The Mercedes-Benz GLE-class 2023 is a midsize luxury crossover. For the Philippines, the GLE 300d 4MATIC has a five-seater variant, as well as a seven-seater variant.
Powering the Philippine-spec GLE-Class is a 1.9-liter inline-4 engine capable of making up to 242 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic gearbox.
Size-wise, the GLE-Class is 4,924mm long, 1,947mm wide, and 1,797mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,995mm, and a ground clearance of 150mm.
Locally, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class competes against the Lexus RX, BMW X5, Volvo XC90, among others.
Launch
Auto Nation Group, the official distributor of Mercedes-Benz in the Philippines, introduced the fourth generation GLE in August 2019. The model is currently offered in one variant which is the GLE 300d 4MATIC. Its introductory price starts at Php 5,690,000.
Want to haul seven people in total luxury? Then the GLE-Class might be for you
Mercedes-Benz GLE Class Exterior
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Class embodies the German brand’s signature aesthetic of an active yet sophisticated vibe. It dons character lines that create a coherent flow from the front grille to the rear. The front fascia sports a large mesh grille with chrome accents and the iconic Mercedes-Benz emblem front and center. It is flanked with multibeam LED headlights with ultra range beams. At the rear are dual tailpipes clad in chrome, matching the roof rails. The GLE rides on 21-inch alloy wheels, completing the SUV’s compelling design.
Mercedes-Benz GLE Class Interior
The GLE’s interiors exude the elegance that Mercedes-Benz is known for. It boasts of a more spacious cabin compared to its previous generation model, and can now sit up to five or seven individuals comfortably. The entire cabin is decked in black premium materials and metal accents, with leather upholstered seats and soft-touch panels. Added features on the driver’s seat are electronic adjustability and memory function for added comfort.
Up front is the dashboard which sports a similar layout to the other models in the brand’s latest line-up. Controls for the 64-colored premium ambient lighting are easily accessible through the front panel.
On the third row, seats can be electrically folded to expand the already roomy cargo space. For added convenience, the trunk is equipped with kick-motion activation to open.
Technology & Safety Features
The main highlight on the dashboard of the Mercedes-Benz GLE is a 12.3-inch multimedia screen that hosts the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment system. It is equipped with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system which is like a personal assistant in the vehicle that can be activated through voice command. Among the many capabilities of the MBUX system, it allows the driver to navigate to a pinned destination, make phone calls, and play music. It is likewise integrated to Apple CarPlay for a hands-free experience. Audio comes out of Burmester surround sound speakers.
The SUV also comes with a slew of safety features including a blind-spot assist, , four-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, downhill speed regulation, Active Brake Assist, Active Parking Assist complemented by a 360-degree camera, blind-spot assist, and an Eco function for fuel-efficiency.
Platform & Chassis
The 5-door SUV is equipped with independent double-wishbone front suspension and independent multi-link suspension at the rear. Stopping power comes from disc brakes all around.
Engine & Drivetrain
Under the hood of the GLE is a 2.0-liter in-line 4 turbo diesel engine that can produce a powerful 245 hp and 500 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all wheels through the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive technology. This set-up strengthens the SUV’s off-road performance.
The GLE 300d 4MATIC model also comes with an EQ Boost. It is engineered to collect and store energy recovered while the vehicle is at a stop and use that energy to boost the engine when needed. It helps in avoiding turbo lags for a smoother drive.