Road trips offer a unique sense of freedom, and having the right vehicle can significantly enhance the experience. Recently, I had the opportunity to embark on a solo road trip in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC SUV, and it proved to be an exceptional companion for the journey. Leaving behind the familiar routes near Detroit and heading towards West Virginia, the GLE 350 showcased its capabilities as a comfortable, tech-savvy, and luxurious SUV perfectly suited for long drives.
For any road trip enthusiast, certain priorities are paramount. For me, these boil down to three essential categories: Entertainment, Sustenance, and Comfort. The Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 excelled in all of these aspects, transforming what could have been a mundane drive into a genuinely enjoyable experience.
The GLE 350 immediately impressed with its advanced infotainment system, the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX). This system, touted for its artificial intelligence and learning capabilities, provides intuitive voice control over numerous vehicle functions, including audio. Gone are the days of complex and confusing interfaces that Mercedes-Benz was once known for. The new MBUX is remarkably user-friendly, especially when paired with the dual 12.3-inch widescreen displays dominating the center stack and instrument panel. These screens are vibrant and clear, offering a wealth of information at a glance. The inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay ensures seamless smartphone integration, and my test model further benefited from the optional Premium Package, upgrading the audio to a Burmester Surround Sound system. This audio setup was phenomenal, delivering rich and immersive sound for music from my iPhone, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD radio, and standard AM/FM broadcasts. Switching between podcasts, news, and music was effortless, making the miles melt away with high-fidelity audio. The Premium Package also included inductive wireless charging, a small but incredibly convenient feature that kept my phone charged throughout the entire trip simply by placing it in the center console cubby.
Beyond entertainment, a successful road trip requires practical storage and convenience for on-the-go necessities. While the GLE 350 doesn’t magically provide snacks, it certainly offers ample and accessible storage solutions. For any driver who appreciates having their road trip essentials within easy reach, the GLE 350 delivers. I prefer to stock up on healthier snacks and drinks to minimize stops, and the GLE provided more than enough space to accommodate my provisions. The center console features two generously sized cupholders, a large covered storage bin under the armrest, and practical bottle holders in the front doors. This abundance of storage meant everything from beef jerky and cucumber spears to water bottles and coffee was conveniently at hand throughout the journey.
However, true luxury in an SUV is most evident in its comfort, and here the GLE 350 truly shines, exceeding expectations. The seats are exceptionally comfortable, offering excellent support and adjustability. My test vehicle was equipped with Black Leather seats and the Warmth and Comfort package, which added heated front seats, armrests, and even door panels – a touch of luxury I didn’t know I needed but quickly appreciated. Further enhancing the comfort was the Energizing Comfort package, including front-seat ventilation and massage functions. A standout feature for long drives was the adjustable thigh cushion on the front seats, providing extended leg support and significantly reducing fatigue on longer stretches.
The GLE 350’s commitment to comfort extends beyond just physical support. The ambient lighting system allows for customization of the cabin’s mood, with adjustable colors to suit any preference. Furthermore, the MBUX system integrates with the car’s drowsy driver detection. Beyond the standard coffee cup warning, the system suggests engaging the “REFRESH” mode if it detects driver fatigue. This mode activates an invigorating seat massage, a stimulating light display, and energetic music, all designed to combat drowsiness and improve driver alertness. While the music in “REFRESH” mode leaned a bit towards a dance club vibe for my personal taste, the massage function was genuinely effective, and the system prompted me to curate my own driving playlist for optimal road trip energy. This feature truly made the GLE 350 feel like a partner in ensuring a safe and comfortable journey.
The driving dynamics of the GLE 350 also contribute to its overall comfort. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides adequate power for everyday driving and highway cruising. While not overwhelmingly powerful, it efficiently moves the GLE 350 at a respectable pace. The nine-speed automatic transmission is generally smooth and responsive, though it can feel slightly abrupt when forced to downshift aggressively for quick passing maneuvers. The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system proved invaluable when I encountered a light snowstorm on the return trip, providing a sense of stability and confidence in slippery conditions.
My GLE 350 test vehicle was also equipped with the Driver Assistance Package Plus, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems including Active Distance Assist Distronic, Mercedes-Benz’s adaptive cruise control. Distronic proved incredibly useful on long highway stretches, maintaining a set distance from the vehicle ahead and reducing driver workload. However, I did find its performance in the winding roads of the West Virginia mountains to be somewhat unpredictable. During downhill sections, Distronic occasionally decelerated the GLE unexpectedly, sometimes by 10-15 mph, seemingly misinterpreting the road ahead. This unexpected deceleration in downhill curves, where surrounding traffic often gains speed, felt unnerving and prompted me to disengage Distronic in those situations. Despite this occasional quirk in very specific conditions, the overall suite of driver assistance features significantly enhanced the ease and relaxation of the long drive, contributing to a safer and less fatiguing experience.
After covering over 800 miles in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC, I developed a deep appreciation for its capabilities as a luxury road trip SUV. With a base price starting at $56,200 and an as-tested price of $72,685 for my well-equipped model, the GLE 350 represents a significant investment. However, the more time spent behind the wheel, the more features and thoughtful details revealed themselves, solidifying its value proposition. Ownership of a GLE 350 would undoubtedly lead to further discoveries and inspire countless road trip adventures.
