A grunty diesel engine in a big SUV feels like a bit of a guilty pleasure in this electrified age. So be it, in the case of the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d, with the emphasis on the pleasure: it replaces the old 400d (check out our reviews of the GLS 400d and G400d) and brings even more power and torque from its 3.0-litre turbo-diesel straight six.
But even this oil-burner is a teeny bit electric. Much of the extra oomph comes from a 48-volt mild hybrid system; no electric motor to drive the wheels, but the integrated starter-generator can give the engine a tweak when needed and of course the hybrid system recovers energy to help run the electrical stuff and save fuel.
Other than that, this is fairly familiar GLE. But only fairly, because this is also a facelift model: new bumpers front and rear (nah, we can’t really tell either) and the latest generation of MBUX multimedia system (including augmented reality sat-nav, which is cool) and the associated steering wheel design.
The AMG Line exterior package is now standard and all GLEs have fancy LED lights, the full Driving Assistance Package Plus, head-up display, 360-degree parking assist, Burmester Surround Sound and panoramic glass roof.
But the engine is the star of the show in the 450d, no question. It boasts petrol-like refinement at low speed and the stop-start - which is often a noisy and slow affair with diesel engines - is rapid and seamless with the starter-generator in play.
Even this oil-burner is a teeny bit electric. Much of the extra oomph comes from a 48-volt mild hybrid system.
Oh, and it’s a monster when you put your foot down. There’s still a touch of diesel-hesitation when you bury the throttle from standstill, but give it a second and then all you have is an incredible wave of torque pulling you forward. It also makes a great noise under load, which is definitely diesel-like but adds a lot to the experience.
It’s a wonderful way to travel long distances, partly because the GLE 450d makes no attempt to be sporty. In this respect it’s very unlike the rival BMW X5, which is all about bringing sharp steering response and nimble chassis feel to a big SUV package. The Merc simply cruises along with what feels like all the power in the world in reserve, and is happy to roll a little in the corners if that means a more cushy ride.
The optional air suspension is certainly handy for off-tarmac driving or leveling loads and towing (it can haul 3.5 tonnes).
There is a bit of suspension adjustment available in the optional $3400 Airmatic package fitted to our car, which features adaptive air damping. We’re not 100 per cent sold on that, though: the differences aren’t vast between different drive modes and there’s a strange lateral wriggle at the rear over urban bumps that was noted by a couple of different passengers, neither of whom have any interest in chassis dynamics. Or indeed cars. So that’s a thing; it would be interesting to drive it on the standard steel springs, although the air is certainly handy for off-tarmac driving or keeping things level for loads and towing (it can haul 3.5 tonnes).
We can talk the usual Audi/BMW/Lexus rivals, but it’s also impossible to ignore the EQE SUV, which is part of Mercedes-Benz’s new pure-electric range. It’s very close to the GLE in overall footprint, less powerful but even more torquey (215kW/765Nm) and, weirdly, cheaper at $150k. So much for the EV price premium; worth considering at least.
If you’re a Benz buyer who finds the electric EQE SUV a tad lacking in character, this is a powerfully compelling alternative.
Of course, you could argue the GLE represents a lot more car with a whole lot more range. It also offers something the EQE can’t: a 7-seat option. As fitted to our test car ($3900), it adds not only a third row (still strictly occasional, mind) but also full electric adjustment for the second row.
To match a 7-chair GLE in electric world you’ll need the EQS SUV, which has a better back row but also starts painfully close to $200k.
The GLE is an upgrade on a very familiar theme and in some respects looks and feels a generation behind the new EQ stuff; because, well, it is. But for those reasons it also presents as an immensely accomplished machine that delivers on old-school premium-SUV values. If you’re a Benz buyer who finds the EQE SUV a tad lacking in character, this is a powerfully compelling alternative.
But we suspect most GLE diesel buyers know exactly what they want from the start; this one simply delivers more of everything.
ENGINE: 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder with 48-volt mild hybrid system POWER: 270kW/750Nm GEARBOX: 9-speed automatic, AWD 0-100KM/H: 5.6sec CONSUMPTION: 7.6l/100km (WLTP) PRICE: $174,900 ($182,2000 as tested).
How much is the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d?
The base price is $174,900, but our test car also featured air suspension ($3400) and the 7-seat package ($3900). Grand total $182,200.
What are the key statistics for the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d?
The upgraded 3.0-litre mild-hybrid turbo-diesel six makes 270kW/750Nm and is matched to a 9-speed automatic transmission with AWD.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d efficient?
The mild hybrid system doesn't just boost power, it also assists with stop-start and helps run the electrical systems, using recaptured energy from braking and coasting. The GLE 450d is a big vehicle, but the official fuel consumption figure is a pretty decent 7.6l/100km.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d good to drive?
It's built for comfort, not speed, around the corners, and all the better for it we reckon. It's still tenacious in turns when it needs to be, but it's much happier just cruising along. This is a really luxurious way to travel.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d practical?
There's vast space front and rear and a massive 630-litre boot. Think carefully about whether you really need our car's optional 7-seat package though, because the third row is still pretty small. But it does fold away flat and the package also brings powered second-row seats.
What do we like about the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d?
The turbo-diesel straight six is epic: refined at low speed but full of torque and character when you're asking more of it. We love the comfort-oriented chassis and the engaging character of the whole package.
What don’t we like about the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d?
It's 2.4 tonnes and feels it on the road, which requires a certain driving style if you want to press on a bit. The optional air suspension gets a little wriggly over urban bumps, which undermines the luxurious ride. And does this facelift look different enough from the old model?
What kind of person would the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d suit?
Somebody who appreciates traditional luxury-SUV values but still wants the latest multimedia and safety tech; somebody who needs their posh SUV to tow 3t-plus. Or somebody who's tried the EQE EV-SUV and has decided this has got a bit more character.