Got a spare P5,690,000 burning a hole through your pocket? Maybe you’d be interested on splurging it on a brand-new luxury SUV. Auto Nation Group, our country’s official Mercedes-Benz distributor, has brought in the new GLE, and it’s a compelling proposition if you’ve got the dough for it.
That price tag puts the GLE just under another premium offering, the recently launched all-new BMW X5, in terms of initial cost, though the product from the three-pointed star can seat up to two extra passengers in the back.
A seven-seat, German-made luxury SUV that’s competitively priced? Sounds good to us. Let’s see what else the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE has to offer.
Exterior
The 2019 GLE is about as well-put-together as you’d expect from Mercedes-Benz, featuring a clean exterior, a familiar shape, and a distinctly Teutonic vibe about it. We also have to say that this might be the most refined iteration of the nameplate thanks to subtler character lines—there’s just a better flow to the exterior.
The SUV’s font end flaunts a recognizable setup: a large mesh grille with two bold strips and a massive Mercedes-Benz logo. The large headlights feature adaptive multi-beam LEDs. For wheels, the car rides on massive 21-inch five-spoke rims.
There’s some very nice application of chrome all around, too. The window trim and the underguard get it, as do the dual tailpipes and the roof rails. There’s a fair bit of plastic lining the wheels arches and the lower end of the exterior, though.
Interior
Inside the new GLE, you’ll find a mix of dark and light soft-touch materials, as well as some snazzy metal trim and premium-feeling plastic components. The front seats and the steering column also feature electronic adjustment and a memory function for added convenience.
The highlight of the vehicle’s front driver and passenger area is a massive two-part display, with each part measuring 12.4 inches. The whole setup is half-digital instrument cluster, half-infotainment and navigation touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay capability. This is sandwiched in between two large A/C vents, and the component really brings the dashboard together. The three-spoke steering wheel also features a plethora of controls to make adjusting settings easy for the driver.
In the second row, you’ll fine rear A/C vents, some conveniently placed grab handles to assist passengers during ingress and egress, and a nice foldable central armrest. Seats are easily folded down to reveal a third-row that can either fit two extra passengers or be dropped for added luggage space.
Engine and specs
Your options are limited when it comes to choosing what’s under the 2019 GLE’s hood—as in you have just one option: a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine with an output of 245hp and 500Nm of torque between 1,600 to 2,400rpm. Powed is sent to all four wheels, and the mill comes mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Mercedes-Benz has also equipped the new GLE with EQ Boost, a feature that allows the vehicle to save energy from braking and systematic engine shut-off, then using it as boost or to help eliminate turbo lag. The SUV also comes with an electronic traction system for its all-wheel drivetrain.
Extra features
You’re getting the works here. Standard features include a tire-pressure monitoring system, Burmester speakers, ambient interior lighting (with 64 colors to choose from), a wireless charger, four-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, Active Parking Assist with a 360-degree camera, and an eco button for added efficiency.
There’s a handful of advanced safety features to boot: downhill speed regulation, blind-spot assist, active brake assist, and of course, a ton of airbags to keep occupants safe in the event things go awry.
If you’re into voice control, the 2019 GLE has it, too. The SUV features an intelligent voice assistant activated by pushing a button on the steering wheel or saying ‘Hey Mercedes.’ The carmaker says this comes equipped with a speech-recognition program that makes it easy to operate.
Prices and variants
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE is available in only one variant, the GLE 300d 4Matic. As mentioned earlier, this SUV comes carrying a P5,690,000 price tag and a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
