Used 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

#1 in Best Midsize Luxury SUVs of 2020

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE, the midsize SUV first known as the M-Class, hasn’t been overhauled in a while, so this 4th-generation, all-new redesign is significant. Equipped with two engine options, the GLE adds serious tech both inside its luxurious cabin and under the sheet metal for increased off-road capability and on-road safety, comfort and performance. Competing against worthy adversaries such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes needed to raise the midsize-luxury-SUV bar. The GLE more than delivers. Pricing for the base GLE 350 starts at $53,700.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE base model comes standard with a steel-spring- and-damper suspension setup, which is good. The ride is compliant in Comfort mode. Switch to Sport mode and while it’s stiffer, Mercedes doesn’t wander into track-monster territory here. Then there’s the available Airmatic suspension, which ups the comfort ante. However, the GLE’s all-new intelligent electric suspension called E-ABC, E-Active Body Control, is something special. Springs and dampers can be controlled individually at each wheel, making it completely customizable for whatever situation you find yourself in. It can even bounce the vehicle up and down to free the GLE if it gets stuck in sand. Active Body Control virtually eliminates body roll, stabilizing the chassis in a way that conventional suspension systems have yet to achieve.

The Road Surface Scan system uses cameras to read the road ahead of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE, and then adjusts the suspension accordingly depending on conditions. Hitting potholes or uneven pavement has the GLE retuning the suspension in split-second precision; again, making for that comfortable and stable Mercedes ride.

With the Dynamic Select drive system, Curve mode has the capability to lean the body of the GLE into turns, not unlike a motorcyclist, using very little lateral force. Shooting around corners almost feels as though you’re riding on a banked track — this mode is adjustable with settings ranging from lesser to more severe pitch angles. Without Curve there is a noted difference in the GLE’s cornering. It’s also available with the world-class Mercedes 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. With the GLE, Mercedes-Benz has reinvented the way the SUV rides, and it is sublime.

RELATED: Best Midsize Luxury SUVs of 2020

Inside, the cabin is a den of luxury. The panoramic sunroof is now 50-percent larger, while the cabin remains indulgently quiet. It sports Mercedes-worthy premium materials, such as sumptuous leather seats and piano-black trim pieces. Front-seat massage is a must-have when ordering items off the option menu, and then there’s the ionized-air freshener. Thanks to an extended wheelbase, legroom in the second row feels capacious compared to the previous generation. There’s also an optional all-electronically-operated third row of seats. With all seats folded the cargo floor lies flat and offers plentiful space, about 73 cubic feet.

The exterior sees some vast improvements as well. The 2020 GLE is more aerodynamically designed and adds front hood character lines. The front fascia is more aggressive, with an SL-style grille and massive air intakes completing the look. A focal point of slim LED taillights and sculpted hind quarters makes for a more athletic rear. It also now has a longer wheelbase (by 3.2 inches) and shorter overhangs at the front and rear, which allow for more interior cabin space and make for easier clearance should you choose to take this highly capable SUV off-road.

E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL
Not only is the system integral in revolutionizing the ride quality, adjusting the electronic suspension settings on the touch screen is instantaneous and fun. It’s like having a hydraulic suspension on your car.

MBUX
Mercedes-Benz’s new infotainment interface will be tough to match. It’s intuitive, and intelligent. The voice activation “Hey, Mercedes” command wakes up the system, and the driver can ask anything of it. Just don’t say “Mercedes” in conversation with your passengers, or you won’t get the system to stop talking!

The all-new Mercedes MBUX interface that debuted on the A-Class comes standard in the new GLE. Graphics are crystal-clear, the interface is simple and intuitive, making it easy to use, and the standard display is a massive 12.3 inches with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Navigation comes standard, but if you’re more interested in connecting your smartphone, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard as well.

There’s a lot from the Mercedes-Benz option sheet worth the extra coin, including that E-ABC suspension system, and active stop-and-go assist. The interior has massaging seats, optional 3rd-row seating and a panoramic sunroof that’s now 50-percent larger, plus an extensive list of safety features. Level II autonomous driving systems feature lane-changing capability that’s truly remarkable. Don’t forget the Mercedes-Benz ionized-air freshener that comes in scents such as Pacific Mood and citrus-based Freestyle Mood.

A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo comes in the base GLE 350 that makes 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, and doesn’t disappoint. The higher-priced GLE 450 has a 3.0-liter inline-six supercharged with EQ boost that churns out 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, and this would be our engine of choice. Its power makes the large SUV feel energetic and lively with 21 extra horsepower coming thanks to that EQ boost.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (GLE 350 & GLE 350 4Matic)
255 horsepower @ 5,700-6,100 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 mpg (RWD), 19/26 mpg (AWD)

3.0-liter supercharged inline-6 with EQ boost (GLE 450)
362 horsepower @ 5,500-6,100 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/24 mpg