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The new Mercedes GLE offers superb space, luxury and technology. It’s a shame that the entry-level car isn’t particularly comfortable and space in the rearmost seats is tight

Overall verdict

The Mercedes GLE is a large, luxurious SUV with a stylish, high-tech cabin that’s big enough to seat seven. It’s a car you’ll want to consider if you fancy something a little more eye-catching than the likes of the BMW X5 and Audi Q7 and aren’t bothered about your SUV feeling particularly sporty to drive.

There’ll be no missing the Mercedes GLE in the company car park, that’s for sure. From its whopping front grille to its giant air intakes and 20-inch alloy wheels, everything looks suitably imposing. But it’s a shame you have to pay extra if you want it painted a colour that isn’t just black or white.

Thankfully, the Mercedes GLE’s interior isn’t such a monochrome affair. You get plenty of lovely brushed metal trims, shiny black plastics and gorgeous unvarnished wood inserts, which lend it a seriously classy air.

To help make sure all this wood and leather doesn’t make the Mercedes GLE feel like a stuffy old country club, it also comes with one of the coolest-looking infotainment systems around. Its two huge screens merge together to form one wide wraparound display through which you control everything from the climate control to the built-in sat-nav. Despite its flashy looks, it’s still not quite as easy to use as the BMW X5’s simpler iDrive system, though.

At least getting comfy in the Mercedes GLE won’t present any problems. The leather seats come with plenty of adjustment as standard and there’s room for seriously lofty drivers to get comfortable. It’s a similar story behind, but the cramped sixth and seventh seats – which come as standard in all but 300d cars – are only really big enough for kids.

Mercedes has some great tech these days, including its augmented reality sat-nav and semi-autonomous driving aids. Naturally, the GLE features both

Much roomier, however, is the Mercedes GLE’s boot. It’s bigger than the BMW X5’s and easily large enough to hold a family’s luggage for a week away. The back seats fold down at the press of a button and form an almost completely flat load bay – perfect if you ever find yourself needing to carry some bulky furniture.

If hauling heavy loads sounds like something you’ll be doing regularly, the 400d diesel model is the GLE to go for. It’s pretty smooth, doesn’t cost the earth to run yet has decent pulling power. There’s also a more affordable diesel model with a bit less power and a perkier petrol model that’s faster, but also quite a bit thirstier.

Whichever engine you pick, you’ll want to upgrade your GLE with the optional air suspension. This helps make it quieter and more comfortable to drive – especially around town. There’s also a suite of driver assistance systems worth considering that’ll accelerate, brake and even steer for you – just the thing to take the sting out of long motorway journeys.

The Audi Q7 is still a smidge more relaxing to travel in, however, and the BMW X5 is more fun to drive on a twisty country road. But, if it’s a stylish and spacious SUV you’re looking for, then the Mercedes GLE is well worth considering.