2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic AMG Line Review

The competition in the midsize luxury SUV market has become increasingly fierce in recent years. Consumers not only want the quality that a brand brings but also expect practical space and balanced power performance — and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic AMG Line is precisely aimed at meeting these needs. As Mercedes-Benz's main model in this segment, its core selling points are clear: the power reserve of the 3.0-liter inline-six mild hybrid system, the sporty touch brought by the AMG Line package, and the fully loaded intelligent configuration across the series. This time, through an actual test drive, we focus on verifying whether its power response, spatial practicality, and luxury features truly match its positioning.

From a distance, the GLE 450 AMG Line maintains the steady silhouette of a midsize SUV, but the details make it sportier. The front features a large-sized starry grille combined with the AMG exclusive front bumper, while the design of the air ducts on both sides adds a sense of layering. The side profile of the vehicle is smooth, and the 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels (front 275/45 R21, rear 315/40 R21) are the visual focus. The muscular lines around the wheel arches further enhance its robust feel. The rear design is relatively simple, with horizontally arranged LED taillights providing high recognition when lit. The rear bumper incorporates chrome trim, and the dual exhaust layout on both sides echoes the sporty positioning of the AMG Line. The lighting system is equipped with LED as standard, and the response of the automatic headlights and daytime running lights is very sensitive, making daily use very convenient.

Once inside, the first thing you'll notice is the dual 12.3-inch screens forming a fully digital instrument cluster and a touch-sensitive central control display. The interface runs smoothly, and it supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The interior materials are mainly soft-touch leather and metal trims, with precise stitching on the dashboard and door panels. Almost all the touchpoints are made of soft materials. The multifunctional steering wheel comes with paddle shifters and feels substantial to hold. The front seats feature electric adjustment with lumbar support and extendable thigh support, making long periods of sitting comfortable. In terms of space, the vehicle measures 4924mm × 2022mm × 1797mm, with a wheelbase of 2995mm. Once the front seats are adjusted to a suitable position, there is more than a fist of legroom in the rear, and headroom is also ample. Even with three adults seated in the back, it does not feel cramped. The storage space is practical, with door storage compartments capable of holding two large bottles of water, a deep central armrest box, and a trunk with a standard capacity of 825L. Folding down the third-row seats further expands the space, making it suitable for daily family use or short trips.

In terms of power, the GLE 450 is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine + 48V mild hybrid system, delivering a maximum power of 367PS and a torque of 500N·m. It is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and a 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The official 0-100km/h acceleration is 5.7 seconds. During actual driving, the mild hybrid system provides an additional boost at start-up, resulting in very responsive power. The throttle pedal tuning is linear, and pressing just one-third of it produces a noticeable push-back effect. Switching to Sport mode makes the transmission's shifting logic more aggressive, with faster downshifts. When overtaking, pressing the gas pedal hard releases instant power, and the car performs strongly in highway acceleration as well. The chassis adopts front and rear air suspension, and during everyday driving, the suspension leans towards comfort, filtering out most of the small bumps on the road. When encountering speed bumps or potholes, the suspension rebounds crisply, with no excess swaying. The steering system feels balanced and precise, with controlled body roll when cornering. Plus, with the support of the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, stability during high-speed cornering is excellent.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 10.8L/100km. During actual test drives, it was approximately 12-13L/100km in urban sections, while on highways, it could drop to around 9L/100km. Considering the 3.0T engine displacement and the vehicle weight, this performance is at a normal level within its class. Noise control is done quite well. At speeds below 100km/h, wind and tire noise are not noticeable, and the engine noise only becomes audible when the accelerator is pressed hard, but the sound is not harsh. The braking performance is stable, the brake pedal travel is moderate, the braking force output is linear, and the vehicle maintains a good posture during emergency braking without significant forward pitching.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2021 GLE 450 4Matic AMG Line are quite prominent: ample power reserve, a mild hybrid system that enhances smoothness; practical space suitable for family use; comprehensive configurations, with features like dual screens and intelligent driving assistance systems being strong points. Compared to peers like the BMW X5 or Audi Q7, its interior luxury and configuration richness have more advantages, and the price is relatively reasonable. This car is suitable for consumers who value brand quality, need large space, and also have certain requirements for power—such as middle-aged users with families or young individuals seeking a balance between luxury and sportiness.

To sum up, the GLE 450 AMG Line is a well-balanced mid-size luxury SUV with no obvious weaknesses. Its power, space, configuration, and comfort can all meet daily usage needs. If you are looking for a model that offers both brand prestige and a balance between family and personal driving enjoyment, it would be a good choice.