MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 400E

Stuttgart chooses not to fiddle too much with its refreshed SUV

- GREG KABLE

The facelifted continues bodystyles, distinguishable GLE, which in SUV and coupé is at first hardly from the old version - and that's just as Mercedes intended. Sales are holding up five years after the fourth-generation GLE appeared, and its maker doesn't want to mess with the formula.

Exterior changes include a new-look bumper and revised grille, new LED graphics for the headlights and tail-lights and new designs for the wheels, which range up to 22in. The model is sold here in AMG Line, AMG Line Premium and AMG Premium Plus styling trims, although the coupé is only available in AMG Premium Plus.

Inside, the GLE adopts Mercedes' latest multi-function steering wheel and an MBUX operating system with new software and menus.

In combination with a standard 360deg camera, there are also new graphics for models with the optional Off-Road Package.

There is lots of room front and rear, and the cabin is trimmed to a high standard. Boot space does suffer with the packaging of the battery, though, reducing from 630 litres in other models to 490 litres with the plug-in hybrid driven here.