UPDATE

MERCEDES GLE

Sleek middleweight

Just in time to take on BMW’s latest X5, the GLE (previously ML) features brand new engines, a high tech interior and svelte styling. The GLE is available as a 300D with a two litre 180kW/500Nm four pot, a smooth 243kW/700Nm straight-six oil burner or a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol with 270kW and 500Nm. The only petrol option so far offers up a 48V mild hybrid electrical system that can provide an extra 250Nm of torque in short bursts, while all engine options are mated to Merc’s own nine-speed torque converter automatic.

Two 4WD options are available, with the 300D featuring a fixed 50/50 torque split technology, while six-cylinder