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This second generation GLE has a much more purposeful look than its predecessor (which was really only a lightly facelifted version of the old M-Class).

With this MK2 design, you get a longer wheelbase, short overhangs and large, flush-fitted wheels. There's also a very upright radiator grille and a purposefully-sculpted bonnet with two power domes. This GLE also cuts an athletic figure from the rear. This is particularly emphasised by the powerful shoulder muscle line extending from the C-pillar to the rear lights.

Inside, the 80mm wheelbase increase makes the car feel much more spacious, but the first thing you'll probably notice at the front is that the designers have incorporated a couple of 12.3-inch TFT screens, one in the instrument binnacle and one in the centre of the dash that works with the new 'MBUX' voice-activated multimedia system. There's more space in the second row too - plus for the first time, a third seating row has been fitted into this car. When you're not using it, there's 825-litres of luggage space - or up to 2,055-litres if you can fold down all the seats. In conjunction with AIRMATIC air suspension, the vehicle's rear can be lowered by around 40 millimetres using a switch, for easier loading and unloading.

Market and Model
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.

Cost of Ownership
Mercedes quotes a figure of 46.3mpg (combined cycle) with emissions of 162g/km for the GLE 300d diesel, with the GLE 350d and GLE 400d V6 diesel variants managing 40.4mpg and 184g/km. The GLE 450 petrol variant manages up to 33.6 mpg on the combined cycle and emits 191g/km of CO2. The alternative 350de plug-in diesel variant offers a 61.5 mile WLTP-rated all-electric driving range. What else? Well, we'll tell you that the comprehensive three year warranty is built upon by Mercedes' Mobilo scheme which delivers breakdown cover for up to thirty years, as long as you continue to have your car serviced at a Mercedes main dealer. And it's worth knowing that your maintenance outlay can be kept a little in check by going for the optional Service Care package that takes care of routine maintenance, spreading the cost of regular servicing, guaranteeing the price of parts and labour for up to four services and covering the cost of all recommended service items such as brake fluid, spark plugs, air filters, fuel filters and screen wash.


Summary
So, how to sum up this GLE? First, here's what it won't do: stride across the Gobi desert quite like any Land Rover product. Or power round Brands Hatch quite like a more sporting BMW X5. But for us, that's not a problem: this car, after all, intentionally sets out to offer more of a middle ground between these two extremes and it's a place in which this second generation GLE seems far more comfortable than its predecessors was.

It's true that there are sportier, more dynamic models of this kind you could buy. But we're struggling to think of many that offer a better all-round package. Quick, capable, practical and luxurious, this is at last the car Mercedes always should have had in this segment.