• Excellent quality cabin
• Easy to get comfortable behind the wheel
• Infotainment system not as easy to use as Audi Q7’s

How is the quality and layout?

Dominated by two 12.3-inch screens, the cabin shows off crisp, clean surfaces swathed and wood and leather as well as multiple controls for the myriad systems. The layout is logical and outright quality high (the smell in particular is a highlight), but the BMW X5 does feel a touch more solid.

The panoramic glass sunroof (standard on AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus) does wonders for the airiness of the cabin so is worth the step up in trim level. With or without, however, you’re unlikely to be disappointed with the GLE’s cabin.

Infotainment and tech

Navigating your way through the MBUX infotainment system will take some getting used to thanks to the sheer amount of functions on offer, yet there are useful shortcuts to be had. The ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice command system works better than most, while the optional Interior Assist allows users to programme hand gesture shortcuts to favourite functions such as setting the sat-nav to home, or activating the massage seat.

The primary control method, however, is a centrally mounted touchpad (you can also use the touchscreen) that looks and feels premium, yet doesn’t have the same ease-of-use of the rotary dial seen on the old GLE. For example, you’ll find yourself glancing at the screen far more often than you would with a physical controller.

For the 2023 facelift model, Mercedes upgraded the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel that can be used to navigate the digital dashboard display and infotainment setting. They look great and are useful for quick swiping functions (such as increasing or decreasing volume). Even so, we still reckon Audi’s infotainment system (especially their Virtual Cockpit digital dashboard display) is more user-friendly.

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Comfort

• Relaxed ride on air suspension
• Excellent all-round refinement
• Cosseting standard seats

The Mercedes-Benz GLE delivers a composed, cushioned ride thanks to its standard fit Airmatic air suspension. You may sometimes find the sharper bumps or ruts in the road can catch it out, but on the whole it’s a very relaxing car to ride around in.

Refinement levels are superb, transmitting very little road or wind noise into the cabin – the latter improved by the GLE’s lower drag coefficient (how aerodynamic it is) compared with its predecessor. The only black mark occurs with the 300 d version’s gruff-sounding diesel at low to mid revs. It’s not overwhelming, but does sound coarser than you’d like in a near £70,000 car, especially at 3,000-3,500rpm. Settle into a cruise however, and it quietens down considerably.

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Meanwhile, the 3.0-litre diesel 450 d does away with such issues, sounding smooth and refined right up until the last few knockings of each gear – territory you’ll rarely have to stray into thanks to 750Nm of torque. The 450 petrol version, is – predictably – near silent at a cruise, offering up a sporty burble from the exhaust when you demand more power.

The seats in the GLE contribute to good comfort levels. They’re four way, fully adjustable, too, and although the controls positioned on the door could be more ergonomically friendly, it’s a minor complaint. Line Premium Plus models get improved luxury head restraints and multi-contour seats for those who want the best possible comfort levels. Heated front seats are also standard on UK cars.