2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Hybrid

Two decades ago, Mercedes-Benz sent the automotive industry into a spin by introducing one of the first mass-market luxury SUVs. The M-Class was wildly popular, partly because it beat the BMW X5 to market by a year and partly because it had a starring role in the Jurassic Park sequel. Like those dinosaurs, the M-Class evolved over the years, improving and finding a way to remain relevant in an ever-changing environment. Its name even changed a few times.

The latest adaptation is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE, which goes on sale in the spring of 2019. Expectations are high since the current GLE is still a solid choice in the class. We had the opportunity to put this new luxury SUV through its paces in Texas to see how this fourth-generation model compares to the latest batch of luxury SUVs.

A Slightly Different AnGLE

First off, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE is bigger than its predecessor. The wheelbase (space between the front and rear wheels) increases by 3 inches, which contributes to the increased nose-to-tail length of about 4 inches. In terms of styling, the new GLE adopts some of the latest Mercedes design cues that debuted on the CLS sedan. Revisions to the front and sides of the vehicle are subtle and retain the instantly recognizable brand hallmarks. The back of the GLE gets a more prominent makeover with narrower taillights. It's pleasing to the eye as you walk around, with equal parts sport and strength.

The GLE 450 4Matic will be the first model to arrive in showrooms. It's powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder that produces 362 horsepower. Propulsion is supplemented by a 48-volt EQ Boost electrical system that adds 21 hp when called upon. This system also contributes to improving fuel economy and powering the available E-Active Body Control suspension (more on that in a bit). A nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels. Following that model to market will be the GLE 350, which gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 255 hp. Rear-wheel drive is standard and 4Matic all-wheel drive is available.

We don't have official pricing yet but expect the GLE 350 to start around $55,000. The GLE 450 will likely cost at least $12,000 more. Standard equipment is comparable to that of any luxury SUV in its class.

NewfanGLEd Technology

The base model may be the GLE 350, but don't think of it as a downgrade. On paper, the power output may not be impressive for an SUV of this size, but in practice, it's more than adequate for most drivers. The GLE 350 4Matic gets up to speed with competence, though there's no mistaking the engine noise for anything but a four-cylinder.

We also spent some time with the GLE 450 4Matic equipped with the midgrade Airmatic air suspension with adaptive dampers. It's not our suspension of choice since the ride quality, although comfortable, is far too soft, leaving us feeling oddly disconnected from the road. The isolation goes a bit too far, which in turn doesn't instill confidence when cornering. It also tends to exaggerate the lazy steering response, making the driving experience seem like a simulation or video game.

Our favorite is the GLE 450 4Matic with the innovative new E-Active Body Control suspension. It takes to the curves well and delivers a very smooth ride thanks to a road scan feature that is similar to Mercedes' Magic Ride Control. One very cool trick up its sleeve is that selecting either the Curve or Sport drive mode activates a supplemental hydropneumatic system, which can actually tilt the GLE's body to counteract body roll like no other vehicle. The effect is a lot like how a motorcyclist leans while going around a turn. It's a little odd at first, but it is most certainly a "wow factor" that will impress drivers of any stripe. It transcends novelty by providing a surefootedness that is unique among SUVs. Usually, a vehicle's suspension must sacrifice ride comfort to gain improved handling. There is no such compromise here.

Combined with E-Active Body Control, the 362-hp six-cylinder engine gives the impression of sharper responses and better overall performance. The GLE 450 accelerates to highway speeds with more ease than the four-cylinder GLE 350, and it sounds less taxed doing so. Mercedes estimates the GLE 450 will reach 60 mph in only 5.5 seconds, which is 1.5 seconds quicker than the GLE 350. While there's no question which model and specification we prefer, the big question will be price. Upgrades like these have never come cheap. If history serves as a guide, it may be well outside the limits of even generous budgets.

On the whole, we're impressed with how the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE drives, regardless of engine choice. We struggle to find fault with it outside of the numbness of the midgrade air suspension. The automatic stop-start function can be a little rough, and there are some clumsy gear changes at low speeds, but these drawbacks are neither frequent nor significant.

A GagGLE of Luxury Features

Just as impressive as how the GLE drives is how well the interior is crafted. As expected, the cabin is covered in top-grade materials and built with the sturdy construction that Mercedes is known for. The beautiful twin 12.3-inch screens accentuate the horizontal dash. The only items that strike an odd tone with us are the rectangular central air vents and awkward vent-like strakes to the right of the central display.

As the second Mercedes-Benz vehicle to employ the new MBUX infotainment system, the GLE gains an advantage over its rivals. The MBUX system is packed with features, yet they're all easy to operate. The main reason is the multiple means of control. The touchpad located on the center console is the obvious way, and it's flanked by an appropriate number of physical shortcut buttons. You can also use the main display as a touchscreen, operate small tracepads located on the steering wheel, or simply speak out loud using MBUX's accurate voice recognition system.

A long list of options is available to provide supreme comfort. Different cabin modes can be selected to create a specific ambiance with lighting, audio and even scent. The GLE's massaging seats are by far the most useful, especially on longer trips as they gently shift the primary seat contact points to alleviate fatigue. For the driver, a very large head-up display effectively eliminates the need to glance at the instrument panel, and the Distronic adaptive cruise control feature lessens the drudgery of driving on the highway, especially in congested traffic. Other advanced safety features are well tuned to avoid false alarms.

The GLE's second-row seats are accommodating for larger adults, with an abundance of room in all applicable dimensions. Unlike on some other SUVs, the materials quality back there is as good as it is up front. The optional third-row seats — a first for the GLE — are more spacious than we suspected. They have enough headroom for adults, but the low and short seat cushions definitely make them better suited to smaller passengers. No matter which seat you're in, the GLE's cabin remains blissfully quiet, with a luxurious ride that is in keeping with the Mercedes-Benz reputation.

The New RinGLEader?

In all likelihood, most shoppers will gravitate toward the entry-level GLE 350. It doesn't feel or drive like the entry-level trim. Because the available E-Active Body Control suspension is such a revelation, however, we definitely recommend the 450 with that suspension to those with deeper pockets.

Making a judgment call against the midsize luxury SUV competition is tougher. The BMW X5, which is also newly redesigned, represents a slightly sportier take on the midsize luxury SUV. The Audi Q7, meanwhile, exists in the narrow middle ground with a more tech-heavy presentation. Among them, the new GLE looks to be an intriguing choice thanks to its mix of traditional luxury and innovative features.

The new 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE will soon be upon us. Previously offered only with two rows, the GLE boasts an optional third-row seat, which is possible thanks to a wheelbase that has grown by 3.1 inches. From bumper to bumper, the new GLE is 5.2 inches longer, and it's wider, too. These dimensional updates mean that all GLE buyers will enjoy more space inside, whether they opt for the two-row or the three-row layout.

What Powers the GLE?

Under the hood, the GLE gets two new engines, both paired with the same nine-speed automatic transmission. For the base GLE 350 and GLE 350 4Matic (all-wheel-drive) models, there's a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic steps up to a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six (362 hp, 369 lb-ft) that's paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system called EQ Boost. This system augments the output by up to 21 additional horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and it's also used to power the starter and the available adaptive suspension, which individually controls spring and damping forces at each wheel.

How Does It Ride?

Right, so about that trick suspension. It's called E-Active Body Control, and it's best described as an adaptive hydropneumatic suspension combined with an air suspension. When you're on the move, it adjusts compliance at all four corners in real time to ensure optimal ride comfort. For loading items into the cargo area (or if you've got a big car seat to load in the back seat), the ride height can be lowered by as much as 1.6 inches. And, while we're listing "oh man, that's pretty cool" features, this suspension can also get you unstuck from a sand dune by quickly raising and lowering the vehicle to alter the ground pressure and work the tires free. By the way, if you feel like adjusting the level of each wheel via the touchscreen to "improve the vehicle's attitude on rough terrain," in Mercedes' words, yeah — you can do that, too.

What's Inside?

The GLE's interior has been redesigned to accommodate a new center console and the latest Mercedes infotainment system. Front and center on the dashboard is the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system, which replaces the previously standard COMAND system. Two side-by-side 12.3-inch screens handle the display duties, dominating the dashboard with all the subtlety of the Titanic docking in a seaside village. In other Mercedes products we've driven, the side-by-side screens were fantastically crisp and clear, so we look forward to sampling them in the GLE.

An optional extra for this particular version of MBUX is the MBUX interior assistant. The interior assistant recognizes hand movements and readies the center screen accordingly, highlighting certain functions. The system can even distinguish between the driver and the front passenger when providing seating controls. Massaging seats are available, which can be paired with lighting and music patterns designed to relax occupants on long journeys.

What About Safety and Tech?

As we've come to expect from Mercedes-Benz, there are long lists of both standard and optional safety and technology features for the GLE. It really does come across like an SUV from the future. Standard features include blind-spot monitoring, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Mercedes Pre-Safe Sound (which purports to prepare the ear for the loud sound of a collision by playing "pink noise") and five USB ports. Available safety features on the 2020 GLE include forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. Evasive Steering Assist, which has also been added to the long list of available active safety features, provides additional steering input to help the driver avoid an obstacle at speed, boosting the steering response during an evasive maneuver. These will definitely be welcome technologies for safety-minded families.

How Much Does It Cost?

We expect the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE's pricing to go up a bit relative to the previous model, with a projected starting price around $55,000. Both the GLE 350 4Matic and GLE 450 4Matic models are expected to go on sale in spring 2019, while the standard rear-wheel-drive GLE 350 will arrive in summer 2019. Stay tuned for the full Edmunds review once the GLE hits the market.