Engine and performance
We’re not sure how many of these features will actually make their way to India, nor have Mercedes-Benz revealed which of the engines from the vast offering will be brought here. So we kept it simple and sampled the most powerful option available: the petrol GLE 450. The “450” badge on the tailgate doesn’t indicate the power figures but the potent 3.0-litre in-line six makes a decent 367 PS between 5,500 and 6,100 rpm and 500 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. It uses a 48-volt mild-hybrid system which not just helps conserve fuel but adds another 22 PS and 250 Nm of electric boost. The electric motor helps take the strain off the engine when accelerating. This makes the petrol pretty quick and claims an AMG-rivalling 0-100 km/h time of just 5.7 seconds. The power delivery is also extremely linear, making this car a great city cruiser, and high-speed highway overtake manoeuvres are equally easy to execute.
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE first drive in San Antonio
Ride and Handling
Where the 450 makes its biggest stride is in the way its new E-Active springs suspension devours bumpy roads. Scanning the road surface ahead, the system preps the suspension to ensure there’s hardly any body movement. The new set-up also gives the SUV car-like drive dynamics, making it effortless to drive, and lends it composure like a luxury sedan. Selecting “Curve” makes GLE lean into corners and perfectly sharpens the cornering line — pretty much like motorcycles. This system works well on flat tarmac and single steering inputs. Bumpy surface and quick steering movement tend to confuse the system and, in turn, the driver. The optional Driving Assistance package also includes one of the best semi-autonomous systems on sale. This includes the Active Lane-Keeping system, Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto Braking, and the very interesting Free Drive Mode, which makes the body of the SUV bounce to get it out of loose sand. We didn’t get an opportunity to see if the GLE could cross a riverbed, but it should be good at that, too. If chasing dinosaurs is your game, then you can even opt for the additional off-road pack and further enhance its all-terrain prowess.
We can’t wait to see and drive this new SUV on Indian roads and are sure that the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE will further strengthen Mercedes’ SUV portfolio when it comes to our shores by mid-2019.
