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The Drive With Roland Gaspar
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Kea Zawadi
For starters, it’s a show-stopper and a head-turner. And just about everywhere I took the sporty SUV to, it got more than just stares. And it’s easy to see why. Firstly, it’s bigger than usual and that 22inch wheels makes it sit higher than most SUV’s. Aesthetically, it’s a real stand-out with sweeping lines from bumper to bumper. The front grill has been re-imagined and the interior is well appointed with luxury. And the ride? It’s like floating away on a magic carpet ride. Up to 270 kW + 15 kW Output, 7 seats, 630 litres boot capacity and 2700 towing capacity.
Image: Rob Till Photography
Exterior
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Image: Naresh Maharaj
The new GLE inspires with more than just one exterior highlight: the optimised front design with new radiator grille emphasises its dynamic SUV character. The optionally available 22-inch light-alloy wheels and the bright panoramic sunroof embody a high level of driving comfort even at first glance. Allow yourself to be impressed by the refined details: the ambient lighting, an animated Mercedes-Benz pattern is projected onto the ground when the doors are opened.
Interior
The interior of the new GLE inspires with first-class comfort and high-quality materials for an exclusive feel-good ambience. Equipped with a new three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and the latest generation MBUX, the GLE offers excellent operating comfort on every journey.
Traffic Sign Assist
Keeping an eye out for you: thanks to intelligent linking of camera and map data, Traffic Sign Assist is not only able to detect speed limits, overtaking restrictions and when they are cancelled. It also shows no-entry restrictions and warns you against incorrectly entering roads against the flow of traffic.
Parking Package with 360° camera
Let us help you find a parking space. The duo of Active Parking Assist and 360° cameras can already assist you when parking, backing out and manoeuvring. It can even detect free parking spaces as you drive past. The all-round view thanks to the 360° camera including a virtual bird's-eye view is particularly impressive.
Driving Assistance Plus package
Safely on the road to autonomous driving: The Driving Assistance Package Plus supports you according to the situation with speed adjustment, steering and collision risk. The package includes numerous assistance systems such as Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC or Active Tailback Assist. This can reduce the risk of accidents and effectively protect passengers and road users. This way you can reach your destination relaxed and safe.
4MATIC all-wheel drive
The 4MATIC all-wheel drive applies the power delivered by the muscular engines to impressive effect. Always active, the system improves traction and handling especially in difficult road conditions. A true safety advantage in the wet, snow and icy conditions. And a reliable basis for sporty driving pleasure.
Image: Rob Till Photography
GUARD 360° Vehicle Protection Plus
GUARD 360° Vehicle Protection Plus provides all-round monitoring of the vehicle surroundings. Thanks to the anti-theft alarm system, as well as emergency key deactivation, you will be able to act quickly. The collision detection function of Mercedes me informs you via the app. In addition, in the event of vehicle theft, the service increases the chance of recovering your property.
Side airbags in the rear
The side airbags in the rear protect the chest area of passengers on the outer rear seats in the event of a severe side impact. Together with the standard window bags, they offer optimum safety potential to prevent or mitigate injuries. The air cushions deploy between door and occupant.
Verdict
I mentioned that this is a magic carpet ride. I’ll even add that the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d 4matic is a Gomma-Gomma on wheels. It is luxury personified. A perfectly shaped SUV that is capable of going anywhere (It has an off-road option). Even on the rigged terrains, expect a ride of amazing smoothness. The engine- gearbox mating is also ultra-smooth and all you hear is that perfect purr of the engine. In Sports mode, the SUV turns into a beast, with matching sound from the twin tail-pipes. It is on the high end when it comes to pricing.
Price
R 1 838 089,00
Includes VAT. Excludes Cost of Service and Maintenance plans.
