of the range-topping diesel variant on the Backyard Route.
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Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d 4Matic Coupé Quick Details
- Worth: R2 340 500
- Engine: 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder, turbodiesel
- Transmission: 9-speed automated
- Energy: 285 kW
- Torque: 750 N.m
- Pushed wheels: All
- Gasoline consumption: 9.0 L/100 km.
- CO2: 210 g/km
- Rivals: Porsche Cayenne Coupé, BMW X6
What are we driving?
5 years after Mercedes-Benz launched the fourth era GLE, the German producer has refreshed each the GLE SUV and its distinctive GLE Coupé sibling. Mercedes-Benz South Africa launched the mannequin vary in George, and we received behind the wheel of the costliest diesel mannequin – the GLE 450d 4Matic Coupé in addition to the bottom GLE 300d 4Matic.
Why is the up to date GLE and GLE Coupé important?
The GLE and by extension, the GLE Coupé can draw a lot of its existence on the pioneering ML SUV, which kicked off the premium way of life SUV phase 27 years in the past. The GLE additionally serves because the step beneath the larger and extra luxurious GLS after which the supremely succesful and fascinating G-Class, each of that are because of be up to date later this yr.
New for 2024 on the GLE is a refreshed face, consisting of restyled grille, bumpers, and headlamps, in addition to new taillights. Inside, there’s an up to date facia with a brand new steering wheel, and the fashions we drove additionally had a panoramic roof and Burmeister sound system added.
There’s additionally a 48-volt delicate hybrid system built-in into the powertrain, which not solely helps scale back the CO2 footprint of the GLE but additionally provides to the general efficiency.
What do the Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLE Coupé value?
- 30od 4Matic – R1 964 600
- 300d 4Matic 7 seater – R1 984 000
- 450 4Matic – R2 075 400
- 450 4Matic 7 seater – R2 094 800
- 450d 4Matic – R2 041 500
- 450d 4Matic 7 seater – R2 060 900
- 450d 4Matic Coupé – R2 340 500
Associated: 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE Price & Specs
Who’re the GLE and GLE Coupé’s rivals?
Simply after the ML debuted 1997 BMW launched the X5 (R1 706 850), which continues to be on the GLE’s radar and arguably its most direct rival. Then there’s the polished and succesful Porsche Cayenne (R1 848 000) and the gorgeous Vary Rover Sport (R2 283 700).
The GLE Coupé goes up in opposition to the BMW X6 (R1 826 850), the Porsche Cayenne Coupé (R1 933 000), and the Vary Rover Velar, which begins at R1 670 900.
What’s the Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLE Coupé wish to drive?
On the B-roads across the George Municipality, what instantly sprung out at me is that each GLE fashions are blessed with excellent ranges of NVH suppression as my co-driver and I may converse with out straining our voices whilst we examined the dynamism of their dealing with traits.
Talking of which, they each excelled when urgent on via the dreamy Outeniqua Move with its billiard clean floor, however it was on the Robinson Move the place the 450d Coupé with its adjustable suspension damping shone. Regardless of its heft and the deep dips of the R328, the experience management displayed was excellent. The chunky sidewall of the 275/50 Continental SportContact tyres little question additionally helped soak up a lot of the floor imperfections. Barely much less spectacular was the 300d GLE, however I’ve to say that it was using on non-compulsory 21-inch rims and 40-profile rubber and that this a part of the launch route featured some gravel driving.
Associated: Review: Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 4Matic Coupé
Each engines are spectacular; the 450d’s 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six for its immense grunt and the way in which its noise within the cabin could be very un-diesel-like, and the two.0-litre diesel within the 300d for its frugality, even in giant functions just like the GLE.
Verdict
That is the car that set the usual for all luxurious SUVs 27 years in the past, and it’s nonetheless very a lot an aspirational buy. The raft of updates has helped carry it on top of things in a really aggressive phase and we are able to’t wait to place each fashions via a full take a look at.
