Premium Mercedes-Benz GLE arrives in South Africa
Prashirwin Naidu
The ultimate luxury, the Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLE Coupé has arrived in South Africa.
Ranging in price from R2 million for the GLE 300 d 4kMATIC seven-seater to R2,4 million for the GLE 450d 4MATIC Sports Coupe seven-seater, the Mercedes-Benz has upped the ante in the premium segment.
Premised on elegant designs, intelligent infotainment and, wait for it, a premium audio system, Burmester® surround sound system, which now also features the personal sound setup and the Dolby Atmos immersive audio experience. To ensure no bittersweet symphony, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has 13 speakers, 13 separate amplifier channels and a system output of 590 watts. Hearing aids should be mandatory.
Born in the 20th century, 1997, the origins of the GLE lie in the metal that is the marvellous M-Class. However, the GLE was born in 2015, with the current model series arriving in 2018.
Produced at the Tuscaloosa Mercedes-Benz plant (USA), the GLE and GLE Coupé look set to cement the brand’s reputation in South Africa.
Mark Raine, co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, says the original ML, launched in 1997, set the luxury benchmark within the SUV segment. “The refreshed Mercedes-Benz GLE once again reaffirms its position within the SUV segment as the luxury leader. The GLE Coupe adds an extra level of dynamic styling unrivalled on the road. The latest GLE carries the DNA of the iconic G Class with the latest technology and refinement.”
Alex Boavida, Vice President of Sales and Marketing MBSA, adds: “Sporty yet elegant – the latest GLE offers much technology that has trickled down from the S Class. The drivetrain features new technical enhancements, and the latest addition, the GLE 450 d, packs a potent punch while remaining efficient. The GLE Coupé undoubtedly stands out as the dynamic and sporty sibling.”
Look out for the GLE badge at a dealer near you!
PRICE-LIST:
GLE 300 d 4MATIC 7-seater R1,984,000.00
GLE 450 4MATIC R2,075,400.00
GLE 450 4MATIC 7-seater R2,094,800.00
GLE 450 d 4MATIC R2,041,500.00
GLE 450 d 4MATIC 7-seater R2,060,900.00
GLE 450d 4MATIC Sports Coupé R2,340,500.00
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Celebrates 140 Years with an Epic Glob and the Mercedes-Benz Gla.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-Benz GLE cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE starts at R2,000,000 for the GLE 300d 4MATIC seven-seater and goes up to R2,400,000 for the GLE 450d 4MATIC Sports Coupe seven-seater, making it a proper premium SUV that'll have your bank manager asking serious questions.
Q: Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE worth buying?
If you've got R2 million burning a hole in your pocket and want luxury SUV bragging rights with a Burmester sound system that'll wake the neighbours three suburbs over, then absolutely, but there are plenty of brilliant alternatives for half the price that'll still get you to the Sandton City parking lot in style.
Q: What's the difference between the GLE and GLE Coupe?
The GLE Coupe is basically the GLE's sportier sibling that's been hitting the gym and costs an extra R400,000 for the privilege of looking more athletic, while both pack the same luxury tech and 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
Q: Does the Mercedes-Benz GLE have good fuel economy?
While Mercedes-Benz hasn't released official consumption figures yet, the diesel engines in both the 300d and 450d are designed to be relatively efficient for luxury SUVs of this size, though don't expect Prius-level fuel bills when you're hauling around nearly 2.5 tonnes of German luxury.
Should You Buy It?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is undoubtedly impressive with its S-Class tech trickle-down and that mental Burmester sound system, but at R2,000,000 to R2,400,000, it's seriously expensive even by luxury SUV standards. If you absolutely must have the three-pointed star and money genuinely isn't an object, go for it, you'll love the refinement and presence. However, for most South Africans, brilliant alternatives like the BMW X5 or Audi Q7 offer 90% of the experience for significantly less cash. Buy the GLE if you're already shopping in this stratospheric price bracket, but don't stretch your budget just for the badge.
