Mercedes GLE 350d review test drive

What is it like to drive?

Just like the ML, the GLE will be sold in India with two diesels and eventually a fire-breathing petrol AMG version. Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system remains standard fit too. The range-starting GLE 250d features a 201bhp, 2.1-litre, twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine while the GLE 350d here comes powered by a 255bhp, 3-litre, V6. Peak power and torque see no change on either engine but both now come with Merc’s latest nine-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.

In average driving, you won’t find the GLE 350d to be any different from the ML 350 CDI. The engine feels flexible as ever with good power available through the rev range. It doesn’t rev as hard as a comparable unit from BMW or take off with the same gusto when you floor the throttle, but given the beautifully linear manner in which the engine builds power, you won’t really mind. The velvety smooth engine also goes about its business in a quiet manner making the GLE 350d a very relaxing car to be in. More so on long highway excursions where you can experience the full benefit of the nine-speed gearbox. At 100kph and with the gearbox in ninth, the engine spins at just about 1,150rpm! In comparison, the ML’s seven-speed unit would do the same speed in seventh at 1,800rpm. When you do need to make a quick overtake, the new gearbox also feels a lot more alert than the old one ever did. It will automatically shift down four gears at a go when needed and is generally more responsive to throttle inputs and tugs at the steering-mounted paddles. This reflects in the GLE’s quicker in-gear timings vis-à-vis the ML. However, flat-out performance is about the same.

You can also alter the character of the GLE to your liking via a new dial that lets you choose between five driving modes – Sport, Comfort, Individual, Slippery and Off-Road. It goes without saying, ‘Sport’ makes the engine and gearbox feel most eager and responsive. But on the flip side the dampers also firm up to the point that the ride becomes jarring. In all probability though, owners will stick to ‘Comfort’ as the default setting where the air suspension (only on the GLE 350d) and chunky 255/50 R19 tyres iron out surface imperfections with ease. ‘Individual’ lets you personalise how the engine, steering and suspension should behave – engine and steering set to 'Sport' and suspension in 'Comfort' is a good compromise for a bout of spirited driving. In general, there’s a lovely fluid feel to the steering and direction changes are smooth, but this is no sports SUV.

The ‘Slippery’ setting primes the car’s system for low friction surfaces like ice while ‘Off-Road’ is what you’d want to keep the GLE in on mild terrains – it keeps the suspension raised to its fullest, and adjusts the all-wheel-drive system for max traction. Internationally, GLEs can also be had with a low range gearbox and differential locks but the majority of Indian buyers are unlikely to miss the absence of these hardcore off-road bits.