2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 CKD: Good & Bad Things We Learnt – Test Drive
While the writer has yet to experience driving the GLS or G-wagen models, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 remains the largest SUV the writer has ever driven in his lifetime.
This luxurious SUV with a three-row seating configuration has been updated for the 2024 model year a few months ago.
It features several cosmetic changes on the exterior, followed by updates in the cabin space and an upgrade in power for the existing powertrain unit.
At first glance on the road, it might be difficult to distinguish it from the previous version. However, after test driving it for several days, there are a few things that make the writer find the GLE 450 CKD difficult to consider for purchase.
Simple, but too minimalistic lighting unit
Believe it or not, lighting actually plays a crucial role in ensuring the SUV’s appearance is more elegant on the road.
While the previous GLE model came with boomerang-shaped DRL graphics, this GLE 450 now comes with a more compact design. The same goes for the rear lights, where the LED graphics have become thinner.
It still looks sleek and elegant on the road, but its image might fade when parked next to the older GLE 450.
Same exterior appearance
If you were expecting the GLE 450 to bring more dramatic changes, forget about that expectation, as the 2024 GLE 450 still maintains an almost similar external appearance.
Yes, you can see the front bumper now looks more aggressive, and the front grille structure is more refined, but those are the only changes present.
The design of the 21-inch AMG rims is still unchanged from the previous model, and even the layout of the front fascia remains unaltered.
Steering wheel now dust and fingerprint friendly
Among the things the writer is less fond of regarding the GLE 450, other than the two points mentioned above, is the design of the steering wheel.
The GLE 450’s steering wheel now looks sportier and more sophisticated with touch-based operation, but it’s not the main point being emphasized.
The writer merely hopes that Mercedes-Benz would bring back a more premium finish on the steering wheel of any model to replace the use of black plastic. This is because the writer notices that the black plastic tends to trap dust and fingerprints, requiring the owner/driver to frequently wipe that area with a cloth.
Powerful engine, but jerky transmission
The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 still retains its inline-six 3.0-liter turbo engine, but with an increase in power to 375 hp @ 5,800 rpm and torque of 500 Nm @ 1,800-5,000 rpm.
It also has a 48-volt mild hybrid system, featuring the second-generation ISG system capable of providing an additional 20 hp and 200 Nm of power.
On paper, it looks impressive, but there are times when the 9GTronic automatic transmission slightly disappoints when the traffic light turns green. Starting from first gear, it doesn’t pose a problem, but the drive feels not very smooth and slightly jerky when the gearbox is set to shift to the next gear (from first gear to second gear).
More expensive, despite being a CKD model
What’s certain is that the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 CKD doesn’t come with a lower price. This SUV model assembled in Pekan, Pahang, is sold starting from RM528,888 on the road without insurance, which is RM13,000 more expensive than the previous model.
If you can compromise on the above five points, the following five aspects might make you consider this SUV for your family.
Comfortable for the whole family
The GLE 450 brings advantages that are hard to match – comfort aspects for the whole family, especially when sitting in the second row.
This is because the GLE 450 offers almost the same comfort functions as the front passengers, such as separate air conditioning vents for the left, center, and right, separate climate control, adjustable seats, as well as ample head and legroom!
The sufficiently large panoramic roof allows rear passengers to enjoy beautiful surroundings when returning home. Additionally, USB-C charging slots are provided for charging smart devices throughout the journey.
Heavy but agile
It should be noted that the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 has always been an SUV weighing over two tonnes.
Certainly heavy, but with efficient engine and all-wheel drive systems, you may often forget that it is a heavy SUV. With its 381 hp engine and 500 Nm of torque, it only takes 5.6 seconds for a 0-100 km/h sprint, making it a fairly agile SUV, especially when pushed through winding roads.
The standard provision of Continental SportContact6 tires from the factory also helps ensure that this SUV grips well on various road surfaces.
Based on data, the author managed to achieve a fuel consumption rate as low as 9.0 liters/100 km.
Adjustable height suspension
As standard, the Mercedes GLE 450 is equipped with the Airmatic air suspension system assisted by the adaptive ADS+ damper system.
Depending on the selected driving mode, this system will raise or lower the ground clearance, besides facilitating loading cargo into the 630-liter cargo space.
Overall, the writer prefers to maintain the Comfort mode more suitable for Malaysia’s imperfect road conditions; it provides comfort and absorbs all road irregularities without any negative effects on the driver and passengers.
However, you can also customize the driving mode by adjusting the engine response, ESP, and suspension to be more sporty.
Off-road driving mode
One thing that makes the GLE 450 unique is the presence of the new Off-road driving mode.
In addition to the higher suspension setting and emphasis on an optimal grip, it also warns users not to use this mode on public roads, with the speed limited to only 110 km/h. This Off-road mode also provides an under-vehicle display so the driver can check for any obstacles in front of the vehicle, shielded beneath its bulky body.
From the driver’s perspective
Overall, the 2024 GLE 450 doesn’t bring significant changes. It offers comfortable seating that provides good support for the driver throughout the journey, with adequate steering response – not too heavy and not too light.
The NVH aspect is also quite good for a Mercedes-Benz, effectively deflecting and filtering out external noise. Engine noise is only evident when harshly revved, but not to the extent of being disruptive, and the same goes for wind noise.
Compared to other Mercedes SUV models using similar dual iPad-like setups, the writer particularly likes the conventional-looking dashboard design used in the GLE 450. It retains physical function buttons necessary on the dashboard and center console, assisted by the presence of a touchpad to facilitate menu searching on the screen without needing to touch it more often.
To avoid confusion, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia only offers a single variant for the GLE-Class, so one needs to carefully consider before deciding to invest over half a million in getting a comfortable family SUV.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC CKD
Engine: Inline-six 3.0-liter turbo
Power: 381 hp, 500 Nm
Hybrid system: 48V mild, 20 hp/200 Nm
Transmission: 9GTronic Automatic
Drive System: All-wheel Drive 4MATIC
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h
Price: RM528,888
