Mercedes-Benz GLE Review

In Malaysia's premium SUV market, consumers value the prestige of luxury brands while also having clear demands for rich features, performance, and price sensitivity. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC AMG Line FL (CKD) is specifically designed to address these needs. As a mid-cycle facelift model, it not only lowers the entry threshold through local assembly but also upgrades its power parameters and intelligent features. In this test drive, we aim to verify whether these updates truly enhance the product's competitiveness and whether it can hold its ground in the segment.

In terms of exterior design, the 2024 GLE 450 AMG Line FL continues the family-style aesthetics, but minor adjustments make it more recognizable. The front features a large-sized star-pattern grille paired with an AMG-style front bumper, with blacked-out accents on the side air intakes, further enhancing its sporty feel. The side profile presents smooth lines, and the 21-inch alloy wheels appear sharper than the previous model, complementing the vehicle’s dimensions of 4924mm × 2157mm × 1797mm to give an overall stance that is solid yet dynamic. At the rear, the most notable change is the new through-type LED taillights, which offer a clean and elegant appearance when lit. The rear diffuser design also emphasizes its sporty attributes. The lighting system comes standard with LED technology, and the daytime running lights feature the iconic three-pointed star double L design, ensuring high recognition at night.

Step inside, and the interior continues to exude the familiar luxurious feel of Mercedes-Benz. The dashboard features a twin-screen setup with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen. The interface has improved in fluidity and clarity, and it supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In terms of materials, the dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch leather, while the door panels and seats are covered in Nappa leather. Accented with metal trims, the tactile and visual quality aligns well with the expectations of a premium SUV. Features include power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and memory functions, and the rear seats can be folded down in a 40:20:40 ratio, with adjustable backrest angles. The rear also includes independent air conditioning vents and USB-C charging ports. The storage performance is practical, with a large central armrest compartment in the front row, door pockets spacious enough for two water bottles, and a trunk offering a standard capacity of 630L, expandable to 1790L with the rear seats folded, meeting the needs of family trips or carrying bulky items.

In the power department, the 2024 GLE 450 is equipped with a 3.0L inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. The engine delivers a maximum power of 381PS and peak torque of 500N·m, with an additional 20PS and 200N·m torque provided by the electric motor. This setup is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 5.6 seconds, 0.1 seconds quicker than the 2021 model. During actual driving, the introduction of the mild-hybrid system makes for smoother starts, with virtually no turbo lag at low speeds. When switched to Sport mode, throttle response becomes significantly sharper, and power delivery is immediate and confidence-inspiring during overtaking. The 9-speed automatic transmission exhibits clear shift logic, with proactive upshifting and low engine RPM maintained during highway cruising, contributing to reduced fuel consumption.

In terms of handling, the new car adopts front and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned towards comfort while retaining a certain level of support. During daily driving, the suspension filters out most of the road bumps. When crossing speed bumps or uneven roads, the body remains stable with no excessive bouncing. During high-speed cornering, body roll is maintained within reasonable limits, the steering wheel is precise with minimal play, providing enough confidence for the driver. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system performs excellently on slippery roads, significantly enhancing driving stability. It also provides sufficient grip when occasionally driving on unpaved roads.

Fuel consumption performance is average, with an official combined fuel consumption of 10.7L/100km. During actual test drives, the fuel consumption was about 13L/100km in urban congested areas, and reduced to 8.5L/100km during highway cruising, meeting expectations for a 3.0T model. Noise control is well-executed; wind and tire noise are not noticeable during high-speed driving, and engine noise only becomes audible at high RPMs. Overall, the level of cabin quietness reaches that of a luxury vehicle.

In terms of safety features, the new car comes standard with 7 airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, lane change assist, lane departure warning, active braking, forward collision warning, and ACC adaptive cruise control. The 360-degree panoramic camera offers high resolution, allowing clear visibility of surrounding obstacles when parking, making it friendly for novice drivers.

In summary, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC AMG Line FL has several obvious core advantages: localization reduced its price to RM 528,888, about RM 56,000 cheaper than the 2019 CKD model; improved power parameters for faster acceleration; richer configurations, especially with the addition of practical features like ventilated front seats and wireless CarPlay; and detailed adjustments to the exterior and interior make the product more aligned with current aesthetic trends. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the BMW X5 xDrive40i, the GLE 450 offers richer configurations and stands out with a stronger sense of luxury at a similar price point.

This car is suitable for family users who value luxury and comprehensive configurations, especially those who frequently go on long-distance trips or have a high demand for rear-seat comfort. Meanwhile, its performance and handling can also satisfy young users seeking driving pleasure. Overall, the 2024 GLE 450 AMG Line FL is a well-balanced executive SUV, and the upgrade makes it more competitive in its class.