Mercedes GLE 350d review test drive

What is it?

The GLE badge on its tail may be all new but this SUV isn’t. Well, not entirely new. This is actually the facelifted ML which, under Mercedes-Benz’s new SUV naming system, has been re-christened the GLE. Things to tell this GLE from the older ML include curvier new LED headlights, a larger, protruding two-slat grille and a more stylized front bumper; all elements that bring this SUV in line with Merc’s swoopier new design language. The tail has been given a nip and tuck too, but it’s really the re-profiled lights that's your best pointer to this being the GLE. The rest of the body carries on unchanged from the ML, which is no bad thing.

The GLE’s cabin isn’t vastly different to the ML’s either but the changes are notable. Most prominent
of course is the new floating centre screen atop the dash. Top-spec GLE 350ds, like our test car, get a high-res 8.0-inch unit that is not only much larger than the one in the ML but also offers far more by way of features. You can use the screen to browse websites, connect to pre-loaded apps and select internet radio stations to stream music from. How well these functions work though is dependent on the paired phone’s connectivity. The screen also doubles as the display for viewing car settings, navigation maps, slope, tilt and steering angles (useful off-road) as well as feed from a 360-degree camera. The system has been made a lot easier to use too. There’s a rotary dial between the front seats to navigate through the menus, a keypad on the centre console to feed in letters and numbers and, for the dexterous, a touch panel that can read basic handwritten inputs.

Screen apart, there are softer-looking central air-con vents, a sporty new three-spoke steering wheel and also the tasteful use of un-lacquered wood on the dash and doors. Quality is expectantly top rate throughout the cabin. Seat comfort is also very impressive. The large front seats offer loads of adjustability while the rear seat scores for space. The chauffeur-driven will be happy to know rear seat cushioning is well judged, back and thigh support are really good and the large windows offer a good view out. As before, the GLE remains a strict five-seater. There’s no seven-seat option as available on the BMW X5, which is the GLE’s closest competitor.