2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE starts at $55,700 and for that money, you get a 3.0L Bi-Turbo V6 engine mated to a 9 -speed automatic transmission. The engine can muster a maximum of 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 400 is offered in only an all-wheel-drive configuration and receives a tough competition from its fellow European stablemates like the BMW X5 and Audi Q7 and other luxury mid-size SUVs like Lexus RX, Cadillac TX5, and Maserati Levante.

The 2020 Mercedes GLE 400i is the only trim for the GLE which is available in an AWD 4Matic version. The GLE's brute power comes from a Biturbo V6 engine which does not have that killer instinct that the AMG-fied GLE has but its enough to give you the taste of automotive madness. The GLE offers a wide array of add-on packages upgrading the humble SUV right from cosmetic looks to the addition of gizmos and gadgets. Buyers can select from the galore of options to make a distinctive GLE 400 suiting to their likes and budget.

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The base GLE 400lacks some premium features which can be mitigated by opting for Premium Package 1' adding some practical and usable features like Apple car play and android auto, COMMAND navigation with 3 years subscription, blind spot assist etc.

The 2020 Mercedes GLE, especially in AMG form, can make family hauling entertaining- The Car Connection

Engine and Transmission

The meat of the GLE's power is a 3.0L Bi-Turbo V6 coupled with a smooth 9-Speed automatic transmission. The power plant can amass 329 horsepower and 354-pound-feet of torque. Though it's not the top of the line, it powerful enough to deliver a decent surge of acceleration. The 9-Speed transmission is also topped with paddle shifters allowing the rider to manually lead the ratios which makes up for a sporty endure.

Comparing with the rivals, the Acura MDX, the Lexus RX 359 and the Cadillac TX5 all the three offer close performance figures at a decent discount of the price. The Cadillac leads the GLE 400in the power department.

Acceleration

The 2020 GLE 400 is all about performance and putting its brute strength to show! For the most part, GLE's ride quality remains nice and smooth, though subtle changes with the accelerator based on instincts have a lagging response. Otherwise, there is no problem with the GLE 400.

It is the quickest amongst the rivals, it takes 5.9 sec to complete the 0-60 MPH sprint. The Acura MDX being the least powered is surprisingly the most prompt at just 6.2 seconds followed by the Cadillac TX5 at 6.5 seconds. Lexus RX 400at 6.8 seconds manages to lead the 2020 GLE 400by a small margin.

Handling and Steering

The 2020 GLE equipped with DYNAMIC SELECT offers various drive modes viz. Individual, Comfort, Slippery, and Sport. At a mere selection of any one of the modes, there is set of tune which is not limited to powertrain but extends to steering and suspension as well for delivering best traction and ultimately planted handling capabilities even in extreme conditions.

Braking

The 2020 GLE 400with 13 discs at the front and 12.8 at rear mingled with ABS technology can bring this captivating machine to a standstill within 130 feet of distance. The pedal feels soft and goes all the way down, but there is no notable issue during the panic brake test.

The Acura MDX is the quickest in decelerating from 60-0 (121 feet). The Lexus RX 400which is a bit heavier manages a decent figure of 123 feet and Cadillac TX5 travels 128 feet to a standstill which is on a higher side even after being lightest of the bunch.

The 2020 GLE 400 with its hulking curb weight of 4751 lbs churns out 18 MPG in city driving conditions, which climbs up a bit to 23 MPG on a highway drive. The combined fuel economy accounts for 20 MPG are the shallowest figure amongst the rivals. If you think that's the rock bottom, the AMG's witchcraft further degrade the economy with their mad power.

The Lexus RX 350, however, takes the lead in this department with an impressive 27 MPG (highway), 20 MPG (City) and combined economy of 23 MPG. Wherein Acura MDX and Cadillac TX5 shows swap figures of city and highway run in a gallon and parallel combined economy of 22 MPG.

The best feature of the GLE is its high-class interior. There are multiple choices for seat and interior materials as well as the trim. The options will overwhelm many and delight some. The two-pane panoramic sunroof is a must-have- Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

GLE offers a multitude of features and traces of fancy luxury, you will be bombarded with lucrative choices, however, you may cross your budget's redline if not refrain. The GLE feature a lot of space both on the front and the rear end, you won't feel claustrophobic at all. Those who love to make full use of their cabin will love the GLE. As far as interior quality goes, the cabin is dominated by quality material. There are hardly any cheap plastics or rattling noise.

The front seats of the 2020 GLE 400 are softly contoured and provide ample support for long highway cruise. The driver seat is 10-way power adjustable including 4-way power lumbar adjustments and memory functionality provides comfortable driving positions effortlessly.

However, on the flipside, the rear seats are suitable only for two due to the center armrest which might make the third passenger uncomfortable during long journeys.

Interior Features

Here is a list of the standout features-

• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Power-adjustable steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• 10-way power driver seat (with four-way power lumbar adjustment and memory functions), simulated leather upholstery
• Mercedes' COMAND electronics interface (with an 8-inch display)
• Eight-speaker audio system with a CD player and two USB ports.
• Rearview camera
• Automatic wipers
• Mercedes' Mbrace telematics system.

Infotainment

The infotainment looks futuristic and complicated at first but is very intuitive to use. The COMMAND controller interface is a boon for the driver. Navigating through various options of the infotainment easy but you need to be coached first. The bulk of the features are accessed through the rotary knob, other features have physical switched for the same.

The standard infotainment system consists of:

• Eight-speaker audio system with a CD player and two USB ports.
• 8-inch heads-up display
• USB port
• Bluetooth
• Radio
• CD Player

Cargo

The 2020 GLE 400 offers ample cargo space, enough to be a workaday SUV and even pack for fishing in the weekend. The power tailgate is standard and the practical layout of rear seats which lay down almost flat facilitates for a nice even cargo floor. You get a standard cargo bay of 38.2 cubic feet.

The GLE 400trails just behind the Acura MDX in terms of space availability and the Lexus RX 400and the Cadillac TX5 don't even stand close to the GLE in cargo capacity.

The GLE with its class-leading torque (273 lb-ft) makes way for the enormous amount of towing capacity (6600 lbs). All other rivals are merely visible to compete in this segment with Acura MDX towing 5000 lbs whereas Lexus RX 400and Cadillac TX5 both 3500 lbs which are almost half to that of the GLE 350.

The 2020 GLE-Class no longer breaks ground as it once did, but it's still a refined and handsome shape-The Car Connection

Design and Styling

GLE used to be Merc's groundbreaking SUV, with muscular fenders and brand defining three-pointed star logo. However, it's not the case anymore, Merc faces a gruesome competition from many handsome SUVs like Maserati Levante, BMW X5, and Audi Q7. The exterior elements were last updated 2016 and now it still goes strong. A bonus tip- You can avail the AMG styling without bearing the hefty cost, just get the Night package and you get to go.

Dimensions and Weight

The 2020 GLE 400 experienced minuscule changes at the exterior retaining the similar dimensions from the previous iteration and still remains the widest SUV (84.3 inches) in comparison to its rivals.

The GLE is 3 inches taller from the Lexus RX 400and leads the rivals with the longest wheelbase of 114.8 inches resulting in the least front and rear overhang. The Cadillac TX5 trails just behind the GLE 400with a wheelbase of 112.5 inches followed by Acura MDX (111 inches) and Lexus RX 400being the endmost at 109.8 inches.

Exterior Features

Some of the exterior features include:

• LED DRLs and tail lights with bi-Xenon projector headlamps
• LED turn indicators on ORVM
• Xenon HIDs in Premium
• Auto-dimming driver-side and inside rearview mirrors
• 19-inch alloy wheels with various options to choose
• Brushed aluminum finished roof rails

The 2020 Mercedes GLE 400adds a wide range of standard safety features including:

• Advanced Air Bag System (AABS)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Daytime Running Lamps
• 10 air bags
• Passenger Sensing System
• Rear Vision Camera
• 3-point rear outboard safety belts
• LATCH System
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety
• Back-Up Camera

BMW X5 (Standard)

BMW revamped the X5 but it didn't change its winning formula, the X5 is still the rugged SUV with an impressive on-road and off-road prowess. In addition to that BMW offers an additional third-row seat, they might be small but it's something other brands don't offer. Considering performance, the Merc is more sporty and fun to drive, it's also more powerful which backs the Benz claims.

Mercedes Benz and BMW are at the pinnacle of luxury, though the GLE is more refined and offers a better bang for your buck.

Audi Q7

The SUV segment is all fired up with a galore of cars hitting the road. Apparently, it's an SUV bargain sale, Audi alone has three luxury SUVs all offering flagship like a luxury. The Q7 might be the least interesting of them all but it offers exceptional luxury for the price. Its power is competitive to the GLE, and ride quality has its own unique flavor of fun. The Q7 is bigger and bulkier than the Beemer, hence the better cabin space and practicality. However, the extra weight takes away Audi's edge during the performance.

Lexus RX 350

The Lexus RX 50 with sharp styling and sturdy performance figures is almost a grand cheaper than the GLE 400on offer making it an arched rival among the competitors. The inclusion of the huge standard feature list and decent fuel economy figure also brings some odds with it.

First being the non-sporty ride character and the other being dated multimedia with the unavailability of apple car play/android auto even on the optional list might be a deal breaker. For those longing for a perfect medley of luxury and power, the 2020 GLE might be a better pick.

Final Verdict

When luxury, power, and recognition leads to priority, the GLE 400 with its mature heritage of Mercedes branding has always been a head turner. The cohesive offering of performance with unmatched premium features and with the availability of ample options of additional customization, the GLE 400becomes a bright unequivocal pick.

On the contrary, with its steep price tag and not so good fuel economy figures it open gates for consideration of other rivalry options on offer at a very humble price point with an almost similar feature list.