Embarking on a solo road trip is a cherished experience for any car enthusiast. The open road, the freedom to explore, and the solitude to enjoy the drive are unparalleled. Recently, I had the opportunity to test drive the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC SUV on a journey to West Virginia, transforming what could have been a tedious nine-hour travel day into an enjoyable seven-hour driving adventure. The permission from the Mercedes-Benz fleet manager was my green light to load up the GLE 350 and discover what this luxury SUV truly offers for a long haul.
Tunes, Treats, and Total Comfort: The GLE 350 Road Trip Essentials
For any successful road trip, certain elements are non-negotiable. For me, these are Tunes, Comestibles, and Comfort, prioritized in that order. The Gle 350 Mercedes 2020 excels in all these areas, ensuring a journey that’s not just about reaching the destination, but enjoying every mile along the way.
Immersive Audio Experience with MBUX in the GLE 350
The “Tunes” aspect is brilliantly handled by the latest generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system in the GLE 350. This system, touted for its artificial intelligence and learning capabilities, offers voice-activated control over numerous vehicle functions, including audio. Mercedes-Benz has evolved significantly in infotainment design, and the MBUX is a testament to this. It’s remarkably intuitive, especially when paired with the dual 12.3-inch widescreen displays dominating the dashboard – one for the central infotainment and the other serving as a configurable instrument panel.
Alt: Luxurious Mercedes GLE 350 2020 interior with dual widescreen displays highlighting the MBUX system.
Standard inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay ensures seamless smartphone integration, and my test gle 350 mercedes 2020 was further enhanced with the Premium Package ($1,850), upgrading the audio to a Burmester Surround Sound system. This premium audio setup provided access to my extensive music library and streaming services via my iPhone, along with SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and AM/FM. Switching between music, podcasts, news, and other audio sources was effortless, all delivered with exceptional sound fidelity. The Premium Package’s inductive wireless charging was another appreciated feature, allowing me to simply place my iPhone in the center console cubby to maintain a full charge throughout the entire trip.
Practical Storage and Convenience in the GLE 350 for Road Trip Treats
Moving onto “Comestibles,” while the gle 350 mercedes 2020 doesn’t provide the snacks themselves, it certainly caters to convenient and accessible storage. Just as an army marches on its stomach, so does a car reviewer on a road trip! I prioritize stocking up on healthier snacks and drinks, minimizing stops to only necessities like restroom breaks, refueling, and restocking supplies. My road trip staples include beef jerky, cucumber spears, celery stalks, and sunflower seeds, complemented by coffee to start the day, water bottles for hydration, and a lemonade for an afternoon energy boost.
Alt: 2020 Mercedes GLE 350 center console showcasing spacious cup holders and storage for road trip essentials.
The gle 350 mercedes 2020 offers two generously sized cupholders in the center console, a large covered storage bin under the armrest, and practical bottle holders in the front doors. This provides ample space to keep all my road trip necessities within easy reach, enhancing the overall convenience and enjoyment of the drive.
Supreme Comfort: A Hallmark of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350
“Comfort” is paramount in a luxury SUV, and the gle 350 mercedes 2020 not only met but exceeded expectations. The seats are exceptionally comfortable, supportive, and highly adjustable. My test vehicle featured the Black Leather seats ($1,620) and the Warmth and Comfort package ($1,050), which included heated front seats, armrests, and even door panels. The Energizing Comfort package ($2,100) further elevated the experience with front-seat ventilation and massage functions. A standout feature for long drives was the adjustable thigh cushion on the front seat, providing extended leg support and significantly enhancing comfort during prolonged periods behind the wheel.
The gle 350 mercedes 2020 elevates comfort beyond just seating. Ambient lighting allows for cabin mood adjustments, influencing the entire interior atmosphere. The MBUX system is also integrated with the car’s drowsy driver detection. Beyond a simple coffee cup warning, the system suggests a “REFRESH” mode when drowsiness is detected. This mode initiates an invigorating seat massage, a dynamic light display, and energizing music, all designed to rejuvenate the driver’s focus. Engaging this system during monotonous highway stretches susceptible to road hypnosis proved beneficial. The massage function was particularly effective, and while the default music was a bit too energetic for my personal taste, it easily prompted me to switch to my preferred driving playlists. This feature genuinely made me feel like the gle 350 mercedes 2020 was a supportive partner on my road trip, actively contributing to driver well-being.
Driving Dynamics and Performance of the GLE 350 4MATIC
The powertrain, steering, and handling of the gle 350 mercedes 2020 further contribute to overall comfort. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while not overwhelming in power, is certainly capable of propelling the GLE 350 effectively. In most driving situations, the nine-speed automatic transmission operates smoothly and efficiently. The engine and transmission combination only exhibited slight strain during aggressive passing maneuvers, where downshifts could feel a touch abrupt.
Alt: Engine bay of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 highlighting the 2.0L Turbo engine.
Encountering a light snowstorm on the return trip underscored the value of the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The gle 350 mercedes 2020 felt planted and composed, inspiring confidence in less-than-ideal driving conditions.
My test GLE 350 was equipped with the Driver Assistance Package Plus ($2,250), featuring advanced systems like Active Distance Assist Distronic. This adaptive cruise control system proved invaluable on long highway stretches, significantly reducing driver fatigue. However, in the winding roads of the West Virginia mountains, Distronic occasionally behaved unpredictably during descents, sometimes decelerating unexpectedly by 10-15 mph, seemingly interpreting the road ahead as an obstruction. This deceleration, particularly when surrounding traffic was gaining speed downhill, felt unsettling, prompting me to disengage Distronic – easily done with a steering wheel button. Despite this minor issue in specific mountainous conditions, the advanced driver assistance features in the gle 350 mercedes 2020 generally enhanced comfort, relaxation, and likely safety throughout the drive.
Final Verdict: The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 – A Road Trip Companion
After covering over 800 miles in the gle 350 mercedes 2020, I developed a strong appreciation for this luxury SUV. With a base price of $56,200 and an as-tested price of $72,685, the GLE 350 represents a significant investment, but one that delivers substantial value in terms of comfort, technology, and driving experience. The more time spent behind the wheel, the more useful and enjoyable features were discovered. Ownership of a gle 350 mercedes 2020 would undoubtedly lead to ongoing discoveries and inspire countless road trips, making every journey a luxurious and comfortable experience.
Alt: Elegant 2020 Mercedes GLE 350 showcased on a scenic beach location.
