Mercedes-Benz roll-out the big boys: Mercedes GLE

Now if at first glance, you’re wondering if you have seen the GLE series before, that’s because you ‘kinda’ have – built on the talented bones and sheet metal of the previously known ML-class, but the changes go beyond the slapping on new boot emblems and some fancy bumper frippery.

Carrying the flag as Mercedes-Benz’ full-sized luxury SUV, poised to do battle with BMW’s seminal X5 – the GLE now comes in two flavours. The range starts off with the GLE 250d 4Matic and the hotter GLE400 4Matic.

The oil-burner 250d sports a 2143cc four-cylinder direct-injected and turbodiesel plant claiming 204bhp peak power at 3800rpm while 500Nm is on tap between 1600- and 1800rpm. Power is distributed through a 9G-Tronic nine-speed auto.

While the GLE 400 outputs 333bhp at 5250rpm and 480Nm between 1600-4000rpm from its 3.0-litre direct-injected, turbo V6 mill. The GLE 400 4M is the only variants that still sports the seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic.

Dynamic Select offers up the handling modes. While the company’s Airmatic suspension (air suspension) interfaces with the ‘ADS’ system to guarantee accomplished road holding. Depending on the modes chosen by Drive Select - the damping system alters its priorities based on feedback from steering angles, four-rotation sensors, driving speed from the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and the brake pedal switch.

At any one point, ADS nerve-centre utilises three signals to constantly adjust the suspension damping force to each individual wheel, which Mercedes-Benz claim sets a new benchmark in the ride and handling category for the SUV segment.

The AMG goodies for both variants include the 20-inch 5-spoke alloys on the GLE 250d and 21-inch 5-twin-spoke alloys all round for the GLE 400 4M.

Safety kit, as you might surmise is extensive with Distronic Plus with steering and Stop&Go pilot, Pre-Safe brake for collision aversion and pedestrian protection, BAS Plus with Cross-Traffic Alert and active blind-spot monitoring. Lane Keeping assist and Pre-Safe Plus also come as standard in the GLE 400 4M. Both variants receive a 360-degree camera and Active Parking Assist with Parktronic.

The GLE’s rear seat entertainment options combine two 20.3cm displays tacked to both the front headrests – which can be individually controlled through the COMAND Online system. ‘Kleer’ wireless headsets ensure brilliant aural quality. ARVIND KUMAR

The fine print for the GLE-class is as follows:

Mercedes-Benz GLE 250d 4Matic (W166)

Engine: 2143cc, in-line 4, 4 valves per cylinder, turbocharged and direct-injected 204bhp @3800rpm, 500Nm @ 1600rpm – 1800rpm

Transmission: 9G-Tronic, nine-speed auto, electronically controlled all-wheel drive

Performance 0-100kph 8.6s, 212kph Max Speed 5.9-5.7l/100km, 149/km CO2

Price: RM486,888 OTR W/O Ins (GST Incl.)

Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 4Matic (W166)

Engine: 2996cc, V6 , 4 valves per cylinder, bi-turbocharged and direct-injected 333bhp @ 5250 - 6000rpm, 480Nm @ 1600rpm – 4000rpm

Transmission: 7G-Tronic, seven-speed auto, electronically controlled all-wheel drive

Performance 0-100kph 6.1s, 247kph Max Speed 9.2-8.8l/100km, 209g/km CO2

Price: RM568,888 OTR W/O Ins (GST Incl.)