2020 Mercedes GLE Now Two Grand Cheaper, But Also More Expensive
Mercedes-Benz just announced the updated pricing scheme for its redesigned GLE-Class, but there’s an issue. Depending on how you frame things, the model is either two thousand dollars cheaper or quite a bit more expensive.
For the 2020 model year, Mercedes will supply North American customers with the GLE 350. It starts at $53,700 (plus $995 for destination) and replaces the GLE 400 as the line’s starting point. However, it also replaces the 400’s V6 and mandatory 4Matic all-wheel drive — and that’s where things get slippery.
The base GLE 350 comes with rear-wheel drive as standard. But going with the 4Matic yields a pre-destination MSRP of $56,200, which is a tad dearer than the current GLE 400.
Regardless of the drivetrain configuration, the new 350 will use a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. While not overly athletic, the unit should be sufficient for normal driving duties and even a bit of fun if you don’t set the bar too high.
If you do need more power, upgrading to the 4Matic-only GLE 450 will now set you back $61,150 — or $5,450 more than the current version. Fortunately, Mercedes has upgraded it with it a new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that’s accompanied by a mild-hybrid system. Output for the unit is rated for 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with the latter aspect providing a modest bump in performance over the older model’s engine.
The GLE lineup also gets more equipment as standard. Benz is adding 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and a multimedia display of identical specifications using its updated operating system (MBUX). Voice controls and navigation have also been included, along with LED headlamps, blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and active park assist. All GLEs also receive the company’s new nine-speed automatic transmission.
Whether or not that’s worth the higher price tags is entirely up to the consumer. We think it’s all a tad steep, especially considering many consumers will want to option the now-bigger panoramic sunroof or massaging seats.
The GLE450 and the 4Matic-equipped GLE350 will arrive at dealerships across the United States in the spring. However, the base model 350 with rear-wheel drive won’t show up until the summer. Expect the AMG versions to debut sometime after the start of the new year.
[Image: Mercedes-Benz]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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My 15 EB Mustang 4 cyl Turbo is in getting a" bruise" repaired. They give me a Maxima, to drive and I hated it.. I swapped it for a base model Malibu. 4 cyl. turbo.. (yeah I know I'm bias, but thats who I am) The "stop start" thing was bit disconcerting at first , but after awhile you just don't notice it. The little 4 banger certainly isn't the Mustang but its quite adequate .
Unfortunately, my experience with the Mercedes GL350- 2016 was not a good one. I am leaving this response to hopefully help other people make educated choices when buying such a car. I initially purchased my Mercedes GL 350 which was a loaner car from a dealership. The mileage was around 10,000 miles. I thought it was a pretty car and certainly very showy. It did seem to be a bit like a truck in how it handled with general sluggishness. Then there were a couple of days where the car decided to shift down to D5 in traffic. My first thought was to pull it over to the side of the road and reboot the car's computer. That seemed to work, this actually happened twice. At first I thought it was my fault, then I began to think something is going on with the car's decision making. Yes, the more luxurious the car, the more decisions made by the computer. It is the day of automation! I am quite educated about computers. Now, I was considering taking the car in to have it checked! But a day or 2 later, the car made a big decision its own. Shortly there after, I was in the parking lot backing up the car when it decided to drive me into a curb at high speed. This all happened in a matter of seconds. Thank God, I didn't hurt anyone except myself and the stupid car. During those seconds, I went into shock trying to figure out why the car was driving itself. I frantically reached for the column shift and before I knew it, I was at the curb with a major whip lash. I never thought to put my foot on the brake, but we are talking probably 10-15 seconds before I was at the curb, in totally deep shock. Of course this looks like my fault, but this is the truth. I wanted to have the car destroyed, but I needed the money. I think the Mercedes shifting on the column with the little levers is not great as I compare it to my BMW SUV with a console shift. I definitely feel more in control of the car. If you ever have a situation when the car takes over, PUMP THE BRAKES, PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL and/or TURN THE CAR OFF! I now practice for this emergency on my BMW! I believe every driver should know these procedures in case of such an emergency or computer glitch. I certainly hope that Mercedes has made some improvements dealing with this possibility even though it is rare. I even question that because some people would be embarrassed to share such an event. Apparently, newer luxury cars around or under 2 years old are capable of SUA......sudden unintended acceleration. Beware!! If you get a whip lash, be sure you see the best chiropractor in your town/city! Also, please pass my story/safety procedures to friends and family who fit this profile.