The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC might be all new, but its pedigree is 20 years old.
Twenty years ago, Mercedes-Benz invited me to Alabama to drive an all-new vehicle — the ML 320. This vehicle was historic because it was the German manufacturer’s first attempt at the nascent crossover/SUV market (apart from their high-end G-Wagen). It also was also controversial, as the new vehicle was to be built in North America.
A much-younger me was interviewed on television and asked my opinion. I said that Mercedes showed courage in its decision and predicted it would be a sales success.
A lot of kilometres have passed in the last two decades, but the original market segment has prospered and expanded beyond anybody’s expectations.
A reorganization of the way Mercedes-Benzes are named has meant the company has retired the ML model. The company has rechristened it the GLE, but it remains a midsize luxury crossover. It is slotted above the GLA and GLC and below the GLS (the last letter coincides with their sedan equivalent).
The only thing that is constant is that there is a V-6 under the hood, and the vehicle is still built in Alabama and shipped to markets around the world.
The GLE can be ordered in four trim levels, starting with a 350d (diesel) at $63,200. I drove the 450 AMG, the least-expensive gasoline-powered model, with a list price of $70,800.
If you are researching the GLE, you might find fewer reviews on the Internet than usual. That is because there is no equivalent model in the U.S. Their closest model is the GLE 400, which is less powerful, is equipped with a seven-speed transmission (versus nine for Canada), does not come with the AMG package standard and costs considerably more (after exchange). All added up, it is a smoking deal for Canadian buyers.
The GLE has one unusual sibling, the GLE Coupe (which I reviewed in February), a four door crossover but with swoopy lines like a coupe. The 2017 GLE 43 4Matic coupe starts at $78,000, in case you are interested.
Under the hood is a new direct-injection twin-turbo V-6 producing 362 horsepower and 384 foot-pounds of torque. When cold, the engine exhibits a sporty rasp, which was unexpected. Despite the healthy numbers, don’t expect scintillating acceleration from the get-go.
But turn the dial on the centre console to Sport and the character of the GLE sharpens, with quicker shifts and an aggressive growl. The zero-to-100 km/h dash is accomplished in about six seconds.
If fuel economy is your thing (and if so, you really should consider the diesel instead) you can ease back on the throttle and let the stop/start engine system help lower consumption. The GLE is rated 13.6 litres per 100 km in the city and 10.1 on the highway.
When the original ML debuted, Mercedes put a group of us through an obstacle course that would give serious off-roaders pause. My copilot made me do things that I have yet to replicate on other luxury vehicles. The new GLE has the same set-up, with a suspension that can be raised when needed off-road and lowered automatically on the highway for better aerodynamics.
Some may argue with me, but my experience with the Mercedes 4MATIC system made a believer out of me. If you are ever offered a U.S.- spec vehicle, take a moment to check the powertrain, as they offer a two-wheel-drive version of the ML and now the GLE. All Canadian models are all-wheel drive.
One of the benefits of the AMG package is standard 20-inch wheels and tires. Not only do they fill out the wheel well properly, the combination is superior than smaller wheels when hitting a pothole (or worse).
The larger wheels contribute to the GLE’s plush, yet controlled, ride. The electronic power steering is accurate at speed, but a touch overboosted at low speeds.
The GLE’s cabin is modern, logical and impeccably finished. The controller for the infotainment system features both a miniature touch pad and a rotary dial, giving users an option of either.
As with most Mercedes Benzes, the GLE can be optioned to the nines. Our tester has more than $15,000 in options, including an Intelligent Drive Package that included Pre-Safe Plus for rear-end collision mitigation, 360-degree cameras, temperature-controlled cupholders, a panorama sunroof and a projection of an Mercedes-Benz emblem the size of a manhole cover on the ground on both sides of the vehicle whenever the door was unlocked at night.
The ML may be dead, but the GLE carries the tradition of luxury and off-road competence into a segment that it spearheaded more than 20 years ago.