The Mercedes-Benz GLE class of mid-size SUVs is considered by some to be an entry-level M-B or an entry-luxury SUV. But there’s nothing entry level about it, from its attributes to its price. All-new for 2020, the GLE-Class is in its second generation as a GLE, but it is starting its 4th-Gen as a vehicle, when including its life in the M-Class, that was its predecessor in the Mercedes-Benz Line-up. The GLE-Class designation has been used since 2015, when the M-Class was face-lifted and renamed.

For 2020, the GLE, with set-ups as a 350 or 450, depending on engine size, has been fully redesigned, and in 350, can be purchased in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive. The 450 4MATICS are all-wheel drive. This new generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLE has been tweaked with high-tech innovations including an intelligent suspension that makes the SUV more comfortable on the road while improving handling, an intuitive connectivity system with crystal-clear graphics, and an extensive list of advanced safety features

Available with a string of options that escalate the vehicle price quickly, the basic Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC I tested was luxuriously loaded like no entry level vehicle. Key standard features include such exterior enhancements as a power liftgate, hands-free access, SmartKey with Keyless-Start, Remote Start via “Mercedes me” Mobile App, Keyless-Go and LED headlamps and taillamps. Standard interior accouterments include power front seats with driver-seat memory, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, power tilt/sliding sunroof, double sun visors, steering-wheel Touch Control buttons, power tilt/telescoping steering column, power-folding side mirrors, retractable luggage cover, touchpad controller, 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display, MB Navigation, Voice Control with Natural Language Understanding, hands-free Bluetooth interface, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rearview camera and such safety items as nine air bags and Active Parking Assist.

The GLE350 takes on a new look in 2020 with a 3.2-inch longer wheelbase with shorter overhangs at the front and rear. Aerodynamically designed, GLE shows off a bold stance, front hood character lines, distinctive grille, sculpted sides and rear, and curves all around. On a wheelbase of 117.9 inches, the GLE 350 is 194.3 inches long, 76.7 inches wide and 70.7 inches high, with a curbweight of 4696 lbs.

The GLE 350 cabin is an environment of pampering, intuitiveness, tech and comfort. The panoramic sunroof has been made 50-percent larger, sightlines are good, and during all of my tests, the driver-passenger’s home was quiet. Tech abounds and fit and finish are certainly above entry-luxury status. Leather seats are padded well, and in an “Alexa” or “Siri” environment, if you say, “Hey, Mercedes,” the system will respond to you and ask how she can help.

Inside, you get small SUV accommodations of 40.5 inches of front row headroom with 39.6 inches in row two; legroom is 40.3 inches up front and 40.9 in the second row; and shoulder room goes a widebody 59.3 in the first row and 58.3 for the rear seats.

The GLE 350 offerings employ a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo that puts out 255hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, and the powerful 450 4MATIC uses a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo with EQ Boost to provide 362hp and 369 lb-ft. The EQ Boost can add up to 21hp to the 450 4MATIC. The smaller engine in 4MATIC is EPA rated at 19 / 26 / 22, and my week of testing came in at an average of 20.6mpg.

On the road and at the track, the 2.0-liter performed well, with enough power to pass at speed. I would have like to have tried the 3.0-liter turbo, but my 2-liter accelerated with energy. Mercedes claims a 7.1-second zero-to-60mph sprint, but my test vehicle beat that with a 6.9-second dash, en route to a 15.4-second quarter-mile.

Performing in quick turns and gentle glides, GLE 350’s speed-dependent, electro-mechanical rack-and-pinion steering is vague at times, but is predictable enough for the niche. The all-new E-Active Body Control intelligent electric suspension has a double wishbone front suspension with coil springs, single tube gas-pressure and tubular torsion bar that works well with the independent, multi-link rear suspension with coil springs, double-tube gas-pressure and tubular torsion bar to level out most road irregularities and provide a smooth, but not luxury ride, and the GLE stays stable and flat while cornering. M-B’s Active Body Control virtually eliminates body roll, stabilizing the chassis in a way that exceeds conventional suspension systems.

Mercedes-Benz pays attention to safety with a long list of safety features including stop-and-go assist, steering assist, blind spot warnings, active braking assist and lane change assist, as well as a full complement of airbags, braking and lane-keeping technology.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 starts at $54,250; the 350 4MATIC bases at $56,750 and the GLE450 4MATIC starts at $61,750. My test 350 4MATIC upgraded with Brilliant Blue Metallic exterior paint for $720; a Panorama roof added $1000; a roof spoiler was $600; a rear load sill guard was $150. Inside, a heated steering wheel added $250; 4-zone climate control was $760; MBUX Augmented Video for Navigation added $300 and front passenger seat memory added $350. That put the sticker at $60,730.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

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