Africa-Press – Cape verde. Top-of-range cars are the pinnacle of engineering and development and offer the latest in technology.
Many people say entry-level and top-of-range models are usually the two best models in a range. Some will argue that there is a sweet spot in the middle, but then you are generally halfway, in terms of the price, to the top model anyway.
Take the Mercedes-AMG GLE 300d 4Matic – an entry-level GLE – for example.
The GLE300d 4Matic
Remember, this SUV set Mercedes-Benz’s trajectory for all its other SUVs. It was originally called the ML. Some of you might remember the role these MLs played in the original Jurassic Park movie.
Two and a half decades later, the name has changed, and we’ve seen an incredible leap forward in terms of technology.
To start with, the GLE looks modern, and personally, I like those pseudo-wheel arch extensions. Move down, and the rather plump-looking tyres perfectly fit this car. Being 275/50 R20 in size, they offer the occupants a well-damped ride while providing the necessary grip and dynamic capability you would expect from this type of SUV.
The cabin offers the level of luxury expected of a R1.5-million Mercedes SUV. The dual-infotainment screen provides all the information you could possibly need.
There are eco, sport, comfort and individual driving modes to select (changing the parameters for the engine or throttle pedal, steering and ESP system). Expect for a burst or two in the dynamic setting; I mostly drove it in the eco setting.
During my daily commutes, I rarely need the 4Matic system, but it offers a safety net when venturing off-road (or when it rains).
There are also copious amounts of space for rear passengers.
But if these occupants are short adults or kids, don’t be surprised if they complain about the high shoulder line and windows. This, however, is not unique to the GLE.
You’ll feel very cosy in the cabin, though, not only because of the comfortable seats (with soft centre inserts that feel incredibly comfortable), but the high dashboard and bonnet give you a very safe feeling from behind the wheel. Overall, the cabin has a sense of space and airiness, especially if you open the sunroof.
The engine
Equipped with “only” a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, there might be some initial doubt about the engine’s performance. However, there was never a moment during the week when I drove the car that I wished I had access to more power or torque. It offers 180kW and an impressive 500Nm of torque.
As with most turbodiesel engines, the result is that you drive the engine using the lower two-thirds of the rev range. This way, you have a relaxing and torque and power-rich driving experience. Covering a driving range of 621km, I achieved a respectable average consumption of 7.47 litres per 100km, meaning there was still 450 km left on the range indicator.
If you were going to tow anything heavy with the GLE, consider one of the more powerful versions.
Summary
In terms of luxury, convenience (it was not equipped with keyless go, which was quite surprising) and comfort, the GLE ticked many boxes. Not only is it a good and modern-looking SUV, but it is hard to fault as a daily vehicle.
If you are a regular adventure seeker who heads off-road regularly, I would suggest an alternative, more off-road biased SUV. But for an everyday, family SUV, the GLE300d 4Matic has a lot to offer.
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