MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 400 D AMG LINE PREMIUM PLUS
There’s plenty of choice in the luxury SUV market, but this superb Mercedes is among the very best
Price £72,885 Kerbweight 2265kg
What’s new?
The latest Mercedes-Benz GLE is larger than the old model, and packed with high-tech features. There’s now a hybrid, as well as several petrols and diesels, and a choice of five-or seven-seat versions.
Tow car drivers haven’t been forgotten, with the Trailer Manoeuvring Assist feature to make reversing a caravan easier.
We’ve been driving the GLE 400 d, which is powered by a brawny 3.0-litre diesel. With a kerbweight of well over two tonnes and a 3.5-tonne legal towing limit when equipped with the optional towing package, it has the makings of a very capable luxury tow car.
What are we looking for?
Any big, powerful 4x4 should take towing in its stride, and the GLE really needs to perform impeccably to match the likes of the BMW X5 and Land Rover Discovery. We want to find out if the big Mercedes is as stable and practical as its rivals.
Towing ability
Cars in general might be getting lighter, but this trend seems to have bypassed the latest Mercedes GLE. Even the lightest one weighs nearly 2.2 tonnes. Our GLE 400 d, the most powerful diesel in the range, has a kerbweight of 2265kg. That gives an 85% match figure, usually recommended as a sensible maximum for towing, of 1925kg.
A GLE 400 d is powered by a brawny 3.0-litre diesel B Even with ‘sport’ setting selected for adaptive air suspension, you never forget the Merc’s size C MBUX infotainment system is stunning, with a choice of controls, ranging from a touchpad on the transmission tunnel, buttons on the steering wheel, the touchscreen, or voice control D Spec includes nappa leather upholstery and heated front seats E Clear view out, assisted by 360˚ parking cameras F Towball deploys at the push of a button G Folding rows two and three gives 2055 litres for your bags