Mercedes chiefs believe GLE will suit the needs of upper-end SUV buyers

Mercedes-Benz has been telling us recently that it will launch eight new models and seven revised models this year.

In Dublin this week it was the turn of the new GLE sports utility vehicle, the biggest of its SUV range.

Mercedes-Benz chiefs believe that they have a car that will suit the needs of all SUV buyers in the upper end of that market. The trick is to present a practical workhorse while still offering the plush requirements that urban drivers expect their SUVs to be. To be fair, that’s not far from the truth.

Visually, this is a fetching SUV with a selection of petrol and diesel engines with the power needed to handle the rough and tumble and a towing capacity of 3,500k. It is noticeably more-rounded than its predecessor leaving no doubt even on first glance that you are looking at a Merc. The feeling in Mercedes-Benz circles is that it will appeal to male and female owners in equal numbers.

On an initial short drive, it proved to be extraordinarily quiet and smooth. Although that quick test was in Dublin City and on the M50, its driving and handling characteristics were very impressive, which you would expect from a car that starts at €78,395.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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