Embarking on a solo road trip offers a unique sense of freedom and adventure. For those who cherish long drives, the right vehicle is paramount. Recently, I had the opportunity to experience just that, taking a journey from the Detroit area to West Virginia. Instead of a typical flight and transfer, I opted for a 400-mile drive, a decision made significantly more appealing thanks to the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 4MATIC SUV. With the green light from Mercedes-Benz, I packed my bags and hit the road, eager to see how this luxury SUV would perform on a lengthy solo adventure.
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For any road trip enthusiast, certain elements are non-negotiable. My personal priorities, in order of importance, are Tunes, Comestibles, and Comfort. The 2020 GLE350 excelled in all these categories, transforming what could have been a mundane drive into a genuinely enjoyable experience.
The GLE350 immediately impressed with its state-of-the-art MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system, a highlight for any audiophile on the road. This system, powered by artificial intelligence, offers intuitive voice control over numerous vehicle functions, including audio. Mercedes-Benz has truly refined its infotainment interface; the MBUX is a testament to simplicity and user-friendliness. The expansive 12.3-inch widescreen display, seamlessly integrated into the center stack, and the accompanying 12.3-inch configurable instrument panel, made navigation and control effortless. The inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay ensured seamless smartphone integration. My test GLE350 was further enhanced with the Premium Package, boasting a Burmester Surround Sound system. This upgrade provided an immersive audio experience, enriching my journey with high-fidelity music from my iPhone, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD radio, and AM/FM stations. Switching between podcasts, news, and music was seamless, maintaining premium sound quality throughout. The Premium Package also included inductive wireless charging, a convenient feature that kept my iPhone fully powered by simply placing it in the center console cubby.
Mercedes-Benz
Beyond entertainment, practicalities are key on a road trip. While the GLE350 doesn’t provide snacks, it certainly offers ample and accessible storage. For any driver who appreciates being prepared, like myself, having enough space for road trip essentials is crucial. My preferred road trip provisions include beef jerky, cucumber spears, celery stalks, and sunflower seeds, complemented by coffee, water, and an energy drink for later in the day. The GLE350 thoughtfully provides two generously sized cupholders in the center console, a spacious covered bin under the armrest, and practical bottle holders in the front doors. This configuration easily accommodated all my necessities within arm’s reach, proving the GLE350’s design considers the needs of road travelers.
Comfort, as expected from a luxury SUV, was where the GLE350 truly shone. The seats were exceptionally comfortable, offering excellent support and adjustability. My test vehicle featured Black Leather seats, part of a $1,620 upgrade, along with the Warmth and Comfort package ($1,050) which included heated front seats, armrests, and even door panels. The Energizing Comfort package ($2,100) further elevated the experience with front-seat ventilation and massage functions. A standout feature was the adjustable thigh cushion length on the front seat, providing enhanced leg support during the long hours of driving. These features combined to create a supremely relaxing and comfortable driving environment.
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The GLE350’s commitment to comfort extends beyond just physical elements, engaging multiple senses to enhance the driving experience. The ambient lighting system allows for cabin color adjustments, effectively altering the interior mood. Furthermore, the MBUX integrates with the car’s drowsy driver detection system. Beyond standard warnings, it proactively suggests engaging the “REFRESH” mode when drowsiness is detected. This mode activates an invigorating seat massage, a dynamic light display, and energizing music, all designed to refresh and refocus the driver. I utilized this feature several times, particularly on monotonous highway stretches prone to inducing road hypnosis. The massage function was particularly effective, and the light display was a pleasant addition. While the pre-programmed music was a bit too energetic for my personal taste, it inspired me to curate my own driving playlist, easily done through the MBUX system. This intelligent feature made the GLE350 feel like a supportive partner on my journey.
Driving dynamics also contribute significantly to overall comfort, and the GLE350’s powertrain, steering, and handling delivered admirably. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while not overpowering, provides ample power for cruising and maintaining speed. The nine-speed automatic transmission operates smoothly in most driving conditions. The engine and transmission combination only exhibited slight strain during aggressive passing maneuvers, where downshifts felt somewhat abrupt. During my return trip, I encountered a light snowstorm, where the 4MATIC all-wheel drive proved invaluable, providing a sense of stability and confidence in slippery conditions. The GLE350 felt planted and secure, enhancing driving comfort even in adverse weather.
Mercedes-Benz
My GLE350 test vehicle was also equipped with the Driver Assistance Package Plus ($2,250), featuring advanced systems like Active Distance Assist Distronic. This adaptive cruise control system was extensively used on long freeway stretches, significantly reducing driving fatigue. However, in the winding roads of the West Virginia mountains, Distronic showed some limitations. During downhill sections, it occasionally decelerated unexpectedly by 10-15 mph, seemingly interpreting the road ahead as an obstacle. This behavior, especially when surrounding traffic maintained or increased speed downhill, felt unsettling. Disengaging Distronic was straightforward with a button on the steering wheel, and the other driver assistance features remained beneficial, contributing to a safer and more relaxed drive overall.
After driving over 800 miles in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 4MATIC, I developed a strong appreciation for its capabilities as a road trip companion. Starting at a base price of $56,200, with my test vehicle totaling $72,685 as-tested, the GLE350 represents a significant investment, but one that delivers considerable value in terms of comfort, technology, and driving experience. The more time spent behind the wheel, the more impressive and enjoyable its features became. Ownership of a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 would undoubtedly lead to continuous discovery and inspire countless road trip adventures.
