There are in four mainstream models on offer and pricing kicks off with the GLE 300d 4MATIC diesel derivative - which costs around £56,000. Next up is the GLE 350d 4MATIC (around £61,000), with the GLE 400d 4MATIC costing around £63,500. The GLE 450 4MATIC petrol version retails for around £62,500. There's also a 350de plug-in diesel variant. Importantly, you can now have three seating rows in this car and, as you'd have a right to expect for the money being asked, it's very well equipped. All model's get the company's latest 'MBUX' multimedia system with 'Hey Mercedes' voice activation. Plus there a 12.3-inch widescreen virtual instrument binnacle display and a further 12.3-inch touchscreen centre-dash infotainment monitor.
Other standard kit runs to blind spot assist, 20-inch five-twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels, illuminated grab handles, illuminated running boards, LED headlights with active high beam assist and privacy glass. Inside, there's anthracite open-pore oak wood trim with Nappa leather upholstery. And a mirror package including automatic dimming for the driver's exterior mirror and the rear-view mirror, plus logo projection onto the ground when you open the door at night. You also get heated front seats, a parking package including active parking assist, automatic two-zone climate control and traffic sign assist. Many customers will want to pay extra on the 300d for AIRMATIC air suspension (which is standard on the '450' petrol version). A long list of camera-driven safety features are now included, including 'Active Steering Assist' and 'Active Distance Assist', plus an 'Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC' feature that gives a degree of autonomous driving.