Embarking on a solo road trip is a cherished opportunity, a break from routine to explore new horizons. When the chance arose to journey to West Virginia for an off-road vehicle test, I seized it as the perfect occasion for an extended drive. Faced with a lengthy nine-hour travel ordeal involving plane transfers to reach Logan, West Virginia, the appeal of a direct 400-mile drive in seven hours became undeniable. With the green light from Mercedes-Benz, I eagerly packed my bags and set off in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 4MATIC SUV.
For any road trip enthusiast, certain elements are non-negotiable. For me, the trifecta is always: Tunes, Comestibles, and Comfort, prioritized in that order. The GLE 350 immediately impressed on the auditory front with its cutting-edge MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system. This system, touted for its artificial intelligence and learning capabilities, provides seamless voice control over a vast array of vehicle functions, most notably audio. Mercedes-Benz has come a long way from its reputation for complex infotainment systems; the new MBUX is remarkably intuitive. This is greatly enhanced by the dual 12.3-inch widescreen displays gracing the center stack and instrument panel, offering crystal-clear visuals and effortless navigation. The inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is standard, and my test model was further equipped with the Premium Package, featuring a Burmester Surround Sound system. This audio setup was a revelation, providing access to my extensive iPhone music library, a range of podcasts, SiriusXM, HD Radio, and AM/FM channels, all delivered with exceptional fidelity. Switching between audio sources was seamless, ensuring a constant stream of high-quality entertainment. The Premium Package’s inductive wireless charging was another boon, allowing me to simply place my iPhone in the center console cubby to maintain a full charge throughout the journey.
Alt text: Mercedes GLE 350 center console showcasing the intuitive MBUX infotainment system and Burmester Surround Sound.
While the GLE 350 doesn’t magically provide snacks, it certainly excels in offering convenient and ample storage, a crucial aspect for any serious road tripper. An auto reviewer, much like an army, marches on their stomach. My road trip essentials typically include a selection of healthier snacks and drinks, minimizing stops to only necessities like restroom breaks, refueling, and restocking provisions. My go-to road trip fuel consists of beef jerky, cucumber spears, celery stalks, and sunflower seeds. Beverage-wise, it’s coffee to kickstart the day, water bottles for hydration on the go, and an energy drink to power through the final leg. The GLE effortlessly accommodated my needs with two generously sized cupholders in the center console, a deep storage bin under the armrest, and practical bottle holders in the front doors. Everything was within easy reach, contributing to a smooth and uninterrupted drive.
Comfort is paramount in a luxury SUV, and the GLE 350 not only met but exceeded expectations. The seats are a highlight, offering exceptional comfort, support, and adjustability. My test vehicle featured optional Black Leather seats and the Warmth and Comfort package, which brought heated front seats, armrests, and even door panels – a touch of indulgence on a chilly morning. Further enhancing the experience was the Energizing Comfort package, adding front-seat ventilation and massage functions. A particularly appreciated feature was the adjustable thigh cushion on the front seat, providing customized leg support that proved invaluable on a long drive, significantly reducing fatigue.
Alt text: Luxurious Mercedes GLE 350 interior showcasing comfortable leather seats and spacious cabin design.
The GLE 350 elevates comfort beyond the tactile, engaging multiple senses to create a holistic driving experience. The ambient lighting system allows for customization of the cabin’s mood, with adjustable colors to suit preferences or even driving conditions. The MBUX system intelligently integrates with the car’s drowsy driver detection. Beyond the standard coffee cup warning, it proactively suggests engaging the “REFRESH” mode when drowsiness is detected. This innovative feature initiates an invigorating seat massage, a dynamic light display, and an energizing instrumental soundtrack, all designed to combat fatigue and sharpen focus. I utilized this system several times during monotonous highway stretches where road hypnosis threatened to set in. The massage function was genuinely effective, and the light display was a visually interesting addition. While the provided music leaned a bit towards a dance club vibe for my personal taste, it served as inspiration to switch to my preferred driving playlist, easily done through the MBUX interface. It truly felt as though the GLE 350 was an active partner in ensuring a safe and comfortable road trip, offering a helpful and enjoyable intervention.
The GLE 350’s commitment to comfort extends to its powertrain, steering, and handling dynamics. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while not overtly powerful, proves more than adequate for propelling the GLE 350 at highway speeds and navigating varied terrains. The nine-speed automatic transmission is generally smooth and refined, seamlessly shifting through gears. The engine and transmission combination only exhibited a hint of strain during aggressive passing maneuvers, where the kick-down felt slightly abrupt. Encountering a light snowstorm on the return journey highlighted the value of the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, providing a sense of confidence and stability on slick roads. The GLE 350 remained composed and sure-footed, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Alt text: Mercedes GLE 350 engine showcasing the efficient and capable powertrain.
My GLE 350 test vehicle was equipped with the Driver Assistance Package Plus, a suite of advanced safety and convenience features, including Active Distance Assist Distronic. This adaptive cruise control system proved invaluable during long highway stretches, maintaining a set distance from leading vehicles and reducing driver fatigue. However, navigating the winding roads of the West Virginia mountains revealed a slight quirk. On downhill sections, Distronic sometimes exhibited unpredictable behavior, decelerating the GLE by 10 to 15 mph, seemingly interpreting the road ahead as an obstruction. This unexpected deceleration, particularly when surrounding traffic was gaining speed downhill, felt unsettling and necessitated disengaging Distronic, easily done with a steering wheel button. Despite this minor anomaly in specific conditions, the advanced driver assistance features significantly enhanced the overall driving experience, contributing to a more relaxed, easier, and arguably safer journey.
After logging over 800 miles in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 4MATIC, a strong appreciation developed for this luxury SUV. With a base price of $56,200 and an as-tested price of $72,685, the GLE 350 represents a significant investment, but one that delivers a rich and rewarding ownership experience. The more time spent behind the wheel, the more useful and enjoyable features were discovered. Ownership, I imagine, would be a continuous process of uncovering new facets of this vehicle and inspiring countless road trips to come.
Alt text: Mercedes GLE 350 driving on a beach, illustrating its versatility and appeal for adventure.
