Mercedes GLE 250d: Bright Star
MERCEDES GLE 250 d 4MATIC
BRIGHT STAR
Words: Andrea Balti
Photography: Andy Williams
In recent years, Mercedes has expanded its proposals to such an extent that it has a model for each letter of the alphabet, or almost. Then there are the thousand alphanumeric combinations that at a closer look help in understanding which segment and what type of engine we are talking about – in fact, there are 40 different models to comb through and definitely find your very car. From the small A-Class, recently renovated and that has embraced a wider and younger audience than before, up to the exclusive GT, now also available with four doors. Since 1997, one of the Mercedes-Benz that has always held high the honor of the three-pointed star, also representing one of the very first SUV proposals was the ML Class, now in its fourth generation changing its name to GLE – for which there is also a so-called Coupe version, with a sloping tail and a decidedly more sporty look.
The GLE is basically based on the W166 ML-Class, a not too invasive restyling, but that thanks to the change of nomenclature aims to mix once again the cards on the table, while keeping intact the compendium of comfort, luxury and practicality for everyday use. Now that SUVs are no longer seen as public enemies – also because they have sensitized public opinion (critical) with their XS size counterparts – you can see them for what they really were conceived, useful vehicles for traveling in total comfort at several centimeters from the ground, but with the typical handling of a more classic sedan. If dimensions and the consequent weight affect less than in the past as far as fuel consumption, the choice that is considered more rational, at least for the moment, is that of a diesel engine, just like the entry level we’re testing, the GLE 250 d 4Matic. Analyzing the name, we therefore have an intermediate size SUV (the “E” is exactly for that), with a 2.2cc diesel engine and 4Matic all-wheel drive. Once you have taken a minimum of familiarity with the letters is even entertaining to look at all the different combinations of models.
Coming back to the car you also have endless possibilities in the configuration phase, since you can draw on a list of options that is probably longer than Dante’s Divine Comedy. I’ve been sitting behind the wheel of this GLE for a few minutes and I already feel perfectly comfortable: the seat is easily adjustable and the sensation is that of being at the wheel of a car that is smaller than it actually is. You do not perceive the almost 5 meters in length, not even the 1,8 in height, but this does not go to the detriment of driving precision, thanks to an excellent visibility on all sides and a precise and very communicative steering. The 2.2 engine seems a little rough, especially with the car idling or moving in traffic slower than 40 kph, but once left the chaos of the city behind I can finally appreciate the 500Nm of torque, which compensate the only 204 horses at my disposal. The GLE 250 d is not a fast car – for that there is the AMG – but does not disdain to be thrown on the motorway and occupy the third lane in typical executive fashion. It is right to use a little care when facing narrow roads, because above all the first times you will think to occupy more space than you actually need it. After all, just turn around and you notice how much space there’s available to the passengers in the back, or in the luggage compartment.
The muscular lines have remained almost unchanged, but the white color of the body accentuates the ribs, which especially in the front area give a very aggressive image to the GLE. Among the most distinctive bits we find the chrome front fascia with the two horizontal profiles on the sides of the huge three-pointed star, while the trim of the model at our disposal is equipped with 20-inch AMG wheels that fit winter tires, exceptional when the road becomes slippery. Since SUVs are often mistreated and considered useful for everything (or almost) except some good old off-road, I also tried to put some mud on the wheels, exploiting the four-wheel drive and the five different driving modes available, which act on various parameters of the car, as for example the height of the suspensions, also adjustable separately via a special button located on the central tunnel. Great attention for on-board comfort, main focus on the GLE, with dual-zone air conditioning and an infotainment system manageable thanks to a multi-functional knob. The screen is a bit ‘small to tell the truth (8 inches), but works excellent and this is worth more than a few millimeters extra.
Returning to the driving impressions we can argue without a shadow of a doubt that the GLE is perfectly able to be used in everyday life, thanks to an improved fuel consumption attested on no more than 5.7 l/100 km in the mixed cycle. To make the GLE 250 d a skilled everyday car there is also and above all the G Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission, useful to keep the engine revs down and push without problem the 2 tons of this SUV taking advantage of the generous torque reserve. With prices starting from just over € 63,000, you take home a symbol of quality from Mercedes, son of the evolution of one of the models that has introduced a new type of car on our roads, now obviously updated for what are the expectations of increasingly demanding customers. The GLE is at home wherever you put it and will do its duty in any situation, just as you would expect from a car of this level. Difficult to find a defect, and in this case I would only argue some plastic of the dashboard, too rigid and a bit plasticky, but they certainly do not affect the excellent final result that is worthy of a star between the brightest of the tight Mercedes list.
MERCEDES GLE 250 d 4MATIC
Layout – front-engined, all-wheel-drive
Engine – 4 cylinder 2.143cc – turbodiesel
Transmission – 9-speed automatic gearbox
Power – 204 hp @ 3.800 rpm
500 Nm @ 1.600-1.800 rpm
Weight – 2.150 kg
Acceleration – 8,6 sec.
Top Speed – 210 kph
Price – from € 63.560