M-Class (W166/C292) [Renders] 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE (M class gen 4)

[Centurion]

Something like the RR Sport should be their target for the GLE, as the GLS should target the original Range Rover. The Range Rover models are gold standard for wealthy SUV buyers in the U.S. Not sure how popular they are elsewhere.


M

The fact that Land Rover sell tens of thousands of Range Rovers with price tags that would make an S-Class buyer sweaty around the collar, should make Mercedes executives feel ashamed about missing a trick. Although the G-Class is a unique and priced by a certain crowd(Hint Lindsey Lohan and Kardashians), it doesn't command the same respect as the Range Rover. Neither is it as good as a product. Sadly, the GLS is just an enlogated M-Class that lacks emotions or finesse.

However, the GLC is a good car that makes me a bit hopeful that Mercedes will step up their game. Worryingly, I fear that the GLE and next GLS will carry the face of the A-Class and C-Class. It's not sexy when a $150k car has little differentiation from a $28,000 entry level car.

 

[Merc1]

The fact that Land Rover sell tens of thousands of Range Rovers with price tags that would make an S-Class buyer sweaty around the collar, should make Mercedes executives feel ashamed about missing a trick. Although the G-Class is a unique and priced by a certain crowd(Hint Lindsey Lohan and Kardashians), it doesn't command the same respect as the Range Rover. Neither is it as good as a product. Sadly, the GLS is just an enlogated M-Class that lacks emotions or finesse.

However, the GLC is a good car that makes me a bit hopeful that Mercedes will step up their game. Worryingly, I fear that the GLE and next GLS will carry the face of the A-Class and C-Class. It's not sexy when a $150k car has little differentiation from a $28,000 entry level car.

A lot of that is your opinion, but I get what you're saying. The only reason the G isn't more popular is because it is too old and quite frankly too much of a real "truck" for the average Range Rover buyer. You're knocking it for being true to form and being a unique product. MB obviously kept it old-school on purpose. It obviously isn't going match anything designed 35 years after it was born. They're going to obviously correct some of that with the facelift. Yes we all know the GLS is not nearly in the same league overall with the RR or it's sibling the S-Class.

M

 

[Centurion]

A lot of that is your opinion, but I get what you're saying. The only reason the G isn't more popular is because it is too old and quite frankly too much of a real "truck" for the average Range Rover buyer. You're knocking it for being true to form and being a unique product. MB obviously kept it old-school on purpose. It obviously isn't going match anything designed 35 years after it was born. They're going to obviously correct some of that with the facelift. Yes we all know the GLS is not nearly in the same league overall with the RR or it's sibling the S-Class.

M

The glimmer of hope is that the new E-Class is a top product from all angles. If Mercedes shoehorn its interior, tech and magic carpet ride into the GLE then it will get lots of attention.

 

[Serpens]

I agree. Mercedes paved the way for SUVs when they introduced the original ML but it was riddled with reliability issues.

Since then the ML has done little for the segment. It's now a very non-descript and generic but expensive German SUV with a three pointed star.

The Range Rover is the most luxurious, Cayenne the sportiest, X5 the all-rounder, Q7 the most generous and Range Rover Sport the coolest. What does the ML do well? Nothing

Can't you say the same for the E-class? Because that's exactly how it plays out in the U.S. For many people the GLE is the true all-rounder since it's quieter and has better ride quality than the X5. Not everyone is an enthusiast.

I'm leaving the Range Rover products out of this since they are considerably more expensive to start out in the U.S.

 

[DexterMorgan]

I agree. Mercedes paved the way for SUVs when they introduced the original ML but it was riddled with reliability issues.

Since then the ML has done little for the segment. It's now a very non-descript and generic but expensive German SUV with a three pointed star.

The Range Rover is the most luxurious, Cayenne the sportiest, X5 the all-rounder, Q7 the most generous and Range Rover Sport the coolest. What does the ML do well? Nothing

It's easy for us 'enthusiasts' to get mired down by small idiosyncrasies when discussing cars. The fact is, the GLE does several things extremely well. For beginners, it sells better than its competition. Here's proof positive:

Secondly, it does what a mid-sized SUV is required to do in its segment and that is provide an unparalleled level of safety, reliability and technology. Of the competitor's you've mentioned, not one is a IIHS top safety pick. Some more data for you to visualize:

Safety ratings

Thirdly, none of the aforementioned competitor's come close to offering in-car tech (I'm speaking of the US market here), safety features etc that the GLE does. Some examples include, but are not limited to PRE-SAFE, POST-SAFE, semi-autonomous driving via the driver assistance package, collisions prevention assist, pedestrian recognition, cross-traffic recognition, mbrace telematics that allow for remote start, lock and unlock of vehicle from anywhere in the US, Apple Carplay / Android Auto integration, standard back up camera...and I could go on and on.

I don't mind if you don't like the GLE but let's not make statements suggesting the model has done nothing for its segment, when in reality, it has done more than most others that play in this field.

 

[DJRaze99]

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[Merc1]

The exterior design has that same ole shape....ugh.

M

 

[GTA45E]

^
I think not. There is still lots of camo so it's way too early to tell at this point.
If anything it looks a bit more angular than the current one.

 

[Rolf]

Something like the RR Sport should be their target for the GLE, as the GLS should target the original Range Rover. The Range Rover models are gold standard for wealthy SUV buyers in the U.S. Not sure how popular they are elsewhere.


M

They are very popular in the Middle East and here in South Africa, they considered a status symbol among SUV's. If you look at the RR and LR range at the moment, they are in my opinion the most stylish and good looking range of SUVs around. Evoque/RR Sport/RR are all very popular and highly desirable.

 

[klier]

The new GLE will looks very good with MB's current design direction, the new G with all new interior, safety systems, infotainments systems and likely far smoother ride is going to be spectacular, the new GLS will likely be a true S class SUV, the new GLC is doing well and they now have the SUV coupe line: I think the future for MB SUV division is looking very bright. And will help them keep top spot in sales.

 

[Rolf]

I think the GLE (aka ML-class) has always been snapping at the heels of the X5, especially the second gen model W164, that model in my opinion is the best looking model, it has a more cohesive design than the latest model. The latest X5 also doesnt look as good as the previous model, it needs a M-package before it looks ok, whereas even the basic previous model looked great.

The next GLS will be elevated to an altogether different design level, I think they may base alot of its platform on the 4-matic S-class to give it a much more sophisticated ride and comfort to match the Range Rover and new Bentley.

 

[klier]

The latest X5 also doesnt look as good as the previous model, it needs a M-package before it looks ok, whereas even the basic previous model looked great.

It's the D pillar that's the issue imo, not the M pack. An M pack doesn't fix that.

 

[HUTSUTAo]

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

Glad that they migrated the dual screen layout to the gle

 

[Serpens]

The next GLS will be elevated to an altogether different design level, I think they may base alot of its platform on the 4-matic S-class to give it a much more sophisticated ride and comfort to match the Range Rover and new Bentley.

I'm going to be on the MHA platform, same as the GLE. But yes it will almost certainly have the Range Rover in its sights and behave more line an S-class.

What I haven't gotten clear on is how many variants it will spawn. The GLS is in a tough place because solely going after the Range Rover will alienate many buyers who purchase the GLS as a family hauler and substitute for a Cadillac Edcalade. It's clear Mercedes had the Escalade firmly in its sights for the last two generations when you look at the dimensions, cargo capacity, and tow rating. The GLS will still need to be the three row luxury family vehicle, something the Range Rover doesn't have to deal with.

Sorry for the off-topic.

 

[SKY]

Curious to see the result of this. The car needs s huge step up to be competitive IMO.

 

[Rolf]

It's the D pillar that's the issue imo, not the M pack. An M pack doesn't fix that.

I also don't think the front looks that great either, especially the fenders, they don't have the wonderful flares above the wheels like the previous model. You can notice this alot if you look at the fenders from the door to the front lights (see below). The wheels also look very small on the car even 19inch, there is too much space between wheel and arches. The previous model looked great from all angles, I like the rear view with big wheels emphasis on the cars track and width.

Sorry for going offtopic mods.

 

[HUTSUTAo]

Even though the current GLE is just a year old, it's actually a mid-cycle facelift of the old car. The interior feels as dated as the W204 C-Class, the square one. So the next generation will seem as radical as when Audi replaced the Q7 after about a decade in production.

The video by our friend Walko is the first to capture a glimpse of the interior. Much like the E-Class, it features two wide screens that are connected to bombard the driver with information. Pretty soon we'll be saying "digital gauges, what are those?".

Even the steering wheel looks like it's one of the optional ones from the W213 E-Class. However, considering the new Mercedes naming system is supposed to suggest the GLE is the sister SUV to the E-sedan, we shouldn't be surprised.

Let's not forget just how big this family is getting. After the sedan and wagon, we'll see coupe, convertible and off-road versions of the E-Class. Long wheelbase and potentially even Maybach versions add a touch of luxury as well.

The 2019 GLE-Class SUV even looks a whole lot better than the current one. It looks like they used complex aluminum stamping techniques to make the doors appear 3D. From the front, we see the grille are is huge

Revealed: 2019 Mercedes GLE Dash Has Dual Screens Like the E-Class

 

[Fido]

More spy shots

 

[Rolf]

The new GLE looks boxier, shorter and lower than the current model. Maybe the suspension is on its lowest setting cause there is not much gap between the wheels and wheelarches.

 

[JLBM]

They are very popular in the Middle East and here in South Africa, they considered a status symbol among SUV's. If you look at the RR and LR range at the moment, they are in my opinion the most stylish and good looking range of SUVs around. Evoque/RR Sport/RR are all very popular and highly desirable.

I'm watching the ZAR against the pound and wondering if the strength is sustained over many months, will JLR drop the prices of Jaguar/Land Rover products?! It's strengthened about 25%!