"Zero fatigue even after 500km"... The long-distance champion, Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC [Gidongchan Mobility]

\r\n\r\n\r\n[The Financial News] The specifications of luxury sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are always impressive. From zero-to-100 km/h times that seem at odds with their size to cabins packed with advanced driver assistance systems, they are full of eye-catching numbers. But the real reason we look for a luxury SUV is "sophisticated comfort." The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC, which accompanied a 500km round trip from Jung District, Seoul to Dong District, Gwangju, has reset that standard.
At the first start-up, the smooth murmur of the inline six-cylinder gasoline engine stood out. The integrated starter generator mounted between the engine and transmission plays a key role. Because a single unit switches between motor and generator functions depending on the situation, power delivery during take-off and re-acceleration becomes noticeably smoother. Once up to speed, power comes on in a linear, uninterrupted way. Thanks to the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission, engine revs stay in a low range, adding to the relaxed driving feel.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhat really defines this car’s character is the Air Suspension. In Comfort mode, the body gently bounces once over speed bumps and surface irregularities, then quickly settles, so road shocks are not transmitted to the body two or three times. The damping control system included in the AIRMATIC package intelligently adjusts the suspension according to road conditions, vehicle speed and load. On particularly uneven surfaces, it controls each wheel individually to maximize comfort.
Near Gwangju, on winding roads, the mode was switched to Sport. With the lowered ride height and firmer steering response, the car suddenly felt like a "large body that reacts nimbly in corners." Even so, its character does not turn aggressive. The setup that "puts less strain on you even when you hold the steering wheel for a long time" remains, keeping driver fatigue consistently low.
Inside, the GLE continues to showcase the strengths it has long been known for. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) central display are combined into a single wide screen that fills your field of view, and together with the Head-Up Display (HUD), they help reduce eye strain on long journeys.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Nappa leather seats, in particular, feature four-way lumbar support and a massage function, so the lower back did not stiffen easily even after sitting for several hours. The second row offers sliding and reclining functions, plus ventilation, prompting passengers to react by saying, "It really is on another level."
Officially, it sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, a figure that holds its own even against high-performance SUVs. In real-world driving, however, what this car truly wants to boast about is less "how fast it can go" and more "how comfortably it can maintain the speed you want."
The exterior is equally impressive. The Black concept (Night Edition) exudes a unique sense of luxury that emphasizes both sophistication and dynamism. High-gloss black side trim, a dark chrome front air intake splitter, and a rear apron create a strong visual coherence. The harmony with the black Nappa leather interior is also striking.
\r\n\r\n\r\nSafety equipment is what you would expect from Mercedes-Benz. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), distance keeping, lane keeping assist, blind-spot warning and collision avoidance braking all intervened reliably along the entire Seoul–Gwangju highway route, giving the driver a sense that "there is an extra hand supporting you from behind" even while you are holding the wheel yourself.
The MBUX-based digital interface supports voice recognition, touch and touchpad control, and is convenient once you get used to it. However, because climate controls and some other functions are buried deep within the screen menus, drivers who "prefer physical buttons" may find it somewhat cumbersome. For long-distance driving, it is best to assign frequently used functions to favorites and the steering wheel buttons.
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eastcold@fnnews.com Kim Dong-chan Reporter