Why does the BMW X5 handle so well, and some people like Mercedes-Benz GLE? Not just brand influence.

Mercedes-Benz GLE used to be called ML, and the previous generation began to use a new name, which can be described as a love-hate relationship for this model.

What I love is that the first two generations of cars have always looked good. I always thought that SUV should be ML, very Man's figure, a little silly on the road, but very comfortable. Compared with competitors at the same level, ML and GLE both retain a little off-road capability, which is what SUVs should do.

What is the appearance of the new GLE?

But then, I didn't like this car so much. Other SUVs have been improving over the years, especially the driving performance has advanced by leaps and bounds. Not to mention Porsche Cayenne, such as BMW X5, Audi Q7, and even Volkswagen Touareg, all of which can make comfort and driving very good. On the contrary, Mercedes-Benz GLE still does not attach importance to manipulation, which is a disadvantage in an environment where there are fewer unpaved roads.

But when I seriously test drive a new generation of Mercedes-Benz GLE in Shanghai? 450? After 4MATIC, I began to have a new view on it, so are these changes enough to reverse my negative impression on it? Let me speak slowly.

GLE comfort advantage, BMW? X5 is another style.

The era of "driving a BMW and riding a Mercedes-Benz" has long passed, but many people don't know that driving an old-fashioned pure Mercedes-Benz car will be very tiring, but it is also a kind of enjoyment. Fatigue mainly comes from slow dynamic response, but the good thing is that it is too comfortable.

The suspension of Mercedes-Benz will isolate all the vibrations on the road like a magic carpet. Whether it is a city or a dilapidated suburban road, the car is extremely quiet. The dynamic response is not good, but if you don't need too much power, keep driving at a certain speed and cruise speed, that kind of ride comfort can't be found in the same class, including Lexus (Lei can only cope with medium and low speed roads).

However, this most valuable style of Mercedes-Benz has lost a lot in the new generation of Mercedes-Benz, especially some domestic Mercedes-Benz. For example, mercedes benz c, GLC and GLB are all like this, but GLE has always maintained this style.

Mercedes-Benz suspension is the most comfortable.

Not only that, I found that the new generation of Mercedes-Benz GLE has improved this temperament, and that kind of tranquility and comfort makes people want to stop. Perhaps the sound insulation is better, the 9AT gearbox is smoother, and the brand-new 48V inline six-cylinder engine is more linear and has better output.

If Mercedes-Benz GLE is a driving style, then BMW X5 is a young man with unlimited energy. BMW X5 has always put the balance on road sports. But the X5, the fourth-generation BMW that went on the market last year, has quietly changed.

BMW X5 is still sporty in comfort mode.

Even in comfort mode, the dynamic response of X5 is much faster than that of Audi Q7 and GLE. But it's hard to understand, even hanging is much more difficult. The steering and suspension feedback of the BMW X5 is very tough, and this sense of movement can be clearly experienced even in daily walking.

X5 is a very special luxury SUV. The front row is much more comfortable than the back row, and driving is more comfortable than riding. Maybe I am really old, but I prefer the ride comfort of Audi Q7, Volkswagen Touareg and Mercedes-Benz GLE.

Not good at manipulation, but the new engine is very powerful.

If you drive the previous ML, then the previous generation of GLE, and then the new generation of GLE, their handling has hardly changed-the center of gravity is very high, the cornering stability is not very good, the body is very heavy, and the inertia of speed-up braking is very large. If you are a friend who likes manipulation very much, the performance of GLE will definitely disappoint you.

This is not a gear lever, GLE is designed with pockets.

But what about the new GLE? 450? The driving performance of 4MATIC is much better than that of the previous generation, because of the brand-new 3.0T inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine.

It can be said that this is the best non-AMG Mercedes-Benz turbine engine I have ever driven. From the previous generation V6 to the 3.0L turbocharged design with in-line 6 cylinders, the output is as high as 367 HP and 500 N? Meters, equipped with 48V system motor can also provide an additional 250 N? Meter torque and 22 horsepower, and the acceleration time of 100 kilometers is 6.0 seconds.

At first, GLE? 450? 4MATIC looks a little heavy, not as light as BMW X5 and Audi Q7, but once it moves, it has a smooth and powerful sense of acceleration, which will make you doubt that it is more than a 3.0L engine. Especially at high speed, the leisurely and unique metal exhaust sound is definitely a bit of AMG.

Of course. GLE 450？ 4MATIC and BMW X5 of the same level? XDrive40i's inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine still has a little gap. BMW's engine has a stronger sense of movement. Although the output is only 340 horsepower and 450 Nm, it only takes 5.5 seconds to accelerate 100 kilometers. Moreover, in terms of driving experience, BMW's sense of acceleration is much faster than Mercedes-Benz.

The interior is definitely more attractive than Mercedes-Benz.

But don't forget that GLE is in an extremely luxurious and comfortable state, and it has such a strong motive. This is different from the feeling that X5 is always in motion, so I said earlier that Mercedes-Benz GLE is a peaceful driving style.

But I want to emphasize, GLE? 450? The engine of 4MATIC is good, but what about replacing it with a 2.0T engine? 350? 4MATIC may not be like this. Therefore, to buy a Mercedes-Benz GLE, it is best to go to the 3.0T inline 6-cylinder.

The product strength of Mercedes-Benz GLE is really more than the brand.

The design of GLE's front face is controversial.

Frankly speaking, before the release of the new generation GLE and BMW X5, I liked X5 better, even the Land Rover Discovery 5, which was not so beautiful, although they all had many shortcomings. Especially after the release of a new generation of GLE, I have reservations about its front face shape.

On the handling performance, it is a pity that several generations of Mercedes-Benz GLE models have not improved, although not everyone values the handling of SUV so much.

GLE and X5 do not intersect.

But what about GLE? 450? 4MATIC's dynamic performance can already stand on a horizontal line with BMW X5, but it can only provide 2.0T? 4-cylinder Volvo XC90 by going up one flight of stairs. Quietly speaking, the most comfortable (not the strongest) motivation at the same level is the hybrid Acura MDX, but unfortunately many people don't know this brand at all.

The greatest value is that the luxury and comfort of Mercedes-Benz can be fully displayed on this imported GLE, which is the existence of no rivals at the same level. So how to choose depends on personal preference.

This article comes from car home, the author of the car manufacturer, and does not represent car home's position.