Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 2019 Review

What’s it all about?

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 will be the flagship SUV in the GLE range and is fitted with just about every conceivable techno trick you can think of – including a 'curve' function that'll stop the kids getting queasy on twisty roads.

It also has an entertaining (and allegedly practical) 'bounce' mode, a party trick that rhythmically rocks the car up and down on its air suspension. In theory it'll help when the car gets bogged in sand or mud (the vertical thrusting assisting traction), but the reality will leave occupants and passersby grinning from ear to ear, off road or stopped at traffic lights.

This fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz GLE is all-new and will be available in Australian showrooms from April 2019. Bigger and more expensive than the top-selling mid-sized Mercedes GLC, the new GLE is also offered with seven-seats.

However, it is smaller than the GLS which has a much bigger boot and which will replaced later in 2019 with an all-new model.

How much will it cost?

At the time of writing the price for the top-spec 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 had not been locked in but is expected to go for around $150,000, not including on-road costs. The entry-level GLE 300d will start at around $110,000 while the mid-spec GLE 400d will split the middle. The latter two models are both diesel.

Expect high performance AMG 53 and AMG 63 models to follow in 2020, with higher price tags to match.

Given these Mercedes SUVs will cost more than $66,331, the luxury car tax or LCT will be included in the abovementioned price estimates.

The options list for the Mercedes-Benz GLE will be as long as your arm. There will standard suspension, adjustable air-suspension, with E-Active Body Control with air suspension the burger with the lot. The latter is expected to be an expensive extra, however it allows the car to do its bouncey dance, so the show-pony value is priceless.

There's an optional system that includes a pair of cameras to scan the road in front of the SUV and adjust the suspension on the fly for super-smooth comfort levels.

An all-new curve cornering function is designed to reduce sway and tilt through corners, aimed at staving off nausea for those who get queasy when the road gets curvy (read: kids). It's an odd system in practice and feels weird when you're cruising along but does what it claims.

Ultra-high quality leather, massaging front seat functions and a tub-thumping 26-speaker Burmester sound system will also be optional.

Like all Mercedes-Benz cars and SUVs (but not vans and utes), the warranty covers typical car faults for up to three-years, with no kilometre limit.

Why should I buy it?

Technology and luxury! As well as one of the most advanced suspension systems in any vehicle available today (did I mention it dances?) the new Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 – and all models besides – features an AI-powered infotainment system that responds to natural voice commands.

It'll turn up the heater if you say "Hey Mercedes, I'm cold", and will even change the radio and open the sun-blind. Gesture control is new as well, with a wave near the central mirror turning on the map lights.

The two massive 12.3-inch wide screen displays look amazing, as does the large head up display, or HUD, which project navigation and road speed info onto the windscreen.

It's a very large car inside and has a premium, high-end feel thanks to acres of leather, timber accents and tastefully incorporated technology.

It offers more rear seat room and boot space than the new BMW X5 but what you gain in convenience and comfort you lose in dynamics. Compared to the BMW X5 the new Mercedes-Benz GLE feels like a very different machine, tuned for comfort and cruising not vibrant ride and handling.

The 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine is a real sweetie. Powerful and punchy with a lovely acoustic thrum that builds as engine revs rise, it pushes the GLE's almost 2300kg machine along with ease. This is because the 270kW/500Nm petrol engine gets an added 16kW/250Nm from its 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

The latter will also help to achieve lower fuel consumption figures when trundling along in traffic by taking the pressure of the petrol engine. The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 is claimed to consume fuel at around 9.4L/100km. On our test it was closer to 12.0L/100km.

A few minor hiccups in the nine-speed automatic transmission were noticed, a couple of times under full throttle it hesitated slightly after each shift.

The 0-100km/h sprint is claimed to take 5.7sec which is rapid for a big unit like this. Light steering and a turning circle of 12m and every conceivable camera and sensor system makes parking easy.

Who will it appeal to?

Upper-class family buyers will find a lot to like here. It's a tasteful, luxurious SUV with lots of room and some very impressive technology. It can tow as well, up to 3500kg (braked), and can accommodate up to seven occupants with the third-row seating included.

The boot offers between 630 and 825 litres of space with the second-row seats in place, depending on whether the middle seats slide fore or aft, expanding up to 2055 litres with all seats folded away. With all seven seats in place boot space becomes cramped.

Where does it fit?

According to official VFACTS figures the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a large SUV. The family-sized luxury SUV's closest rivals are the BMW X5 and Audi Q7 with the Range Rover Sport getting a look-in too.

Overall the new Mercedes-Benz GLE is a very luxurious, high-tech, easy-to-drive SUV with loads of room. If your budget can stretch this far, you won't be disappointed.

How much does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 cost?
Price: $150,000 (approx)
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol (mild hybrid)
Output: 270kW/500Nm (plus 16kW/250Nm electric boost)
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 12.0L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 214g/km
Safety rating: TBA