All New 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE350 4MATIC Review

This week, we’re taking a look at the all-new from the ground up, 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. This is the fourth generation SUV that started out as the M-Class.

My review vehicle is the 4Matic, which means it is all-wheel drive, and you can also get a GLE 450 with a larger engine. This 2020 model is 3-inches longer than the previous version, and for the first time, you can get a 3rd row seat.

Exterior
I like the exterior looks of the GLE, it has a bold new grille, large tires, and wheels that sit out to the corners of the vehicle, broad rear shoulders, and a sleek rear end with dual exhaust and a spoiler.

Performance
Under the hood is a 2-liter 4-cylinder turbo that is putting out 255-horses. It is hooked to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Interior
As you would expect, like all Benz models, the real story is the luxurious interior and a wide range of amenities.

A rich interior welcomes you immediately when you open the door. Then you see the center console that features cool grab handles in a triangular form that are super comfortable to leave your arm on when driving.

Hit the pushbutton start button and two 12” color displays light up across the dash. Behind the wheel is the configurable driver info center and to the right is the MBUX infotainment system that operates everything.
You can operate the infotainment system from a touchpad on the center console, or use it as a touch screen. The touchpad takes a LOT of getting used to, and I’m still not comfortable with it, even after a week. I found using the touchscreen to be easier and less distracting.

Four big air vents are a center dash, and below that are air conditioning controls, a wireless cell phone charger, and a switch to change the drive modes. My favorite, of course, is the Sport mode, it gives this SUV a lot of low-end torque.

All interior surfaces are soft, with nice stitching everywhere you look, and at night, ambient lighting runs across the dash into the doors, and you can choose from 64 colors.

Utility
I found the back seat room to be larger than I expected and I love that both backseat occupants can control their own temperature. There are power shades on both back windows, and there is a huge amount of cargo area.

Technology
This SUV comes extremely loaded with everything you can imagine including a moonroof, power liftgate, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It has a huge head-up display with speed sign recognition.

The GLE has a great voice recognition system. Much like you ask Siri or Alexa a question on your phone, all you say is: Mercedes and give your command or ask a question. If you are talking to someone or on your phone and say the word Mercedes in conversation, she WILL interrupt you.

Features
The GLE 350 has incredible massaging heated and air-conditioned seats and it has Energizing Comfort that combines the climate control, air fragrance, ambient lighting, audio, and massaging driver and passenger seats. You can select from 10-minute programs with cabin lighting and pre-selected music.