In the late 90’s, Mercedes-Benz lost its step. Mercedes aimed to evolve its design, which enjoyed its golden era from the mid 70’s to the mid 90’s. What followed after, lost the Teutonic strength and elegance that was unparalleled during Bruno Sacco’s tenure as Mercedes-Benz design supremo. The brand was the very epitome of Teutonic Superiority: blonde hair, blue eyes, towering stature with an impressive physique, the strong and sharp features, a calling card of beauty as defined in that era.
To evolve from peak form, Mercedes-Benz tried to soften their designs: the W140 S-Class morphed into the rather ungainly, less stately and less elegant W220 for example. But they fell well short. It was next to impossible to follow through from what most view as perfection.
Nonetheless, there were some bright moments. The R230 SL was devilishly handsome, a worthy successor to the suave R129. The dramatic SLS-AMG with its gull-wing doors and its mainstream successor, the AMG GT captured the elegance and menacing presence of the 300SL Gullwing Coupe. But sadly, none of the mainstream models looked universally pleasing to the eye.
Bruno Sacco passed away last year, a true loss to the world of motoring and design. Herr Sacco’s successor, Peter Pfeiffer tried his best to match his predecessor, but it would be under current design boss Gorden Wagener where the brand would once again flourish with beautiful, organic yet elegant designs.
Today, Herr Sacco would be proud. After three very long decades in a state of lukewarm design, trying to find their form, Mercedes-Benz design is experiencing a renaissance.
Many of its newest models have recaptured the grace, elegance and stateliness of the brand’s golden years, then amped up with the latest new energy powertrains. The EQE, the current W214 E-Class, the current W223 S-Class, and this, the facelifted W167 GLE 400e PHEV.
In a world obsessed with SUV’s, it was critical that Mercedes got the formula for the GLE perfectly. So perfect in fact that the GLE was the one of best selling Mercedes-Benz models globally in both 2023 and 2024, with ~115,000 units and ~125,000 units respectively.
The GLE400e PHEV is powered by a 2.0 turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 252hp and 400 Newton-Meters of torque. Combined with the hybrid electric bits, total system output rises to a serious 381 horsepower and more importantly, a turbo-diesel matching 600 Newton-Meters of clean, emissions-free torque.
The GLE400e promises a 700km range, with an all-electric only range of 100km. Plug it in to charge the 31.4kwh battery and in theory you will never see a gas station for a very very long time.
This instant, readily accessible power changes the character of the GLE400e PHEV; it always feels calm and composed, yet equally alert and ready to pounce. Like a very capable valet cum bodyguard that switches from servicing your needs to protecting your safety in an instant. Think James Bond as Her Royal Majesty the Queen’s bodyguard.
Inside, the interior is classy, plush and high-tech. There are two 12.3 inch LCD screens side by side for the main instrument cluster and the infotainment display.
There are a few easy access physical buttons and the large 3-spoke steering wheel, replete with buttons of its own, plus paddle shifters are both sporty and authoritatively stately at the same time. It invites you to drive and be at the forefront of the action, more than just an innocent bystander of the goings-on. On a sidenote, the flat-bottom wheel hints at some sporty hooliganism available as well.
The GLE400e PHEV comes equipped with a 13-speaker Burmester Surround Sound System but I found it lacking in output compared to other vehicles equipped with similar systems. Nonetheless, the tunes are crisp and clear, if not as powerful as expected. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard as well, part of the MBUX multimedia system and augmented reality navigation.
The supportive and reassuring sport seats, dash and part of the door sidings up the belt-line is covered in Artico man-made leather which feels supple and grippy. It’s a nice place to spend time in, is comfortable and combined with the roomy interior, feels elegant yet also very progressive, very modern.
Seating position is very good; the GLE400e PHEV puts you in a very relaxed mood as default, but when the speeds pile up or the road gets twisty, it more than matches your mood and your pace.
The GLE400e PHEV also came in AMG trim so that means AMG-specific front and rear bumpers, side-sill panels and staggered 21-inch alloy wheels with massive 275/45R21 fronts and 315/40R21 rears. Large 375mm front and 345mm rear discs are clamped down by floating 2-piston calipers.
While the calipers seem diminutive relative to the rest of the car, the GLE400e relies heavily on regenerative braking to charge its hybrid battery, recuperating and harvesting energy as it stops the car.
It also has AMG sport pedals and floor mats plus brushed aluminum trim to give the 400e a modern yet Germanic vibe (Silver from Silver Arrows, remember?).
On the open road, the GLE ebbs and flows beautifully. It feels effortless, fluid, like water with zero resistance. I enjoyed driving it around BGC, where it was traffic and we had to do many short trips to complete our errands the weekend that I had it. But I also found the time to drive it down south and onto Tagaytay where the GLE400e PHEV truly came alive. Steering was well-weighted and had excellent feel, the throttle progressive and the firm suspension yielded enough compliance to smoothen the rough surfaces I drove through, but attacked corners with surprising gusto. It truly reminded me of the legendary Benzes of old with their magic carpet ride, mated with handling that’s perfectly suited to tackle the twisties.
The brakes were, for a Benz, uncharacteristically firm, a good thing as it gave extra confidence to push harder, brake later, dive in deeper into every corner. It was progressive, well-modulated and fade-free, as expected.
The big Merc feels engaging to drive fast, still well-within its depth of skills. The GLE400e is dynamically not just capable, but also very willing to engage in some hooliganism. It will search the open road as much as seek the simple and straight, depending on your mood. And being a hybrid, fuel consumption is amazing, averaging an unbelievable 17.6km/liter combined average on the city and highway.
This effortlessness captures the very essence of a Merc: it’s a type of car a villain would drive, a cool villain you would cheer on to thwart the efforts of the protagonist. It always feels in control, on top of the situation, always ready with a witty retort when things get exciting.
The GLE400e recaptures the drama, the elegance and the effortless grace under pressure old Mercs displayed. In an age where cars are slowly becoming nothing more than four wheeled appliances, the GLE400e is a stark reminder that cars are more than just appliances: they are extensions of our personality, our dreams made real in 3D, our desires achieved. An emotional connection is inevitable. A connection that guides us, inspires us to do more, and warms us reassuringly in times of uncertainty, keeping us focused. Like a star that guides us once again.
At last, a new star is born.
