Embarking on a solo road trip offers a unique sense of freedom and adventure. For those who cherish long drives, the opportunity to escape familiar routes and explore new horizons is invaluable. When the chance arose to test an off-road vehicle in West Virginia, it presented the ideal scenario for such a journey. Opting for the open road instead of flights and transfers, which would have consumed nine hours from the Detroit area to Logan, West Virginia, driving the direct 400-mile route in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC SUV proved to be the perfect choice. With approval secured, the GLE 350 became the trusted steed for this solo expedition.
For any discerning road tripper, certain elements are non-negotiable for an enjoyable journey. Tunes, comestibles, and comfort stand out as paramount. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 excels in each of these critical areas, transforming miles on the road from mere travel to a genuinely pleasurable experience.
Immersive Entertainment with MBUX
The GLE 350’s infotainment system, powered by the latest generation of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), ensures that your road trip soundtrack is nothing short of exceptional. This system, lauded for its artificial intelligence and learning capabilities, offers voice access to a wide array of vehicle functions, including seamless audio control. Mercedes-Benz has successfully refined its infotainment interface with MBUX, making it remarkably intuitive and user-friendly. The expansive 12.3-inch widescreen display atop the center stack, complemented by a matching 12.3-inch configurable instrument panel, provides crystal-clear visuals and effortless navigation through menus. Standard inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay ensures seamless smartphone integration. The test model further elevated the audio experience with the optional Premium Package, boasting a Burmester Surround Sound system. This upgrade unlocked a rich, high-fidelity audio landscape, encompassing everything from iPhone music libraries and streaming services to SiriusXM satellite radio, HD radio, and traditional AM/FM broadcasts. Switching between podcasts, news, and music became effortless, all delivered with stunning clarity. Adding to the convenience, the Premium Package featured inductive wireless charging, allowing for simple and clutter-free smartphone charging throughout the journey by merely placing the device in the center console cubby.
Road Trip Essentials: Storage and Convenience
Beyond entertainment, a successful road trip hinges on practicality. While the GLE 350 doesn’t provide the snacks themselves, it certainly caters to the need for ample and accessible storage. For those who, like seasoned auto reviewers, travel prepared with provisions, the GLE offers generous space for stowing road trip essentials. Stocking up on snacks and beverages is a road trip ritual, minimizing stops to only necessities like fuel and restroom breaks. The GLE 350 is thoughtfully designed with road trip snacking in mind. It features two generously sized cupholders in the center console, a substantial covered storage bin under the armrest, and practical bottle holders integrated into the front doors. This abundance of storage ensures that all essential items are within easy reach, contributing to a smoother and more enjoyable driving experience.
Unparalleled Comfort for Miles of Driving
Comfort is not just a luxury in an SUV like the GLE 350; it’s an expectation, and one that Mercedes-Benz decisively exceeds. The seats are a highlight, engineered for supreme comfort, support, and adjustability. The test GLE was equipped with optional Black Leather seats and the Warmth and Comfort package, which added heated front seats, armrests, and even door panels, creating a cocoon of warmth on cooler days. Further enhancing the experience was the Energizing Comfort package, introducing front-seat ventilation and massage functions. A particularly appreciated feature was the adjustable thigh cushion on the front seats. This provided customizable leg support, significantly enhancing comfort during long stretches behind the wheel.
The GLE 350’s commitment to comfort extends beyond the tactile to engage multiple senses. Adjustable ambient lighting allows for customization of the cabin’s mood, subtly influencing the driving environment. The MBUX system also integrates with the car’s drowsy driver detection. Going beyond a simple coffee cup warning, it proactively suggests engaging the “REFRESH” mode when drowsiness is detected. This system orchestrates an invigorating seat massage, a visually stimulating light display, and energizing music, all designed to combat fatigue and sharpen focus. Engaging this feature during monotonous highway stretches proved beneficial, offering a welcome sensory reset. While the pre-programmed music might lean towards a dance club vibe, easily customizable audio settings allow drivers to tailor the experience to their personal preferences. This interactive feature fostered a sense of partnership between driver and vehicle, enhancing the overall road trip dynamism.
Smooth Performance and Confident Handling
The driving dynamics of the GLE 350 further contribute to its overall comfort. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides ample power for confidently navigating highways and byways. Paired with a smooth and responsive nine-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain delivers a refined driving experience in most conditions. While the engine and transmission combination can exhibit a slight abruptness when forced into aggressive downshifts for rapid passing, in general driving, it performs admirably. The inclusion of 4MATIC all-wheel drive proved invaluable during an unexpected snowstorm on the return journey, providing enhanced traction and a sense of stability and control in challenging conditions.
The tested GLE 350 was also equipped with the Driver Assistance Package Plus, incorporating advanced features like Active Distance Assist Distronic, an adaptive cruise control system. This system proved particularly useful on open freeway stretches, maintaining a set distance from leading vehicles and reducing driver fatigue. However, in the winding roads of the West Virginia mountains, Distronic exhibited some unpredictable behavior during descents, occasionally decelerating more than expected, possibly misinterpreting the road ahead. While easily disengaged with a steering wheel button, this highlighted the importance of driver awareness in varying conditions. Overall, the advanced driver assistance features significantly contributed to a more relaxed and safer driving experience.
The Verdict: A Road Trip Ready Luxury SUV
After over 800 miles behind the wheel, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC left a lasting positive impression. With a base price starting at $56,200 and an as-tested price of $72,685 with options, the GLE 350 represents a significant investment in driving pleasure and luxury. The more miles accumulated, the more features and functionalities revealed themselves, suggesting that ownership would be a journey of continuous discovery. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 is not just an SUV; it’s a meticulously crafted road trip companion, ready to inspire countless adventures.
