First Drive: GLE 450 4Matic First Drive: GLE 450 4Matic

FIRSTDRIVE

Staking a claim as the Goldilocks of SUVs, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4Matic might be just right for a lot of buyers. Bracketed by the smaller GLC and the larger GLS, the GLE is a genuinely comfortable conveyance for five adults in two rows of seating.

Sharing a platform with the similarly just right E-Class, the GLE is precisely the same overall length as the sedan, riding on a 117.9-inch wheelbase that’s 2.2 inches longer than the E-Class sedan. This extra length translates into 4.8 – 5.0 inches of additional legroom in the GLE over the E-Class, a not-insignificant figure making the second row even roomier than the first row. The GLE’s 39.6 inches of rear headroom and 58.3 inches of rear shoulder room outperform the

E-Class’s space, too.

As an SUV, the GLE can handle 33.3 cubic feet of luggage behind its second row. Fold the second row flat, and you’ve opened 74.9 cubic feet of cargo space.

We don’t want to shame the E-Class, but it has a trunk with just 13.1 cubic feet of space. The comparison isn’t really fair.

Mercedes-Benz offers a third-row seating package for an additional $1,200, which misses the point of the GLE’s superb packaging, adding a cramped third row and impinging on luggage space. If you genuinely need seven-passenger seating capacity, the GLS does a much better job.

The United States and China get an entry-level GLE350 variant with a turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine starting at $56,150 or a loaded biturbo V-8 in the GLE580 4Matic starting at $80,900. Our test vehicle, like the GLE itself, was the just right GLE450 4Matic with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder with EQ Boost mild hybrid drive. The setup produces 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, which is enough power to propel the 4,991-pound SUV from 0 – 60 mph in 5.5 seconds on the way to an electronically limited 130-mph top speed. You can get up to speed quicker in the GLE580 and quicker still in the two AMG versions of the GLE (GLE 53, starting at $74,150, and GLE 63, starting at $116,850), but again, you’ll be missing that just right sweet spot.

The GL-Class got a significant makeover for 2021, and the 2022 model carries on the new interior and exterior details. Like the E-Class, the GLE is a vehicle suited for both executive transport and family use. It’s elegant and attractive, with great proportions and superb fit and finish. Inside, dual 12-inch LCD screens share a common bezel, forming a horizontal plane of information for the driver and access to the latest version of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. This is a satisfying interior in which to spend time.

Driving the Mercedes-Benz GLE is a true pleasure, further enhanced with the quiet confidence that comes bundled with Mercedes-Benz’s usual suite of standard and available active and passive intelligent safety systems. Highlights include active brake assist, blind-spot assist, Pre-Safe, and adaptive high beam assist with full LED lighting. 4Matic all-wheel drive is standard on the GLE450 and GLE580 and optional on the GLE350. Our test vehicle also came with the optional Airmatic suspension package ($1,710), a worthwhile investment in comfort that adds an adaptive damping system to further calm the GLE450 4Matic’s already smooth ride.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4Matic may not be the perfect choice for every buyer, but it could be just right for you.

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STARREPORT

EQV 300 eSprinter

Mercedes-Benz and Rivian announce a European joint venture to build electric delivery vans

The global market for vans used for the local and regional delivery of commercial goods and services is estimated to reach over 26 million vehicles per year by 2026.

About half of that market is based in the United States alone, with Europe,

China, and the rest of the world growing rapidly. That's why Mercedes-Benz

Vans and electric vehicle manufacturer

Rivian recently announced a strategic partnership to cooperate on the production of electric vans for commercial usage in Europe.

A powerhouse team

After clearing regulatory approval, the two companies intend to establish a new joint venture manufacturing entity to build and operate a factory in Europe to produce large electric vans for both Mercedes-Benz Vans and Rivian. Production is expected to begin in a few years. The target is to build an all-new electric-only production facility in an existing Mercedes-Benz site in Central or Eastern Europe. "Rivian was created to encourage the world to transition away from fossil fuel consumption by creating compelling products and services," said RJ Scaringe, CEO of Rivian. "We're delighted to be partnering with Mercedes-Benz on this project. Mercedes-Benz is one of the world's best known and respected automotive companies, and we believe that together we will produce truly remarkable electric vans which will not only benefit our customers, but the planet."

RJ Scaringe

Common goals

The two companies envisage creating production optimized vehicle designs for efficient manufacturing on common assembly lines. By 2025, Mercedes-Benz/Rivian plan to produce

eVito

ARTICLE STAR STAFF IMAGES DAIMLER GLOBAL MEDIA RIVIAN Rivian Amazon van

two large vans, one based on VAN.EA (MB Vans Electric Architecture), the electric-only platform of MercedesBenz Vans, and the other based on the second generation electric van, Rivian Light Van (RLV) platform. Rivian has already produced prototype electric vans for use by e-tail giant Amazon.com.

Today, Mercedes-Benz customers can choose from four battery electric vans: the eVito Panel Van, the eSprinter, the eVito Tourer and the EQV. With the new eCitan and the upcoming EQT the van portfolio will soon be completely electrified. The next generation eSprinter will be launched in 2023. "As a pioneer in the field of locally emission-free transportation MercedesBenz Vans has gained broad experience in producing and launching eVans since 2010," said Mathias Geisen, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. "Now we are accelerating the transformation to a fully electric product portfolio. From 2025 onwards, all vans based on our new architecture VAN.EA will be electric-only. I am delighted that as part of this transformation we are now joining forces with Rivian – a highly dynamic and inspiring partner with a strong technology position. We are sharing investments and technology because we also share the same strategic ambition: accelerating the electrification of the van market with sustainable and superior products for our customers."

Looking ahead

From the middle of the decade, Mercedes-Benz Vans is on track to implement the next stage in its electrification strategy with VAN.EA (MB Vans Electric Architecture). Starting in 2025, all mid-size and large vans based on the new modular architecture will be electric-only. ‘Mercedes-Benz is one of the world's best known and respected automotive companies, and we believe that together we will produce truly remarkable electric vans which will not only benefit our customers, but the planet.’

RJ Scaringe CEO, Rivian

STARREPORT

Several all-new or revised Mercedes-Benz vehicles will arrive before the end of the year.

With the addition of several new models in the all-electric Mercedes-EQ family, the company continues to redefine progressive luxury by building upon the strong foundation laid by the EQS Sedan to offer even more highly compelling all-electric options for U.S. customers. The EQS Sedan expands its line-up for 2023 with the addition of the EQS 450 4Matic, which will join the EQS 450+ and EQS 580 4Matic.

Following the EQS Sedan, the all-new EQE Sedan offers a dynamic driving experience and a comprehensive range of connected services. For 2023, the EQE Sedan adds the EQE 350 4Matic to its line-up, joining the EQE 350+ and EQE 500 4Matic.

Representing the third model series built on Mercedes-

EQ's purpose built Electric Vehicle Architecture, the EQS SUV will bring high-tech innovative features, comfort, and luxurious appointments for up to seven passengers. This all-electric luxury SUV redefines the benchmark in every respect.

The all-new, all-electric EQB 250+ SUV will join the EQB line-up as the long-range variant, becoming the newest entry

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point into the Mercedes-EQ Brand. As the most affordable vehicle in the Mercedes-EQ line up, it interprets progressive luxury in an edgy yet comfortable way. The new seven-passenger EQB offers both space and innovation for a variety of transport needs.

The Mercedes-AMG EQE Sedan majors on sporty and impressive driving dynamics. This model is equipped with a powerful 328-volt high-performance drive battery, manufactured using the latest lithium-ion technology. The power of the electric motors is sent to the road by the standard AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable all-wheel drive.

While Mercedes-AMG takes great strides in electrification, the Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan is also setting new standards for innovative drive solutions, making history with technology derived directly from Formula 1. The sedan features the AMG M139l engine, which is the world's first series production engine to be turbocharged with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger. The all-new C43 Sedan combines craftsmanship with a high degree of digitalization, and is poised to lead its segment in both power and efficiency.

2023 Mercedes-Benz Model Year Launch Highlights

All-new EQE Sedan