Mercedes-Benz GLE 2021 Review

The luxury midsize SUV market has always been a focal point for Malaysian consumers, especially models that combine family practicality with a sense of luxury. As one of the representatives of this niche market, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic AMG Line, featuring a 3.0T mild hybrid engine, 7-seat layout, and AMG sports package as its core selling points, raises the question: can it meet consumers' dual demands for luxury and practicality? This test drive will provide a comprehensive evaluation from static design, dynamic performance to everyday usability, offering a reference for potential buyers.

In terms of appearance, the design of the GLE 450 AMG Line maintains the steadiness of the Mercedes-Benz family while injecting vibrancy through its sports package. The front features a large star-patterned grille, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, offering a strong visual impact. The lower front bumper is equipped with AMG-style honeycomb air intakes, further enhancing its sporty attributes. The side profile of the vehicle is sleek, with a length of 4924mm and 21-inch dual five-spoke wheels (front 275/45 R21, rear 315/40 R21), giving it a proportionate, powerful appearance. At the rear, the LED taillights are treated with a smoked finish, complementing the dual chrome exhaust outlets on either side, which create a cohesive and highly recognizable design. In terms of lighting, features such as LED headlights and daytime running lights come as standard, and the addition of automatic headlights and front fog lights enhances daily convenience.

Inside the vehicle, the interior exudes a strong sense of luxury and technology. The dashboard adopts a dual 12.3-inch screen design, with a fully digital instrument panel on the left and a touchscreen infotainment screen on the right, integrated with the MBUX intelligent system that operates smoothly and supports voice control. The interior materials predominantly consist of soft leather and metallic accents. The steering wheel is wrapped in Nappa leather with metal paddle shifters, offering a refined touch. The front seats are electrically adjustable, providing good support and wrapping. In terms of features, Keyless Operation, 360-degree panoramic camera, independent air conditioning for the front and rear seats, a single-pane sunroof, and other features come as standard, while the addition of the Sound Plus audio system enhances the in-car entertainment experience. Regarding space, the wheelbase of 2995mm ensures ample passenger space: the front passenger headroom is approximately one fist and two fingers, while the rear legroom can reach up to two fists (with the second-row seats adjustable). The third-row seats are suitable for short-term use by passengers under 165cm, and folding them down increases the trunk capacity to 825L, meeting the storage needs for family outings. Additionally, the interior is equipped with abundant storage compartments, USB ports in the front and rear rows, which enhances overall practicality.

In terms of performance, the GLE 450 is equipped with a 3.0T V6 turbocharged engine + 48V mild hybrid system, delivering a maximum power of 367PS and a maximum torque of 500N·m, paired with a 9AT transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 5.7 seconds. During actual driving, the mild hybrid system's intervention during the start phase provides rapid power response, the accelerator pedal is tuned linearly, mid and high-speed acceleration feels strong, and overtaking requires only a firm press on the pedal to achieve ample power reserves. There are four driving modes: Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Off-road. When switched to Sport mode, the transmission's shifting logic becomes more aggressive, with the engine maintaining higher RPMs for more direct power delivery.

The handling and chassis performance are commendable. The steering wheel is precise with minimal play, lightweight at low speeds, and stable at high speeds, in line with the positioning of a luxury SUV. The chassis uses front and rear air suspension, with height-adjustable support. In Comfort mode, it absorbs most road bumps; when crossing speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension rebound is very smooth, ensuring passenger comfort inside the car. In Sport mode, the suspension stiffens, body roll is well-controlled, and cornering stability is strong. During everyday driving, the vehicle's NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) control is excellent. At speeds below 100 km/h, cabin noise is minimal, with tire and wind noise being well suppressed. In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 10.8L/100km. During a road test, the urban fuel consumption is about 12.5L/100km, while the highway consumption is approximately 9.2L/100km, which is moderate for a 3.0T model.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic AMG Line lie in its balanced product capabilities: the AMG sporty exterior enhances its recognition, the luxurious interior and rich configurations meet quality demands, the 3.0T mild hybrid system balances power and smoothness, and the 7-seater layout ensures family practicality. Compared to its competitors like the BMW X5 or Audi Q7, the GLE 450 has an advantage in luxury feel and seat comfort, though the third-row space is slightly less impressive than the X5. This vehicle is suitable for family users who value brand luxury and need a 7-seater layout or business professionals seeking a balance between performance and comfort.

In summary, the 2021 GLE 450 4Matic AMG Line is a "well-rounded" luxury mid-to-large SUV that is capable of handling both daily commutes and family trips. Its balanced performance makes it highly competitive in its segment.