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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE video review
Watch our video review of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV and let us know what you think.
Words by: Andrew Woodhouse
Published on 15 July 2021 | 0 min read
The Mercedes GLE has been around for a while now and continues to sell in impressive numbers. To see what all the fuss is about, Rory gets behind the wheel of the latest GLE 400D – which sits comfortably between the smaller GLC and the Mercedes GLS.
2021 Mercedes GLE 400D interior
The interior’s attractive design emphasises comfort over sport.
A mix of unvarnished wooden inserts, brushed metal trims and shiny black finishes offer a classic, classy, look that’s balanced by the modern touch-screens upfront – both of which merge to form a wraparound display. This gives you control over everything from cabin climate to built-in sat nav. In a cool feature, the navigation combines a camera view of the road ahead with overlayed graphics for augmented reality style guidance. The leather seats are plenty adjustable enough, and the high roof means taller drivers can fit comfortably. There’s plenty of rear passenger space too, though if you opt for the seven-seater model you might find the rearmost seats are only suitable for kids.
A mix of unvarnished wooden inserts, brushed metal trims and shiny black finishes offer a classic, classy, look that’s balanced by the modern touch-screens upfront – both of which merge to form a wraparound display. This gives you control over everything from cabin climate to built-in sat nav. In a cool feature, the navigation combines a camera view of the road ahead with overlayed graphics for augmented reality style guidance. The leather seats are plenty adjustable enough, and the high roof means taller drivers can fit comfortably. There’s plenty of rear passenger space too, though if you opt for the seven-seater model you might find the rearmost seats are only suitable for kids.
2021 Mercedes GLE 400D performance
In terms of performance, expect the following from the Mercedes GLE 400D:
• 330 hp diesel engine with 700Nm of torque • Nine-speed automatic gearbox • 0-62 in 5.7 seconds On paper that acceleration figure is enough to compete with sports cars like the Porsche Boxster, though in reality the comparison doesn’t exactly play out on the road. The GLE is, after all, a big, heavy SUV but, in the corners, the e-Active Body Control can counteract pitch and roll to stop it wallowing around. It can take a lot of turning to get through corners, but once you start turning an active 48-volt anti-roll stabilization system, so it doesn’t roll into corners too much. Overall, the chilled steering and a good build quality means the 400D feels like a very capable, if not entirely thrilling, car.
• 330 hp diesel engine with 700Nm of torque • Nine-speed automatic gearbox • 0-62 in 5.7 seconds On paper that acceleration figure is enough to compete with sports cars like the Porsche Boxster, though in reality the comparison doesn’t exactly play out on the road. The GLE is, after all, a big, heavy SUV but, in the corners, the e-Active Body Control can counteract pitch and roll to stop it wallowing around. It can take a lot of turning to get through corners, but once you start turning an active 48-volt anti-roll stabilization system, so it doesn’t roll into corners too much. Overall, the chilled steering and a good build quality means the 400D feels like a very capable, if not entirely thrilling, car.
2021 Mercedes GLE 400D price
The entry-level model starts at around £55,000, while the AMG Line Premium Plus starts at £75,000. Yes, it’s expensive, but that £75K will get you a wealth of features, including a panoramic glass roof, Burmester sound system, built-in perfume dispenser and more than enough cameras.
Watch the video for a more in-depth review, and find out why the Mercedes-Benz GLE won best seven-seater in this year’s New Car Awards. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive news and reviews of upcoming releases.
Watch the video for a more in-depth review, and find out why the Mercedes-Benz GLE won best seven-seater in this year’s New Car Awards. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive news and reviews of upcoming releases.