A New Name Combining Type and Class

The first generation of the Mercedes-Benz "M Class" was a pioneer of the SUV boom.M ClassDebuting in 1997, the first generation featured a stylish body devoid of any ruggedness, and its driving feel was akin to a passenger car. Produced at a plant in Alabama, USA, its development was heavily market-driven with the burgeoning US market as the primary target, showcasing Mercedes-Benz's adaptability to the times.

One of the most significant changes in the new model, announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2015, is the renaming of the model.It is now called the "GLE""GL" signifies the SUV lineup, starting with the "GLA," which has already been introduced to the Japanese market,GLAfollowed by the "GLC" announced in June, which corresponds to the "C Class," and then the GLE for the "E Class."C ClassThe "E Class" corresponds to the model in question, the GLE.E ClassA "GLS" is also planned to top the lineup.

Mercedes-Benz GLE 250d 4MATIC

Mercedes-Benz GLE 250d 4MATIC

Key features of the GLE include an upgraded environmental and safety technology package while retaining its traditional styling. Notably, the "500e 4MATIC," a plug-in hybrid available for test drives in Austria, is a new addition to the lineup.

The lineup includes gasoline models: "GLE 400 4MATIC" (equipped with a 2,996cc V6 producing 245kW and 480Nm) and "GLE 500 4MATIC" (equipped with a 4,663cc V8 producing 320kW and 700Nm). Diesel models include the rear-wheel-drive "GLE 250d" and the four-wheel-drive "GLE 250d 4MATIC" (equipped with a 2,143cc 4-cylinder producing 150kW and 480Nm), and "GLE 350d 4MATIC" (equipped with a 2,987cc V6 producing 190kW and 620Nm). Starting with this generation, diesel models are designated with a "d" suffix after the number.

Two high-performance variants from Mercedes-AMG are also available: the "GLE 63 4MATIC" (410ps, 700Nm) and the "GLE 63 S 4MATIC" (430ps, 760Nm). The AMG models feature a torque distribution biased towards the rear wheels (60%), compared to the usual 50:50 split, for sportier handling. The transmission is also a sportier "AMG Speedshift" with faster shift times.

The "GLE 500e 4MATIC," bearing the "e" sub-designation for plug-in hybrid, combines a 2,996cc V6 engine (85kW, 480Nm) with an electric motor.

The system's total torque reaches 650Nm, and it includes a boost function that utilizes both the engine and motor for acceleration. It is paired with the "4MATIC" full-time four-wheel-drive system.

Mercedes-Benz GLE 250d 4MATIC

"This is our first plug-in hybrid SUV, offering V8-like smooth and refined performance with fuel consumption comparable to a 3-liter vehicle," stated a Mercedes-Benz development representative at the test drive venue near Salzburg, the city of music. The question on everyone's mind was whether the large, over 4.8-meter long GLE 500e 4MATIC could truly deliver such performance.

Commitment to Meeting the Demands of the 1 Percent

As previously mentioned, the new Mercedes-Benz GLE series offers a rich variety of powertrains. Dr. Thomas Weber, Head of Development, concisely explained the concept of diverse product offerings: "Our company policy is to have many variations within the family." He elaborated, "While it's true that over half of the previous M Class models sold in Europe were diesel-powered, and in Austria almost all were diesel, gasoline models are the only ones sold in China. Therefore, we recognize that offering a wide range of drivetrains, engines, and sizes is key to success."

The GLE 500e is designed to enhance environmental compatibility, with CO2 emissions per kilometer ranging from just 78 to 84 grams. In comparison, the GLE 500 4MATIC emits up to 269 grams. The European Commission's CO2 emission regulation for 2020 is 95 grams per kilometer, a target the plug-in hybrid easily surpasses.

Mercedes-Benz GLE 500e 4MATIC

Mercedes-Benz GLE 500e 4MATIC

"The GLE 500e 4MATIC was developed with off-road capability in mind, including water fording. We conducted extensive testing for this purpose," stated Dr. Weber. "During this process, the GLE 500e 4MATIC proved to have favorable conditions. The high-voltage battery, which could be dangerous if exposed to water, is housed inside the vehicle, and the electric motor is integrated into the transmission housing. Vibration resistance was the biggest challenge."

"Based on M Class data, we anticipate that most GLE customers will not drive off-road," Dr. Weber continued. "We estimate that only about 1 to 2 percent of GLE buyers, including plug-in hybrid owners, will actually drive off-road (laughs). However, that doesn't mean we can compromise on performance. Some customers view off-roading as a sport, so maintaining high off-road capability is a non-negotiable aspect."

This commitment extends beyond driving performance to styling, which evokes the previous M Class. The distinctive rear quarter pillar, in particular, allows the model to be instantly recognized as part of the M Class lineage. "The M Class has a loyal customer base that values the model specifically," explained Simon Thomas, who is in charge of SUV product management. "Therefore, despite this being a full model change, we deliberately retained the traditional image."

The Refined Performance of the Plug-in Hybrid

What is the actual driving experience of the highly anticipated Mercedes-Benz GLE 500e 4MATIC like? The test drive route spanned Austrian city streets and mountain roads.

This model is configured to actively utilize the electric motor. With a full charge, it can travel up to 30 km on electric power alone. Driving with minimal accelerator input in typical urban conditions with frequent stops and starts, including traffic jams, allowed for approximately 20 km of electric-only driving. When the battery level drops below 20%, the engine automatically engages, and subsequent driving is a hybrid combination of engine and motor, achieving fuel efficiency of less than 5 liters per 100 km, or over 20 km per liter.

Mercedes-Benz GLE 500e 4MATIC

Mercedes-Benz GLE 500e 4MATIC

Mercedes-Benz already has a proven track record with the "S 500 Plug-in Hybrid," introduced in Japan in 2014. The transition between the electric motor and the engine in the GLE is exceptionally smooth, with virtually no perceptible vibration or noise. It's difficult to determine which powertrain is in use without checking the tachometer or the energy flow chart on the monitor. The refinement is remarkable.

Even on electric power alone, the low-speed torque is sufficient for urban driving. When the engine, which starts producing maximum torque from 1,600 rpm, engages, the acceleration is brisk, almost agile. The 7-speed automatic transmission optimizes for fuel economy in higher gears while skillfully utilizing the torque band to provide seamless power delivery without the driver noticing any lag.

The ride comfort is exceptionally supple, and while the steering isn't ultra-sporty, the car responds promptly to inputs without any sluggishness. From acceleration and deceleration to braking feel, there is nothing that would cause the driver any discomfort. This is the greatest strength of this model, and it's easy to see why it appeals to many female drivers.

Mercedes-Benz GLE 500e 4MATIC

Mercedes-Benz GLE 500e 4MATIC

"Some customers need a large SUV for their families but also want to consider the environment. While the GLE as a whole improves fuel efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions, the GLE 500e 4MATIC is specifically for those customers," explained Dr. Thomas Weber, head of Mercedes-Benz's technology development division.

"It also serves as a symbolic leader for the new generation. If you ask whether we will offer a plug-in hybrid in the 'G Class,' the answer is likely no. While we will continue to improve fuel efficiency, it's not a high-volume vehicle, so we don't see the need to go to such lengths."

All or Nothing

One percent. That's how Dr. Weber defined the proportion of GLE drivers who venture off-road. Normally, this would be a negligible number. However, Mercedes demonstrated that as an SUV, it cannot compromise on off-road performance, even on a dedicated off-road course in Austria.

The off-road course for the GLE was set up on a mountain slope. Part of a motorsports park developed for those who enjoy sporty driving, it includes a small circuit, a helipad, and a lodge with restaurant facilities. While it might seem like a playground, the organizers clearly didn't want to disappoint visitors. The off-road course featured steep ascents and descents, low-grip downhill sections with rocky terrain, and challenging side-slope driving – a truly enjoyable experience.

"The key to driving safely here is..." began the German instructor, "to trust the GLE (350d) and let the car do most of the work." What was immediately impressive was the 360-degree monitor, which could be relied upon in situations where the terrain was not visible from the seats. The system processes camera input to display a bird's-eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings. Drivers can navigate off-road with confidence simply by looking at the monitor, rather than through the windshield.

In mogul sections with large holes, even if three wheels lose contact with the ground, the electronic differential lock engages, allowing the vehicle to escape using just one wheel. On steep descents where the risk of tipping over is high, the driver only needs to keep their hands on the steering wheel; the vehicle automatically handles acceleration and braking. This truly demonstrated the GLE's capabilities.

"All or nothing" is a motto that Mercedes-Benz has increasingly emphasized as its traditional philosophy. One could interpret this to mean that if the GLE cannot handle all types of roads, it would be meaningless. This interpretation is likely accurate, given its level of refinement.