2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes-Benz’s GLE struts its stuff right at the top of the South African luxury SUV pack, squaring up to the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne with a certain swagger. Every one of the 12 listed examples runs petrol or diesel and, as it should be, you won’t find a manual shifter in sight — buyers at this level wouldn’t want one anyway. Prices start at a not-so-humble R579,950 for an older 350d, climbing all the way to R3,349,800 for an AMG GLE 63 S Coupe 4Matic dripping with badges and attitude. Most hover just under R2 million. That’s a spread that says you either want a just-out-the-wrapper AMG or you’re content grabbing a diesel workhorse that’s seen a few years but still looks sharp rolling through Sandton. Every GLE on offer is used, and the age range is surprisingly wide — from 2018 right up to 2026, with average mileage at a very reasonable 36,088 km. That low number isn’t just a bragging point; it’s crucial because running costs on these get spicy once you’re north of 100,000 km. The GLE 450d 4Matic pops up twice, priced between R1,949,800 and R2,189,900, and honestly, that diesel six is what the GLE should have been from the start — smooth, quiet, and frugal enough for those N1 long-hauls to Joburg without pretending to be a performance hero. AMG versions are scattered at the top of the pile, but buyers here aren’t just chasing deals; they want the badge, the spec, and something that stands out when parked at Melrose Arch.