People seem to be confused by the new Mercedes naming system and, in particular, the GLE-Class. Some think it's just a gimmick, but in reality this is the SUV most Mercedes-Benz buyers will buy, since it replaces the ML.
The GLE is a re-engineered version of the old M-Class, but it features new styling and engines. Another major highlight is the fact that the former 7G-Tronic gearbox has been replaced the by the new 9G-Tronic.
A 9-speed gearbox… 10 if you include reverse - can you imagine that? Today, we're taking a look at the GLE 350 d, which is powered by a Euro 6 version of the 3-liter CDI diesel engine. It produces 258 PS and 620 Nm of torque from 1,600rpm. That's enough for this 2,175 kg SUV to reach 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds and have a theoretical top speed of 225 km/h. However, during this independent test it only managed 7.8 seconds.
This particular version of the GLE is what many customers in Europe will buy, and it competes directly with the Porsche Cayenne Diesel and BMW X5 xDrive30d. Audi's most powerful diesel version of the new Q7 is slightly gutsier, thanks to a 272 PS version of the 3.0L TDI.
The following video shows the inner workings of the GLE 350 d as it pushes its way to 207 kilometers per hour on the famous German autobahn. It's not quite a cold and detached experience, but that's always been the case with Mercedes SUVs. However, the gearbox is the really interesting part. Apparently, you can use 9th gear at 100 km/h, and if you want decent pulling power, it has to go down to 6th or 5th at autobahn speeds. Looks like half the auto-box is only there for efficiency.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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