• Broad range of engines
• All use plug-in hybrid or mild-hybrid tech
• Standard 4Matic all-wheel drive and nine-speed automatic

Petrol engines

All GLE’s use some sort of hybrid tech, but the only petrol mild hybrid variant (one that doesn’t require plugging in and charging up to get optimum efficiency) is the GLE 450 4Matic. Producing 381hp from a 3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged engine it’s capable of 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Torque is rated at 500Nm.

Helping it on its way is Mercedes-Benz’s EQ Boost mild hybrid system – also seen on the C-Class and E-Class. Using a 48-volt onboard network, all you need to know is that EQ Boost provides an additional 22hp on top of the petrol engine’s output, designed to improve performance and driveability, while also helping the car to switch off sooner and conserve energy.

It’s a smooth engine with power all over the rev range and a burbly exhaust note to match. It doesn’t feel pin-you-in-the-back-of-your-seat fast, but does make swift progress up to and beyond motorway speed limits.

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Diesel engines

The GLE has two mild-hybrid diesel options on offer – the 300 d 4Matic and 450 d 4Matic. The former uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel unit to produce 269hp and 550Nm of torque, with an addition 20hp supplied by the EQ Boost mild hybrid system. As for the latter, it gets a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel and makes 367hp (+22hp) from EQ Boost, as well as 750Nm of torque. For those after the punchiest diesel, this is it – delivering 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 155mph.

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Electric and hybrid engines

The plug-in hybrid range for the GLE used to cover both petrol and diesel engines, but that’s been cut down to just the former. Badged the 400 e 4Matic, it uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and a 31kWh battery to produce a total of 375hp and 650Nm of torque, meaning 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 131mph

More importantly, a very competitive all-electric range of up to 65 miles should be possible, with recharging times (10-100%) rated at 2hrs 50 mins from a 11kW public charger, increasing to 3hrs 45 mins from a 7.4kW domestic charger.

What’s it like to drive?

• Comfortable rather than sporty
• Reasonably agile for its size
• Optional Towing package increases towing capacity

With a set-up aimed far more towards comfort than sportiness and a kerbweight of around 2.2-tonnes, the GLE was never going to pull up any trees when it comes to outright cornering ability – but then, neither are any of its rivals.

That said, unless you insist on driving enthusiastically the GLE remains composed and very well behaved on all road types. Body roll (where the body of the car leans out of corners) is kept in check by the Airmatic air suspension, while the steering provides reasonable accuracy, if very little feel – it’s very light (which is better for manoeuvring).

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If you do begin to press on, the GLE grips well without feeling like it’s out of control. Plus, the safety blanket of the GLE’s plethora of driver assistance aids means that even if things do get a little out of hand, the car quickly reigns it in.

With the optional Towing Package fitted (currently only available on 450 versions), the GLE can tow up to 3.5-tonnes. Also included in this package is Trailer Manoeuvring Assist (controls the steering angle of the towing vehicle at speeds of up to 3mph, making it easier to reverse with the trailer attached) and an electronically folding tow bar.