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The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE is Mercedes' midsize luxury SUV. The new generation of the Mercedes GLE brings a more modern interior as well as new chassis technologies. In addition, the GLE is growing a little and, with optional 7 seats, mediates a little between the previous GLE and the GLS. As before, the GLE will be produced in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
What Is The Difference Between The Mercedes 350 and 450?
The Mercedes GL 350 is the entry-level SUV in the lineup and comes with a 255-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive (4MATIC is also available).
On the other hand, the GLE450 is equipped with a 362-horsepower turbocharged inline-six and and comes with 369 lb-ft of Torque. It feels like a better fit for the SUV.
What's New in 2021 Mercedes GLE
Mercedes GLE class had a major redesign in 2020 and entered its second model year with only minor changes. One of the first changes that drivers will immediately notice is that certain features have now become standard in all trims. For example, in 2021 GLE standard are the ambient interior lighting, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and SiriusXM satellite radio.
Also, there is a new feature if you have the Mercedes me app. It's called parking damage detection system. Let's say you have parked your Mercedes GLE somewhere and it is jostled while parked, you will receive a notification through the app.
Also, new are the powerful AMG-tuned GLE 53 and GLE 63 S, both of which debuted in the 2021 model year. Coupe variant has also returned in the GLE versions.
The Exterior
The exterior design of the 2021 GLE450 4MATC SUV, while clearly identifiable as a Mercedes product, shows an evolved, more rounded and streamlined version of the brand's image. The vehicle is built on a longer wheelbase of 80mm and, according to Mercedes-Benz, is setting the benchmark in the segment in terms of aerodynamics.
The new design is by far less conservative than the previous generation. It looks modern, with a very clean body that is adorned without the need for aggressive strokes.
The Interior
Inside, a notable feature is the new dual-screen setup we saw recently in the automaker's upcoming EQC electric vehicle. This longer wheelbase means the interior is larger, and in fact a third row of seats is available as an option. The second row seats are electrically adjustable in six directions. The second row is very spacious and luxuriously comfortable.
In the first row, passengers can access several functions of the multimedia system and other elementsthanks to the available gesture control technology.
The infotainment system features larger screens, a high-resolution color head-up display and the new MBUX Interior Assistant system.
The new Active Stop-and-Go Assist system allows the GLE to quickly detect traffic jams and actively supports the driver in traffic jams up to 35 mph. Also new since the 2020 redesign is the Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Assist system with cross-traffic assist. If there is a risk of collision when the vehicle passes in front of oncoming vehicles, the vehicle automatically brakes when traveling at low speed.
The trunk of the GLE450 is big and spacious. Here is GLE450's trunk space: 33.3 cubic feet. GLE Max Cargo Capacity, Seats Down: 74.9 cubic feet.
The Powertrain of GLE
The GLE450 comes with a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder turbo engine that delivers 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This motor actually works with an electric motor which provides an additional 21 hp boost for short periods. This version of the SUV comes with the all-wheel drive system (hence the 4MATIC in the name) as standard. A 9-speed automatic transmission is the standard transmission in this version.
Fuel consumption of the 2021 GLE450 4MATIC SUV is contained in relation to engine power and in Eco mode it decreases considerably. The window sticker, marked "not final" gives 23 miles per hour in city/highway, respectively assigning 21 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Pricing
The version of the 2021 GLE450 4MATIC SUV I was driving came with a $75,770 price tag. The Suggested Retail price starts from $62,500 and goes up to $75,770 with if you add the optional qeuipment and value added packages.
Generally the GLE pricing goes like this:
- GLE350 - $55,800
- GLE450 - $62,550
- GLE580 - $79,950
Mercedes GLE450: Behind The Wheel
In town, the steering is so smooth that I find myself driving with one hand with my elbow in the door. The standard 9-speed automatic gearbox shines without letting anyone know.
Comfort ? This new GLE450 is automatically equipped with AirMatic air suspensions erasing everything that happens under its tires.
The sound insulation is not like an an S-Class limousine, but the result is really not that far off. The engine is silent at constant speed on the the highway. Here, we also appreciate the refinement of its engines, which only have to use their torque to revive and overtake.
Overall the GLE450 is a very fit, luxurious and spacious SUV with a firm grip of the road.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.
Reference: Auto123
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