2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE

2019 Mercedes-Benz gLE

10/3/2019

mid-size luxury - cuv

Well it wasn't that long ago the Mercedes-Benz changed the luxury market forever when the released the original M-Class. Sure that model has grown and changed over the years, but its heart and soul has never changed. Being that MB has changed many things over the years it was inevitable that soon enough it would change the name of its once great CUV.

As most things have evolved over the years so has the M-class as now it is known as the GLE. Funny how their original SUV the G-class has given way to whole new naming culture within MB. But enough with the history lesson, let's get down to ripping apart this model.

Up front it seems that MB is still trying to push those horrible bubble lights on us. Sure they fit with your girlish looks, but really can't you think of something else. Along with the bland light fixtures, it seems that once again MB has decided to use their biplane wing inspired grille crosshairs. Sure they have grown on some of us, but really they are becoming long in the tooth as they don't really make a statement. Well other than, nah nah we're bigger than you. Kind of like their oversized emblem. Sure you can tell its an MB from a mile away, but really there is a point when it can be a bit too big. Ask your wife if that's true, and you may be surprised by her answer. The only really good thing that MB has done here, is that they have emphasized their lower skid plate / bumper protection. This does give off a bit of that muscular appeal that CUV consumers are looking for. And it will work wonders when the AMG version arrives.

Out back it seems that MB designers are getting really tired, as they have no real excitement added in. The tail lamps are all too simple that a preschool child could have drawn them. Add to that an all too simple set of body curves and a flat back window and you have the makings of an all too not thought out rear end. The only good point is that MB has integrated the exhaust into the lower skid plate. Which by the way is made from exquisite material.

Along the side you do get a bit of that all going SUV appeal that most CUV's strive for. That could be because of the lower rocker running boards or the fact that this model does have some well integrated roof rails. But that seems to be where the good vibes end as the simple lines and lack of any character, make this side profile a sight for sore eyes. As you won't go blind looking at it for too long. Mercedes-Benz did make a great choice when it came to the wheels, though the broken five-points do add on some spots appeal. This could help give the GLE some street cred, but that's only with posh, arrogant spoiled brats.

All around the new GLE is a well rounded vehicle as they did make great use of chrome and black accents along with keeping their stance more to the ground. This helps create the illusion of the go-anywhere vehicle, but still has the appeal of a daily driver. It's just too bad that the simplistic outline is still apparent as MB just can't get over their 20 year old design. Too bad as the GLE is kind of the bread and butter of the CUV market and it should have a better design than the new comers from China and the U.K. But I guess we will just have to wait again to see if they can better this design next time.

Everett J.
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