For those of us passionate about car detailing, the vehicle itself is more than just transportation; it’s a canvas, a statement, and often, a source of immense pride. When embarking on a road trip, the ideal car seamlessly blends comfort, technology, and practicality. Recently, I had the chance to experience such a vehicle firsthand – the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC SUV. Invited to test an off-road vehicle in West Virginia, I seized the opportunity to transform the journey into a solo road trip, putting the GLE 350 through its paces across hundreds of miles. Opting for the open road instead of flights and transfers, I loaded up the GLE 350, eager to discover if this luxury SUV lived up to its reputation as a road trip companion and a vehicle worthy of meticulous detailing.
Road Trip Ready: Comfort and Convenience
For any extended drive, especially when you value arriving refreshed and ready to detail your destination car (or your own GLE upon return!), comfort and convenience are paramount. My road trip priorities are simple: exceptional audio, ample provisions, and of course, supreme comfort. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 delivered on all fronts, creating an environment that was both enjoyable and conducive to a long haul.
Tunes for the Miles: MBUX and Entertainment System
The GLE 350 boasts the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system, and it’s a game-changer. This isn’t just an infotainment system; it’s an intelligent co-driver. With its voice-activated controls, accessing navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings becomes intuitive and seamless. Mercedes-Benz has shed its reputation for complex interfaces; MBUX is remarkably user-friendly, especially with the dual 12.3-inch widescreen displays dominating the dashboard. The vibrant, crisp visuals are not only aesthetically pleasing but also make information readily accessible at a glance. For audiophiles like myself, and I suspect many detailers who appreciate good music while working, the optional Burmester Surround Sound system, part of the Premium Package, is a must. The clarity and depth of sound are exceptional, transforming the cabin into a mobile concert hall. Whether streaming music from my iPhone via Apple CarPlay, tuning into SiriusXM satellite radio, or listening to podcasts, the audio experience was consistently top-notch. The inclusion of inductive wireless charging in the Premium Package is another thoughtful touch, keeping devices powered up without cluttering the console with cables – crucial for maintaining a clean, detail-oriented car interior.
Alt text: The spacious and luxurious interior of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, showcasing the user-friendly MBUX dual screens and clean dashboard design, ideal for a comfortable and organized detailing enthusiast.
Snacks and Storage: Practicality for Detailers
A successful road trip, much like a successful detailing session, requires preparation and the right supplies. While the GLE 350 doesn’t magically provide snacks, it does offer intelligently designed storage solutions to keep essentials within easy reach. For a detailer, this translates to ample space for keeping microfiber cloths, quick detailing sprays, and other on-the-go detailing necessities organized and accessible. For my road trip, this meant plenty of room for my travel snacks and drinks. The GLE features generously sized cupholders in the center console, a deep storage bin under the armrest, and practical bottle holders in the front doors. This abundance of storage ensures that everything has its place, maintaining a clutter-free environment, which is a mindset any detailer can appreciate.
Alt text: The center console of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, highlighting the practical storage solutions including cupholders and covered bin, essential for organizing detailing supplies and maintaining a tidy workspace.
Supreme Comfort: Seats and Interior Ambiance
Luxury SUVs are expected to deliver on comfort, and the 2020 GLE 350 exceeds these expectations. The seats are a highlight, providing exceptional support and adjustability, crucial for preventing fatigue on long drives or during extended detailing sessions where you might spend considerable time leaning into various parts of the vehicle. My test GLE was equipped with the optional Black Leather seats and the Warmth and Comfort package, featuring heated front seats, armrests, and even door panels – a welcome luxury on cooler mornings. The Energizing Comfort package, which added front-seat ventilation and massage, took the comfort to another level. The adjustable thigh cushion length on the front seats was particularly appreciated, offering customized leg support, further enhancing comfort for longer journeys. Beyond physical comfort, the GLE’s ambient lighting system allows for customization of the cabin’s mood. Adjusting the color of the ambient lighting can create a relaxing or invigorating atmosphere, a feature that detailers might appreciate to set the right mood while working or to unwind after a long day.
Alt text: A front view of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 interior, emphasizing the comfortable and inviting cabin environment, perfect for both relaxing drives and enjoying the results of meticulous car detailing.
Driving Dynamics and Performance
While luxury and comfort are essential, the driving experience is equally important. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 strikes a balance between refined performance and confident handling, making it a pleasure to drive whether on long highway stretches or navigating city streets.
Engine and Transmission: Smooth and Adequate
The GLE 350 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which, while not overtly powerful, proves to be more than adequate for daily driving and road trips. It delivers smooth and responsive acceleration, effortlessly propelling the SUV up to highway speeds. The nine-speed automatic transmission complements the engine perfectly, providing seamless gear changes and contributing to a refined driving experience. The combination of engine and transmission feels well-matched for the GLE’s character as a luxury SUV focused on comfort and ease of driving. For added confidence in varying weather conditions, the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system provides enhanced traction and stability. During my return trip, encountering a light snowstorm, the GLE 350 felt sure-footed and composed, inspiring confidence in challenging driving situations. From a detailing perspective, the engine bay of the GLE 350 appears well-organized and accessible, suggesting that routine maintenance and detailing under the hood would be relatively straightforward.
Alt text: A detailed view of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 engine bay, showcasing the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and highlighting the organized layout, which is beneficial for engine detailing and maintenance.
Driver Assistance: Technology for Relaxed Driving
The Driver Assistance Package Plus in the GLE 350 is a suite of advanced technologies designed to enhance safety and reduce driver fatigue, particularly valuable on long road trips. Active Distance Assist Distronic, an advanced cruise control system, is a standout feature. It maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead and can even adjust speed automatically based on traffic conditions. While incredibly helpful on highways, I did notice its limitations on winding mountain roads, where it occasionally reacted abruptly to downhill sections. However, for the majority of my drive, especially on open highways, these driver assistance features significantly reduced driving stress and contributed to a more relaxed and enjoyable journey. For detailers who often travel to clients or shows, these features can make those drives safer and less tiring, allowing for arrival in peak condition, ready to work.
The Verdict: GLE 350 for Car Lovers and Road Trippers
After spending over 800 miles behind the wheel of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC, I came away thoroughly impressed. With a base price starting at $56,200, and my well-equipped test vehicle priced at $72,685, the GLE 350 represents a significant investment, but one that delivers a compelling blend of luxury, technology, and practicality. The more I drove, the more features I discovered and appreciated. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 is not just a luxury SUV; it’s a refined and versatile vehicle that excels as a comfortable road trip companion and a car that any detailer would be proud to own and maintain. Its blend of sophisticated technology, luxurious comfort, and practical features makes it a standout choice in its class, appealing to those who appreciate both the journey and the destination – and, of course, a spotless, beautifully detailed vehicle.
Alt text: The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 parked on a scenic beach, illustrating its versatility and desirability as a luxury SUV, perfect for showcasing professional car detailing work in beautiful locations.
