Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC

A luxurious people-mover, the new Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV, upgraded for the year 2024 and launched in Malaysia.

Designation V167, the fourth-generation model underpins a long-wheelbase (LWB) with a three-row (seven-seater) interior layout.

Locally-assembled (CKD - Pahang), available is a single variant (GLE 450 4MATIC), retailing at MYR 544,888 (OTR, w/o insurance).

Included is a standard vehicle warranty (four years/unlimited-mileage). Optional is an extended vehicle warranty (six years/unlimited-mileage).

Three (standard) exterior colours (Obsidian Black, Selenite Grey, High-tech Silver). One (MANUFAKTUR) exterior colour (Diamond White Bright - MYR 6,000).

The new GLE 450 4MATIC has a tiered dashboard design, linked to a high-rising centre console (angularly robust handles, touchpad). 

Highly-premium and -elegant, the layout is draped in soft-/hard-touch panels, blessed with the AMG Line Interior treatment.

ARTICO man-made leather upholstery (Black - dash, centre console, door beltlines) and Anthracite Open-Pore Oak-Wood trim (dash, centre console, door beltlines).

Centre-staged is the Widescreen Cockpit (glass-covered MBUX multimedia system - instrument/infotainment displays), and Chrome trims (Interior Chrome Package).

Accentuating the layout is an ambient lighting system (Light and Sight Package - active - 64-colour), and AMG sports pedals (brushed stainless steel - black rubber studs). 

Overall, the build is well-designed, with accessibilities strategically-arranged (driver-centric, passenger-oriented).

One half of a twin unit, installed is a 12.3-Inch Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system (second-generation NTG 7).

Features are three display styles (Classic, Sporty, Discreet), multiple interfaces (drive modes, vehicle settings), and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service).

Luxurious, the seven-seater gets the AMG Line Interior, featuring ARTICO man-made leather/MICROCUT-microfibre upholstery (Black - seats, door beltlines).

First-row gets electric-powered sport seats (driver/passenger - multi-way/-contour, lumbar, memory, heating/ventilation).

Second-row gets electric-powered comfort seats (multi-way/-contour, lumbar, 60:40 split-fold/slide, Easy-Entry system - third-row access).

Third-row gets manual-operated (button - 50:50 split-fold) bolstered bench seat (two-seater), with the Easy-Entry system (second-row seat button - third-row access).

Included are armrests (first-row centre console, second-row centre seat fold-out), panoramic glass sunroof (electric - tilt/slide), a fabric headliner (Black), window sun-blinds (electric - rear doors), and AMG floor mats.

Being a seven-seater (configuration - 2-3-2) SUV, it offers ample interior mobility, providing the front, middle and rear occupant with generous cabin space. 

Sufficient head-, shoulder-, and leg-room.

Mounted is a sports steering wheel, in a tri-rounded-twin-spoke-flat-bottom design, wrapped in Nappa leather (Black) and detailed with trims (Chrome).

Features are multi-switches (capacitive touch controls - media, vehicle settings), paddle shifters (Silver-Chrome), and electric column adjustments (tilt, telescopic). 

Aiding the drive is an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.

Practical storage spaces. E.g., a glove box, centre console caverned/partitioned spaces with under-stowage, and seat back/side door pockets.

Provided are six flex cup holders (two - first-, second-, third-row). Also present are four bottle holders (door pockets - front, rear).

Equipped are four USB ports (two - first-/second-row), two 12 V power sockets (first-row, boot), and one wireless charger (first-row).

The boot comes with the Easy-Pack Tailgate feature (handsfree - remote control/key fob, kick sensor, button).

Accessing its contactless function opens up to 630-Litres (rear seats up) of load space (2,055-Litres - second-/third-row seats down).

Also provided is the Load Compartment Package (side bags, luggage nets).

Weighing in at 2,220 KG, the new GLE 450 4MATIC stands at 4,924 MM long, 2,157 MM wide, 1,797 MM tall, and with a wheelbase spanning 2,995 MM.

Adorning the AMG body-styling, it exudes a seamlessly-solid and -elegant exterior, with smooth contours and clean-cut lines.

The front-end sees Merc’s power dome bonnet (Mercedes-Benz emblem), flared quarter panels, an A-shaped grille, a vented bumper, and an under-guard (Chrome).

Accentuations are running boards (illuminated, Aluminium, rubber studs), side mirror arms (High-Gloss Black), side window surrounds (Chrome), and roof rails (Grey).

Fitted is the AMG Line Exterior (AMG Diamond grille - 3D Chrome Mercedes-Benz pattern - Matte Dark Grey single-louvre, AMG bumper - large corner/centre intakes - High-Gloss-Black surrounds - Chrome trims, AMG side skirts - body-colour).

Elegantly-solid, it continues the AMG body-styling parading a horizontally-shaped and fairly-curvaceous silhouette.

The rear-end sees a straight-cut roofline, a roof-edge spoiler, flared quarter panels, a cascading tailgate (Mercedes-Benz emblem), and a bulging bumper (vented corners).

Accentuations are tailgate centre trim (Chrome), running boards (illuminated, Aluminium, rubber studs), side window surrounds (Chrome), and roof rails (Grey).

Fitted is the AMG Line Exterior (AMG bumper - Black full-width diffuser - Chrome surround - Chrome-tipped exhausts, AMG side skirts - body-colour).

Rectangular, the headlamps are housed inward-tilted, radiating a fierce outlook. Installed are Multibeam LED units with new signature light graphics.

Features are LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), automatic On/Off, projection function, Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus, welcome/leaving lights and dynamic turn signals.

Seamless and angularly-elongated, the wraparound tail lamps are housed in a horizontal Diamond design with new signature light graphics.

Installed are full LED units. Features are welcome/leaving lights, and dynamic turn signals. Paired to the setup is a high-mounted brake light (spoiler-integrated).

The side mirrors (two-tone - Body-colour-High-Gloss-Black) are electronic-powered (auto-fold, adjust), with dynamic turn signals, blind-spot indicators (Blind Spot Monitor - BSM), and automatic-dimming (Mirror Package).

Equipped is a set of ventilated-cross-drilled (front, rear) disc brakes. Aiding the drive is an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold system.

A luxurious cruiser, fitted is a set of 21-Inch AMG multi-spoke (Himalayas Grey - high-sheen finish) light-alloy rims, rubbered-up in 275/45 R21 (front) and 315/40 R21 (rear) Continental SportContact 6 tyres.

The new GLE 450 4MATIC features the following sets of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Grouped under Driving Assistance Package Plus are Active Distance Assist Distronic, Extended Automatic Re-Start in Traffic Jams, Exit Warning Function, and Active Steering Assist.

Under Parking Package, grouped are Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, and parking cameras (360-degree, reverse).

Others include Adaptive High-Beam Assist (AHA), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control System (TCS), and Hill Start Assist (HSA).

Passive safety under GUARD 360-degree Vehicle Protection, grouped are Anti-theft Alarm system (ATA) with Collision Detection, interior monitoring system, and passive person presence reminder. 

Others include seven airbags (driver, passenger, front side, front/rear curtains), airbag disable function (front passenger), seat belts (reminders, pre-tensioners, anchors), ISOFIX, Door Opening Warning (DOW), automatic-dimming rear-view mirrors (interior, exterior - Mirror Package), parking sensors (six - front, rear), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold, TIREFIT and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Multiple drive modes available via the DYNAMIC SELECT program (ECO, COMFORT, SPORT, INDIVIDUAL, OFF-ROAD).

Another half of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system (second-generation NTG 7), installed is a 12.3-Inch touchscreen display. 

System supports three display styles (Classic, Sporty, Discreet), multiple interfaces (drive modes, vehicle settings), and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service).

Features are MBUX Interior Assistant, MBUX AR-Navigation, MBUX Navigation Premium, Mercedes-me Services, Live Traffic Information, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (wireless). 

Audio is by the Burmester 3D surround sound system (590 W, 13 speakers).

The new GLE 450 4MATIC harbours a mild-hybrid powertrain.

Nestled is a 3.0-Litre, inline six-cylinder 32-valve, turbocharged direct-injection, DOHC petrol engine (M256), producing 381 HP (280 KW) at 5,800 to 6,100 RPM and 500 NM at 1,800 RPM.

Working in tandem is Mercedes’ second-generation Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG), a 48 V mild hybrid system (coasting, recuperation), providing an extra boost of 15 KW (20 HP) and 200 NM.

The setup is mated to a 9G-Tronic (nine-speed) automatic transmission.

Power is transmitted to all four wheels, via Mercedes’ fully-variable 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. 

Acceleration from 0 to 100 KM/H is done in 5.6 seconds, and top speed is 250 KM/H.

Fuel tank capacity is at 85-Litres, and the electric motor is juiced-up by a 1.0 KWH Lithium-ion battery.

The new GLE 450 4MATIC features these conveniences.

E.g., KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package (keyless access, engine Start/Stop button), Easy-Pack Tailgate (hands-free - remote control/key fob, kick sensor, button), Load Compartment Package (side bags, luggage net), Mirror package (automatic-dimming rear-view mirrors - exterior, interior), Light And Sight Package (64-colour active ambient lights, illuminated door sills, exterior Mercedes-Benz surround lighting projection, interior LED lights), THERMOTRONIC quad-zone automatic climate control system (rear air-vents, air purification), electronic-powered seats (multi-function - first-row, second-row), window sun-blinds (electric - rear doors), panoramic glass sunroof (electric - tilt/slide), steering wheel (electric column adjustments, multi-switches, paddle shifters, EPAS), MBUX Multimedia System (MBUX Interior Assistant, MBUX AR-Navigation, MBUX Navigation Premium, MBUX custom drive settings), multiple power outlets (four - USBs, two - 12 V sockets, one - wireless charger), six flex cup holders (two - first-, second-, third-row), interior monitoring system, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold, parking cameras (reverse, 360-degree), parking sensors (six - front, rear), automatic headlamps (On/Off/high-beam), automatic wipers (rain sensing, intermittent), automatic-pinch windows (up/down), and speed sensing door locks.

Installed for the cabin is the THERMOTRONIC quad-zone automatic climate control system (rear air-vents, air purification). 

Propping-up the chassis is a multi-link (front, rear) with air suspensions setup, incorporating the AIRMATIC Package (ADS PLUS - AIRMATIC with Adaptive Damping System).

The ride comfortability feels precise and firm at the same time, with overall drive tuned to provide complete stability and grip to the driver.

Overall, it is very spacious and extremely comfortable, suitable as a daily driver. Inside and out, performance- and comfort-wise, the ride quality is satisfactory. 

Good sound insulation with the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) aspects accounted for. The build is acoustically designed to enhance the in-car ambience. 

Overall, the cabin is able to suppress unwanted noises well and make them barely noticeable, in most of the day-to-day driving environment.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC is built with a sophisticatedly solid appeal, offering style, space, practicality, and all-around luxury.

An all-rounder SUV, it offers both performance and comfort, while encapsulating passengers in a tech-inspired and luxuriously-appointed cabin.

Ultimately, offering more than just good looks, the new GLE 450 4MATIC also provides an absolute driving pleasure with its dual-natured drive.