We still reckon the Mercedes Benz GLE is the best Korean SUV you can buy right now. OK, that sounds stupid… because it’s true. Which still sounds stupid. Our collective belief here at DCB is that the Benz GLE looks an SUV designed in China for a little yet known Korean automotive startup company.

Nothing wrong with Korean design. The fact is we Europeans often poh-poh anything that isn’t designed in Europe. However, Kia uses European designers. Former BMW designer Pierre Leclercq is the current head of styling. His predecessor was VW Group designer, Peter “Mr TT” Schreyer. Because of European imperialist design implanted within Kia, the European motoring press is subconsciously more accepting of Kia and Hyundai design. That sounds stupid but it’s true. Just read any works by Sigmund Freud. But good design is good design, irrespective of nationality.  But god damn the Benz GLE looks like a Chinese copy of a Chinese copy of a Mercedes Benz GLE. Anyway here is what you need to know about the new Benze GLE 2018 line up. Two new diesel engines have been added to the GLE range: 350 d 4MATIC (£61,955 OTR) and 400 d 4MATIC (£64,230 OTR). The GLE 350 d 4MATIC and GLE 400 d 4MATIC are powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel engine, with an output of 272 hp and 600 Nm of torque in the GLE 350 d and 330 hp and 700 Nm in the GLE 400 d. Mercedes claim they are both capable of delivering up to 40.4 mpg on the combined cycle and emit 184 g/km of CO₂ (depending on wheel size). The Mercedes GLE 350 d 4MATIC can travel from 0 to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 143 mph, while the GLE 400 d 4MATIC can sprint to 62 mph from standstill in 5.8 seconds and has a top speed of 149 mph. The GLE 350 d 4MATIC and GLE 400 d 4MATIC come as standard with MBUX multimedia system with ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice activation; AIRMATIC air suspension system; 12.3-inch widescreen cockpit display and 12.3-inch touchscreen media display; blind spot assist; 20-inch five-twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels; illuminated grab handles and running boards; seven-seat equipment line including electrically adjustable rear seats, additional USB ports, automatic four-zone climate control, and a third row of two seats (manually folding); static LED headlights with active high beam assist; privacy glass; mirror package including logo projection; heated front seats; and parking package including active parking assist. There are a number of option packages available. The Premium package costs £1,995 and comes with Multibeam LEDs with adaptive high beam assist plus; memory package; wireless charging; and parking package including 360^o camera. Othe self-explanatory packages include the £4,295 Premium Plus package, the Tech package can be added for £495 and includes augmented navigation and smartphone integration. The Towing package costs £1,150. The Off-Road package can be added for £1,695. The Driving Assistance package is available for £1,695 and comprises Blind Spot Assist; Lane Keeping Assist; Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC; and Pre-Safe anticipatory safety system.  

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