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.

Verdict
The GLE drives like a dream are full of safety features and overall is just a joy all around.

Pricing and Availability
The GLE 350 is now available from ImportRates, the base price is $57,200 and the fuel economy seems really good.

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class SUV

When SUV meets Luxury Limo the GL meets S-Class! With the brand new GLS which is the latest Mercedes-Benz SUV will complete the SUV lineup for Mercedes-Benz. Currently you have the entry models GLA and GLC and the classic GLE, which used to be the M-Class in the past, the GLS is the flagship of its class. The 2017 GLS-Class combines the benefits of a GL-Class with the luxurious driving experience of an S-Class.

There are four different engines to choose from, the entry model being the GLS 350d 4MATIC, a 3.0l V6 diesel with 258 hp and 620 Nm of torque and three twin-turbo petrol engines with direct fuel injection: GLS 400 4MATIC, a 3.0l V6 with 333 hp and 480 tq. GLS 500 4MATIC, a 4.7l V8 with 455 hp and 700 tq. GLS 63 4MATIC, a 5.5l V8 with 585 hp and 760 tq.

Interior

The interior is as luxurious as you would expect it to be from a car on par with the S-class. With seven full-fledged seats that provide ample space, even in the very back or a massive load capacity of 81 cubic feet and maximum load compartment length of over 6.5ft when you fold the back seats, the car provides enough space for a big family week away. The 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel in Nappa leather with heating has been revised and modernized as well as the instrument panel. A new ionisation system further enhances the air quality inside the cabin.

Exterior

Outside, the GLS is slightly revised compared to the GL-Class. The bumpers and slimmed-down headlights more closely resemble the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS’s smaller SUV’s such as the GLE &GLC, also the LED taillights are now standard for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS. Other than that the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS retains a lot of the GL-Classes features on the outside. For the 2017 GLS550 owners you can opt for a Sport package that gives the car a bit more aggressive look, but of course not as much as the top of the line AMG GLS63 which will feature a massive engine.

Overview

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS combines excellent off-road capabilities – some might argue it is even better off road than its bigger brother the G-wagon but with more comfort and luxury on the road. Its size alone makes it the ideal choice for large families and despite its size and weight of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS it is surprisingly easy to handle.