2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2021-2022 Review

Some of you may not know this, but the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class actually has a pretty long history – even before it was known as the GLE-Class. Yes, it once was known as the M-Class, from the late 1990s until 2015, following which it was renamed to follow the new naming convention that Mercedes-Benz models were to follow.

As you can imagine, the name implies that this is an SUV-variant of the E-Class – although this is not the case as the platform on which it sits is unique to the GLE-Class itself.  In other markets there are a myriad of engines and variants on offer, including Mercedes-AMG variants, but Malaysia has seen a significant paring down of offerings over the local run of this model.

The result is that we have but one variant of the GLE-Class available locally, known as the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC AMG Line. It also happens to be locally assembled, enjoying the pricing benefits that come with this and bringing a product to Malaysian consumers competitively.

This particular generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class was launched globally in 2019, introduced locally not long after, with the locally-assembled variant made available here at the start of 2021-2022. The shift to local assembly resulted in the changing of some specifications – up in some regards, and down in others. Nonetheless, it packs the AMG line package similar to before.

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2021-2022 Specifications

The powertrain at the heart of the sole variant of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine that is one of the newer powerplants within the Mercedes-Benz lineup. This powertrain was made available in a variety of different tunes, the most potent being the 53 variant that is available for the GLE-Class Coupe. In this state of tune as the GLE 450 4MATIC AMG Line, it produces 367 hp and 500 Nm of torque from as low as 1,600 rpm and up to 4,500 rpm.

This engine happens to be a mild hybrid setup, with a 48-volt integrated starter generator that dangles off the front of the engine, providing an extra 22 hp and 250 Nm of torque when the driver demands. All of the performance is channeled through the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed conventional automatic transmission, split across all four wheels thanks to the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

In terms of overall dimensions, the GLE-Class stretches 4,935 mm long with a wheelbase of 2,995 mm. It is 1,948 mm wide – or 2,156 mm inclusive of the mirrors – and 1,796 mm tall. The curb weight of all variants sits at over two tonnes, though that’s par for the course when it comes for a vehicle in this class and considering that it is a seven seater model.

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2021-2022 Exterior

As the suffix in the model name suggests, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC AMG Line come with the AMG exterior package, which means sportier front and rear bumpers and body-coloured trim for the wheel arches. Multi-beam LED headlamps come as standard, as do aluminium side steps (or call them running boards, if you’re fancy). At the rear, there is a silver garnish for the exhaust section and diffuser – expected as there isn’t the Night package for this model.

At all four corners are 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, which is considered a small size step down from the 22-inch alloy wheels that came with the fully imported model. That being said, this is an improvement when you consider how rough our roads can be, and the extra tire sidewall as a result adds an extra level of insulation and comfort from harsher surfaces.

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2021-2022 Interior

The three-pointed star has done well for itself by clearly defining what their interiors are to look like, from models as simple and approachable as the A-Class to vehicles as extravagant as the S-Class, and all the models in between benefit from this including the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. The most updated version of the infotainment and instrument cluster combination is provided, being a twin 12.3-inch display setup that also comes loaded with the MBUX infotainment system.

Changes from the fully imported model are a change from Nappa leather upholstery to a combination of Dinamica microfibre and Artico “leather” – though these are still very pleasant to the touch and feel, not being particularly rough or cheap in any way. The steering wheel is a flat-bottomed style unit a-la-AMG, and retains its Nappa leather finishing, contrasting nicely with the anthracite oak trim that stretches the width of the dashboard.

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2021-2022 Safety Features

In the transition from fully imported to locally assembled, the sole variant of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class dropped its lane centering assist system – but manages to retain advanced safety items like autonomous emergency braking inclusive of pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as adaptive cruise control that Mercedes-Benz labels “DISTRONIC”. Blind spot monitoring and lane keeping assist are also provided, on top of your usual suspects like ABS with EBD and brake assist, traction control, stability control and the like.

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2021-2022 Strengths & Weakness

To understand the weakness of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class requires a broader understanding of the Mercedes-Benz range as a whole. It is a seven-seater by design, but not one that is as functional as models like the GLS-Class (pricier and larger), or the discontinued R-Class MPV. Instead, the most practical people carrier you can get is actually the V-Class, also known as the Mercedes-Benz Vito. That then makes the GLE-Class more like a five-seater that could occasionally take an extra two passengers if need be.

The strengths of the GLE-Class are also only things you can gleam if you understand the history of the model, as well as the direction the market is headed and consumer expectations. Where the GLE-Class started is as something a little more rugged – hence the movie tie-in with Jurassic Park and the externally mounted spare wheel for some variants.

Over time, Mercedes-Benz has understood that the rugged edge and the masculinity are not necessary in a vehicle like this, instead choosing to prioritize other aspects to develop to make a more well rounded product. It’s comfortable, drives well, rides well, and has lots of performance to back the weight – it just isn’t the most eye-catching or outstanding model of the range.

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2021-2022 Price

For the sole variant of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class on offer, you will pay RM 475,501.23 – specifically for the GLE 450 4MATIC AMG Line. This pricing is inclusive of the current exemptions provided by the government, without which it would be closer to the RM 500,000 mark. It also happens to be over RM 100,000 less than the fully-imported model.

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2021-2022 Features

Of the many features provided like ambient lighting, automatic headlamps, adaptive cruise control and the like, any modern Mercedes-Benz model will undeniably have the MBUX system as its party piece. This system is a game-changing, highly intuitive method of operating the infotainment that allows for a variety of controls, as well as improved connectivity and excellent customization of displays to show you exactly what you want and need to see.

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2021-2022 Fuel Consumption

There is no manufacturer quoted fuel consumption for the local variant of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, but the closest approximation would be one from the USA – specifically the GLE 450 4MATIC. This manages to return a fuel consumption figure of 21 miles per gallon on a combined cycle, that roughly translates to 8.9 kilometres per litre. If that doesn’t make your eyes water, you have to remember that this is an all-wheel drive car, with wide tyres and a hefty kerb weight to shift around – it isn’t going to be efficient.