Mercedes GLE - Is it the best SUV choice in 2019?

BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A MERCEDES GLE FROM OSV: bit.ly/37F5iI3
In MK2 model guise, the Mercedes GLE is a large luxury SUV with a more dynamic look and a more sophisticated feel than its M-Class-based predecessor.
Ten Second Review
The second generation Mercedes GLE is now a much stronger contender in the large luxury SUV segment thanks to smarter looks, more efficient engines and the option of seven seats for the first time. That's because it's significantly bigger inside than its predecessor, hence the bigger boot. The suspension's more sophisticated too and there are greater levels of safety and media connectivity. Rivals like BMW's X5 and Porsche's Cayenne must now take this car very seriously indeed.
Background
Think of all the reasons not to like a large, luxury SUV. Thirst. Poor performance. Huge tax liabilities. Wobbly handling. Yet upper-middle class motorists still love them, patiently sure that one day, the brands involved would bring us something better. Something perhaps, like this - the second generation Mercedes GLE. This contender sits at the heart of the large section of the luxury SUV segment, just above the brand's more compact Audi Q5 or BMW X3-sized GLC model. And just below the Range Rover-sized Mercedes GLS.
As you might be aware, cars in this GLE's class tend to fall into two categories in their approach to likely buyers. Seven-seat practicality is favoured by SUVs like Land Rover's Discovery, Audi's Q7 and Volvo's XC90 - which is one way to go. As an alternative, contenders like BMW's X5, Porsche's Cayenne and Volkswagen's Touareg give you only five seats but offer more dynamic looks and agile handling. This Mercedes can now offer up to seven seats and hopes to appeal to both areas of this segment. There's a separate stylised GLE Coupe model still on sale, but that's based on the previous generation model and won't be replaced until 2020.
Driving Experience
There are four GLE engine options to begin with and most buyers are likely to choose the base diesel derivative, a 300d 4MATIC variant that features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which produces 245hp and 500Nm of torque. It can travel from 0 to 62mph in 7.2 seconds and has a top speed of 140mph. Next up is the six cylinder diesel 350d 4MATIC, which offers 272hp, the same engine also available in 330hp guise in the GLE 400d 4MATIC. here's also a 350de plug-in diesel variant. If petrol power is of more interest, there's an alternative GLE 450 4MATIC variant powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with EQ Boost, which has an output of 367hp and 500Nm of torque. EQ Boost uses a 48-volt onboard network with a belt-driven starter/alternator - the system adds 22hp to the car's overall output. It can sprint from 0 to 62mph in 5.7 seconds and has a top speed of 155mph.
In all variants, power is transmitted via 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The broad ratio spread of gears allows for a clearly perceptible reduction in engine speed. Ride comfort and agility improvements are promised by the optional 48V E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension, which is combined with the optional AIRMATIC air suspension. This is the only system in the market where the spring and damping forces can be individually controlled at each wheel. This means that it not only counteracts body roll, but also pitching and squat.

[@paul756uk2]

Without doubt, the best and most comprehensive review of this car I've seen.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks Paul 👍 great to see feedback like this

[@androidziby]

PERFECT review ! Your review shows every little detail on what this car can be, every option detailed and compared to the competition! You show direct comparison, not just superficial as other reviewers. Keep it up man, you will be BIG! Thank you for all the information gathered and shared with us, you do all the work for us and we have it in one video! One idea, maybe you want to do a video with your choice of the best car from every range, and how would you opt it out.

[@matthewpurcell2653]

3

[@matthewpurcell2653]

3

[@tomtierney5848]

Excellent presentation with great detail on all aspects and functions of the car. Well done

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Cheers Tom :) We aim to please

[@andrewross1133]

Cant wait to get ours. Been on order 5 months now built and on its way.

[@jayaybe1]

How is it Andrew?

[@djdojoo5191]

My parents have their this week. The 350de. So excited!

[@sajrizvi]

Not sure about your comment on people not buying the petrol 450 GLE. I just bought one! Anyway, great review.

[@peterking3131]

Same with me. It is tremendously good engine, sound and overall feel.

[@BN-ku7br]

Thanks for a good review! It adds a lot of info and help for our future decision, but still it's tricky to choose between the BMW X5 45e or the MB GLE 350de (as we have narrowed it down to as of now). Here in Norway, price is almost 100% similar, but one being 6 cyl gas and the other 4 cyl Diesel. Appreciated, KZbin is great!

[@emericlille7540]

Hi, what did you buy in the end?

[@peterking3131]

This is by far the best GLE review on KZbin. I found it only after already owning GLE450 for 3 years. And yes, I decided to keep this car for the next 2+ years. 55.000 miles, no problems so far. Love it for what it offers and in this price range still nothing beats it. Thought about X5, but even though it is really good, still didn't convince me. Bravo Benz.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Brilliant to hear, Peter! Thank you for watching 👍 If you enjoyed the video, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@ElBayunco]

OMG, that color looks phenomenal! It looks like Black Ice metallic from some angles and it looks like emerald green metallic from other angles. I love it!!!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Fantastic to hear! If you're interested in the GLE, one of our Vehicle Specialists can secure your perfect Mercedes. Fill-in this quick form, and we'll get in touch: bit.ly/39YHCml

[@hedydd2]

Discovery5 and new Defender are natural rivals to this. They are likely to offer significantly more for less. Both have air suspension and two speed transfer cases and the possibility of two rear seats with sensible room for feet and legs.

[@vinnienguyen4414]

Thanks for your very detail information

[@hedydd2]

No two speed transfer case as standard it seems. Available as an option though. However the 50/50 transfer case fitted is indeed more heavy duty than wet clutch engaged types. The GLS or its predecessor had low range as standard just like most Land Rover bigger than Velar.

[@TonyT-fz8od]

best reviewer i´ve ever seen thank you

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thank you for watching, Tony. Are you looking for a new car at the moment?

[@peterking3131]

Fully agree, I somehow overlooked, now subscribed.

[@mercedeslife1454]

Very informative review! Thanks!

[@tlig]

Too informative if you ask me! He never even stops to take a breath, it's difficult to take in this much info at the rate he goes.

[@FleetAdmiral215]

Always supberb Reviews , Great channel !!!!!!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thank you for watching! Be sure to subscribe for the latest reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@amilaperera85]

Thank you 🙏 now I know what to do with my new car.

[@jandersen6802]

It would be nice if you could list up the measured headroom in the back seat. So many cars seem to be useless for taller passengers.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Many thanks for your feedback, we'll take this on-board for future reviews! 👍

[@likeasambud9817]

How can anyone talk about a car for a full hour lol

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi there, we have a shorter version of this review if you'd prefer to watch that! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWqVkIVjmsaSf68

[@peterking3131]

This is exactly what I love about this review. Nothing missed.

[@sydsatish]

I bought a GLE450 AMG in Sydney!!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Amazing news, enjoy your new car! What made you choose this model over others?

[@Kobinals]

Just bought the 450!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Fab choice! Hope you enjoy the new car 👍

[@peterking3131]

Congrats, mine is still doing great after 3 years.

[@premierde]

After doing 17500 km, today my GLE 300d engine did not start. It power on, but engine is not getting on ? Where is the problem. Dashboard shows all equipmets in red? Service is due in 2 days.

[@mrlqchen]

Very detailed review, but after all that, you didn't answer as to which is the best SUV. This is not acceptable coming from a X5 G05 owner :)

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

🤣 Well obviously the X5 G05

[@mrlqchen]

OSV thanks for setting the record straight 😜

[@kostaroasta]

GLE 450 or Z71 Chevy Tahoe? Similarly priced

[@carlplz00001]

All the taxes to pay puts me off

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Are you looking for a new car at the moment, Carl?

[@arturobarreda3286]

Always Mercedes ...

[@anonymousonlineuser6543]

It looks to me like a minivan inside.

[@TG-pd3ft]

Does anyone actually like or want all that weird tech? I just find it frustrating and end up turning it all off or never using it

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

A valid point across most new vehicles. Sometimes more tech is just more to go wrong

[@jonblogondrong4792]

Please speak more quickly!!!!!!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Jonblo, if you click the 'Settings' cog you can set the video's playback speed up to 2x. Hope this solves the problem! 👍

[@jonblogondrong4792]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply What problem?

[@peterking3131]

Please, do not speak more quickly! Thank you

[@TheDukens90]

Lexus is better

[@Ambienfinity]

Excellent review, awful car. It's not so much the vehicles themselves, as the nature of the people who drive them. They're not so much for people who drive off road (at least not deliberately), as those who can't drive properly ON the road.

[@fmsantoscar]

That's a bit of a generalization no?

[@terrificspokesman7416]

Not always true

[@peterking3131]

Strange comment, bizzare.