2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Suspension Tricks Will Leave You in Awe
Newest GLE has one of the most complex air suspension systems on the market. It may just be the coolest one out there, too.
It must be frustrating to be an automotive engineer. You put in years of time and effort to help make a well-rounded vehicle that’s attractive, powerful, fuel efficient, comfortable, and safe and sometimes people can’t stop talking about one particular feature. It happened with the new Ram 1500. It’s a handsome truck that offers an innovative mild-hybrid powertrain, but the automotive press went on and on about how cool its 12-inch touchscreen is. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE seems to have a similar good-ish problem with one of its tech features.
Yuri and Jakub, hosts of the popular YouTube channel TheStraightPipes, drove the newest version of the SUV-formerly-known-as-ML. They got seat time in both the entry-level GLE 350 and the more powerful and expensive GLE 450 with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, but they focused the bulk of their review on the 450.
The newest GLE does away with its predecessors hard lines and offers buyers a more rounded look, as well as attractive wheel options. Although it’s not a groundbreaking design, it’s hard to call it ugly.
The GLE 450’s turbocharged and EQ Boost-equipped 3.0-liter straight-six puts out 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Jakub says the EQ Boost system “will … give you an extra 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque” in short bursts. A smooth nine-speed automatic and an all-wheel-drive system that only brings the front axle into the mix when it detects wheel slippage gets that power to the road.
There’s a lot to like inside of the GLE 450’s cabin, such as its pronounced ambient lighting system and its spacious back row. The optional third row is only truly large enough for children and Mercedes is honest about that. The MBUX system is the next generation of Mercedes-Benz infotainment. Unfortunately, it’s too complicated and has a touchpad that makes selecting certain things and operating particular functions a frustrating process.
So far, the GLE probably sounds like a solid vehicle. Its strengths outweigh its weaknesses. We’d consider that a victory for a vehicle development team. But none of those features gets as much attention from Yuri and Jakub as the GLE 450’s suspension.
A lot of vehicles have a party piece. Vipers have their side-exit exhaust. The SLS has its gullwing doors. The GLE 450’s party piece is its hardware/software combo that helps it manage body roll and get out of sticky situations. Its optional AIRMATIC suspension and E Active Body Control give it the ability to adjust damping at each wheel and corner almost flatly.
According to Jakub, in Curve Control mode, the GLE “leans into the corners like a motorcycle instead of away from the corners like a traditional suspension system would.” By selecting the GLE’s off-road mode, Yuri and Jakub are able to break out its most attention-getting trick of all: Free Driving Assist or, as Yuri calls it, “built-in lowrider mode.” It enables the GLE to bounce up and down on its air suspension just in case it gets stuck off-road and needs to get more dirt or sand under its wheels to gain some traction. It also doubles as a fun way to get attention in any parking lot.
As much of a scene-stealer as the GLE’s suspension is, we must admit it’s hard to imagine Mercedes-Benz’s engineers being mad about how much attention it gets. Luxury SUVs should offer something different and special that sets them apart from less prestigious rigs. The GLE definitely has that.
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