This week (8/23/2022), I’ve had the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 and it has been a real joy. Full disclosure: I have this SUV's big sister, the 2022 GLS 450, in my garage. It has a 3rd row seat which my review vehicle does not, but they are very similar otherwise.
Exterior
This is a sharp-looking SUV with a sculpted hood, distinct lines running through the body, beautiful 21” wheels, a nice spoiler at the rear, and chrome dual exhaust tips built into the bumper at the back.
Performance
Under the hood there is a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with a mild hybrid assist, that is mated to a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Together, they produce 362-horses and a strong 369-pound feet of torque. Acceleration is not an issue with this SUV.
Interior
As you enter the luxurious cabin, it is all Mercedes. Leather seats are inviting and slightly bolstered, but not too much for anyone to be comfortable. The GLE has one of the most spacious and comfortable cabins I've tested in a long time. The heated, perforated leather seats were firm, but not too firm. The steering wheel has paddle-shifters and is thick with just enough buttons to be useful and not cumbersome.
Mercedes has their MBUX infotainment system which still utilizes a console touchpad when navigating the system, but the touchscreen for me, was easier to use. The learning curve was not bad and the 12.3” digital dash is colorful and vibrant. It connects to another 12.3” screen that appears to be one huge screen.
The infotainment system is where you operate the navigation system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice activation, ambient lighting, Bluetooth, and it houses a terrific rearview camera.
A wonderful combination of dark wood and aluminum runs throughout the cabin, from the door panels and it continues across the dash. The center console houses the drive modes and shortcuts to the infotainment screen. There are USB-C ports, a couple of big cupholders, and the track pad if you prefer not to get fingerprints on the touchscreen. There is also a cell phone charger.
Moving to the back seat, it is incredibly roomy since there is no 3rd row in my tester, and those occupants get their own air conditioning vents, and more USB-C charging ports.
Utility
Cargo area is spacious and the tailgate is power and will operate by waving your foot under the bumper, from the key fob, or from a pull switch on the driver’s door.
Features and Safety
This is a Benz, so it comes extremely well equipped with a massive Panoramic power sunroof, soft closing doors, a Burmeister sound system, all power assists, and a lot more.
On the safety side, you get active steering assist, active lane change assist, emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and traffic sign recognition.
Fuel Economy
Given the size of this SUV, fuel economy is okay. It is rated at 20 in town, 26 on the highway, and 22 overall. The computer shows I am actually getting better.
Price
MSRP is $82,925, which is well in line with other large, luxury SUVs. I don’t find the price out of line at all.
Ride and Drive
This SUV is truly a joy to drive, handling is amazing, and it just feels heavy and substantial. It is quiet inside, acceleration is fantastic, and it is a wonderful daily driver.
Verdict
If you don’t need to seat more than five adults, this is certainly one to put on your shopping list.
- What I liked most: The ride, drive, and handling.
- What I would change: Maybe it is the lack of chips, but give me cooled seats!
- MSRP: Base price: $63,950/Total with options: $82,725.
- Fuel Economy: Rated at 20 City/26Highway/22 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 3,200 miles.
- Weight: 5,016 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Full-sized spare.
- Length-Width-Height: 194.3” long/76.7” wide/70.7” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 22.5 gallons with filler on the passenger side.
- Official Color: Cirrus Silver Metallic.
- Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds.
- 2022 GLE 450 in a few words: Just a true joy to drive, lots of power, a wonderful interior, and overall it is a terrific SUV.
- Warranty: 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance.
- Final Assembly Location: Vance, AL.
- Manufacturer's website: Mercedes-Benz
