Newest GLE has one of the most complex air suspension systems on the market. It may just be the coolest one out there, too.
It must be frustrating to be an automotive engineer. You put in years of time and effort to help make a well-rounded vehicle that’s attractive, powerful, fuel efficient, comfortable, and safe and sometimes people can’t stop talking about one particular feature. It happened with the new Ram 1500. It’s a handsome truck that offers an innovative mild-hybrid powertrain, but the automotive press went on and on about how cool its 12-inch touchscreen is. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE seems to have a similar good-ish problem with one of its tech features.
Yuri and Jakub, hosts of the popular YouTube channel TheStraightPipes, drove the newest version of the SUV-formerly-known-as-ML. They got seat time in both the entry-level GLE 350 and the more powerful and expensive GLE 450 with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, but they focused the bulk of their review on the 450.
The newest GLE does away with its predecessors hard lines and offers buyers a more rounded look, as well as attractive wheel options. Although it’s not a groundbreaking design, it’s hard to call it ugly.
The GLE 450’s turbocharged and EQ Boost-equipped 3.0-liter straight-six puts out 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Jakub says the EQ Boost system “will … give you an extra 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque” in short bursts. A smooth nine-speed automatic and an all-wheel-drive system that only brings the front axle into the mix when it detects wheel slippage gets that power to the road.
As much of a scene-stealer as the GLE’s suspension is, we must admit it’s hard to imagine Mercedes-Benz’s engineers being mad about how much attention it gets. Luxury SUVs should offer something different and special that sets them apart from less prestigious rigs. The GLE definitely has that.
No comments:
Post a Comment