2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4MATIC SUV

In the past, ML usually marked the spot when referring to the Mercedes’ mid-sized SUV. Now known as the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4Matic, it’s back and as robust as ever, able to take you deep into the hinterlands and back once again. Napleton News had a chance to spend a week in one. Here are some highlights:

• Elegant appearances and accouterments
• High-tech audio systems
• Four engine choices, including those with EQ Boost
• Excellent handling characteristics
• Optional third row
• Available Air Balance and Multicontour front seats with massage

Who moved my cheese? Why the M-Class is now the GLE.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE450 is what used to be known as the Mercedes ML-Class. In 2016, the company began a new naming convention that identified the brand’s SUVs as GL (L for Luxury) models. The GLK is the brand’s Compact model (K substitutes the C), aligning it with the C-Class model. The GLS is the large SUV that designates it as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class model. Our GLE model is the SUV version of the E-Class model line.

The GLE is available with four powerplants tailored for a variety of users. These begin with the base 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that provides 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Next is the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 with EQ Boost powering the AMG GL53. It provides 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. At the top of the heap is the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with EQ Boost, powering the GLE580 4Matic.

For comparison purposes, we tested the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4Matic. It is motivated by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 with EQ Boost delivering 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Designated as a 4Matic, the GLE450 is equipped with M-B’s all-wheel drive system. It’s a trick piece of kit that can route up to 100-percent of the torque to the rear wheels when necessary. An added-cost Airmatic Suspension package is part of our options list. Well-worth the price of admission, it changes suspension settings on the fly for varying road surfaces and conditions.

Napleton News opinion: How does the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4Matic look?

In a word? How about Conservative? The GLE450 is similar to the ML-Class it replaced. It still maintains a certain elegance that sets it above the looks of some of its rivals. Still, it is not so fancy that you can’t feel like getting it dirty. It may leave you feeling like you shouldn’t have driven through that last big puddle, but the fact remains, the GLE can handle it. Just remember to hose it off when you get home. Ground clearance is adequate for most trails, and there is lower cladding to keep it relatively unscathed after some vehicular rough-housing.

The GLE450 is classy enough as it comes. Just check out the chrome trim strips along the side and the brightwork surrounding the rear diffuser. But if you really need more, check out the Mercedes-AMG GLE63 4Matic or its little brother, the AMG GLE53 4Matic.

What about inside the GLE450?

Stepping inside the GLE450 gives one the feeling of living a luxe life. When you settle into the macchiato beige and black leather seating, complete with massage and air conditioning, you’ll know you are in something special. The glass cockpit of two 12.3-inch display screens form a complete command and control center. An insulated windshield and side glass help keep external sounds at bay, while the Burmester Surround Sound audio system keeps the tunes thumping inside.

Even the rear seats aren’t too shabby. There’s plenty of head and legroom to go around. If you require a third row, you can get one. Just remember it’s a tight fit in the “way-back,” if you do.

Napleton News was Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4Matic.

Strapping into the GLE450 4Matic will place you into a crossover that is a performance monster masquerading as a luxury SUV. Pushing the starter button causes a slight stirring under the hood. What’s that sound, we ask? Oh, it’s the 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder purring to life. We instinctively reach for the gear selector lever on the center console but find the MB touchpad instead. Instead, M-B located the gear selector on a steering wheel column stalk. It frees up needed space for the cupholders in the console, we think.

Power comes with a silky-smooth action that feels like the engine is bigger than it actually is. Intense acceleration is on tap thanks to the turbocharged mill that is capable of rapid passing with the jab of the accelerator. At that point, the 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission steps down quickly to enable a thrilling launch forward. It’s definitely worth the price of admission.

We think the smart money will opt for the Airmatic adaptive air suspension. An upgrade over the standard suspension, you will enjoy nearly flat cornering thanks to E-Active Body Control. It’s a system that scans the road ahead of you and prepares the proper suspension settings. The results are a stellar ride package that provides a relatively smooth driving experience.

And with Mercedes-Benz, it’s the best or nothing. Always has been.

2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4Matic Specifications

	2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4Matic
Popular Powertrains
Engine Type	3.0-Liter turbocharged Inline-6
Horsepower	362 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque	369 LB-FT @ 1,600 rpm
Transmission	9-speed auto w/4Matic AWD
Fuel Economy	22 mpg (20 city/25 hwy)
Suspension	Double Wishbone / Multilink
Turning Circle	39.4 ft.
Also Available	Airmatic adaptive suspension; AMG engine packages
Specs
Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	5
Max Seating Capacity	5 or 7
Wheelbase	117.9 inches
Overall Length	194.3 inches
Width	76.7 inches
Height	70.7 inches
Cargo Room	33.3/74.9 Cubic Feet
Headroom, Front	40.5 inches
Headroom, Rear	39.6 inches
Legroom, Front	40.3 inches
Legroom, Rear	40.9 inches
Shoulder, Front	59..3 inches
Shoulder, Rear	58.3 inches