Interior

The inside of the GLE is sophisticated in every sense. The sport seats are flawless. The downsized steering wheel provides the driver with superior control. The center console is loaded with easy to use electronics and perfect ergonomics. Buyers can select their choice of trim: wood, carbon fiber or synthetic leather. The SUV version has over 36 cubic feet of cargo space when the seats are upright. GLE coupes provide upwards of 23 cubic feet of cargo space.

Technology

The freestanding eight inch infotainment screen is much larger than those featured in competing vehicles. Niceties include:

• Standard power adjustable front seats
• Heated front seats
• Optional AMG sport seating
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Leatherette upholstery
• 19-inch wheels
• Power sunroof
• Keyless ignition
• Power liftgate
• Power sunroof

Performance

Take a look under the hood of the GLE350 and you will find a six cylinder engine with over 300 horses and 3.5 liters. This engine is tied to a 7- speed automatic transmission and the buyer's choice of all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. The other GLE trims have all-wheel drive as standard. The GLE43 has a six cylinder engine with 362 horses. This engine works in tandem with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The GLE63S and GLE63 have twin turbo eight cylinder engines with 577 and 550 horses, respectively. There is even a plug-in hybrid version known as the GLE550e. This nifty ride comes with a six cylinder engine that provides 329 horses and 3.5 liters. The hybrid module provides a net output of 114 horses and 436 total horses.

The base version achieves a combined 20 mpg. The upper level models provide about 15 combined. The plug-in hybrid offers a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg and around 19 miles with all-electric driving. GLE drivers and passengers enjoy an incredibly smooth and quiet ride even on rough terrain thanks to the steel springs with conventional dampers. The upper level models feature a suspension with air springs and continuous damping. Anti-roll bars can be implemented for superior ?roadholding?. Traction can be boosted with the GLE's Sport+, Sport, Slippery, Comfort and Individual driving modes that control vehicle powertrain, chassis, steering, engine noise and suspension.

Safety

The IIHS has heaped on the praise for the GLE with the best possible ?Good? rating. The GLE even earned the agency's Top Safety Pick designation to boot. The vehicle has an array of airbags ranging from curtain airbags for each row to front/side driver and passenger airbags and a driver's knee airbag. High-tech safety features include but are not limited to:

• Blind-spot monitors
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control active lane control
• Rearview camera

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