Second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLE

At the very beginning, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class replaced the M-Class as the newest midsize luxury SUV built to compete with the likes of the BMW X5 and with the advent of the second-generation model, the all-new GLE-Class is prepared to be driven at any places at anytime with its almost rugged looks, new interior, new tech, and new performance. This SUV equivalent of the E-Class has some job to do.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

The second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLE is available in two different body styles; the normal GLE, priced at 65,807 Euros plus tax and delivery, and the GLE Coupe, priced at 76,279 Euros plus tax and delivery. Yes, they really are very expensive to own for SUVs like these but on the plus side, the normal GLE SUV is less expensive than its main rival, the BMW X5, by a pint. However, let's not get bogged down on how expensive the new GLE is because let's take a quick look on the new-generation GLE and why this new SUV matters to any high rollers willing to spend their allowances to it.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

First and foremost, the styling and compared to the previous GLE years ago, the design is surprisingly more of an improvement or rather X-Class-ish and the same thing goes for the Coupe version, although unhappy with its jacked-up looks reminiscent of a bathing ape. The new exterior design is just one part of the story because there's more to be quickly investigated on the all-new model.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE interior

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe interior

The interior of the all-new GLE is surprisingly an eye candy for anyone who got the time to toy around with its high-tech stuff surrounding it as well as its MBUX infotainment system with the annoying "Hey, Mercedes" feature that will drive anyone at the back mad. Rather than toying around with the infotainment, the new GLE can accomodate from five to seven people thanks to the optional third-row seating. The GLE Coupe, meanwhile, can only accomodate up to five people. Being a luxury SUV full stop, the new GLE features some nifty user-friendly features such as the optional adjustable rear bench seats that can be folded at the touch of a button, a much bigger and brighter HUD, THERMOTRONIC air conditioning system that allows it to do by itself depending on the air quality, AIR-BALANCE, and so on. This SUV really means business for anyone getting used to its daily routine.

2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE53 4Matic+

2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE53 Coupe 4Matic+

The normal GLE SUV offers a choice of a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo, a 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo with EQ Boost, a 4.0L V8 BiTurbo with EQ Boost, a 2.0L 4-cylinder common rail diesel, and a 3.0L 6-cylinder diesel, whereas the GLE Coupe offered only with diesel engines, but that's okay because if case you need to find some more meat from the new GLE, there is an Mercedes AMG GLE53 4MATIC+ with the same 306PS 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine from pretty much everything else from the MG 35 lineup, mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7-speed double-clutch gearbox, making it capable of going 0-100kph in almost five and a half seconds and electronically limited to 250kph.

In terms of dynamics, the new GLE is slightly improved compared to the previous model it replaces. It's now more refined, slightly more agile, less bulky, slightly better off-road, and more pleasing to get yourselves into, and with the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension on range-toppers, no tarmac, gravel, or snow will scare the big boy out. As for safety, the new GLE comes with a wide range of driving assistance systems and PRE-SAFE, the recipes of making it one of the safest luxury SUVs in the market today.

The all-new GLE from Mercedes-Benz is a step forward from its predecessor thanks to its improved looks, tech, performance, and comfort that is distinctively Mercedes-Benz from start to finish. Although the pricing is too much for a luxury SUV, the GLE is no-nonsense SUV that is ready to take on almost everything the elements are throwing at.

Photo: Daimler AG