Page 74 - Car South Africa (February 2020)

test

Outside its AMG models, road surfaces at low to moder- 01
Mercedes-Benz tends to leave ate speeds. The GLE’s ride never
sporty dynamics fairly low on the seems to completely settle under
priority list of handling traits and these conditions and becomes
that’s generally not a bad thing. especially jittery when coasting
Partnered with its refined and over regular corrugations. Our test
flexible engine, the GLE’s softly unit ran on standard steel springs
sprung undercarriage acquits it- and optional 20-inch rims shod
self well on the motorway. It’s fair with 50-profile rubber, so it will
to expect something of the GLE’s be interesting to see if the R29 000
proportions and weight to trip Airmatic air-sprung option offers
over its toes when presented with more composure.
01
twisty sections of road and, while The GLE has traditionally held
it’s not a complete pudding when the edge over most of its more
pressed into corners, spirited driv- urban-biased rivals when ven- 02
ing tends to unearth a noticeable turing off the beaten track. The
amount of body roll. And that, GLE300d’s standard 4Matic
along with light steering, stymies permanent all-wheel-drive sys-
fluid progression and accentuates tem marries a centre-mounted
the GLE’s bulk. limited-slip differential with input
Despite some nose-dive during from the vehicle’s braking and
our 100-0 km/h braking tests, the stability control systems to best
GLE returned an average of 3,09 attune to conditions underfoot.
seconds, garnering a “good” rating. Factor in a useful, if not towering,
Having grown accustomed to 190 mm of ground clearance and
Mercedes-Benz SUVs’ aptitude for it feels more at home off-tarmac
wafting effortlessly over all but than some cars in its bracket.
the most pockmarked road sur- Those wishing to venture further
faces, it came as something of a from the beaten track can specify 03
surprise to see the GLE’s feathers an optional off-road package that
being ruffled by minor lumps and
bumps in its path. 01 Head- and shoulderroom plentiful up front
Although softly sprung, things and the seats are well bolstered. 02 Crisp
MBUX infotainment part of the sizeable TFT
tend to go awry with the ride
display on the facia. 03 Imposing dimensions
quality on less-than-perfect and styling help the GLE stand out.

72 CAR FEBRUARY 2020 CARmag.co.za