We’re now getting through the range of the fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz GLE (once known as M-Class), which brings us here to the most potent diesel-powered version you can buy. 

The GLE 400d uses a 2.9-litre straight-six turbodiesel producing 325bhp and a hefty 516lb ft. You can also get a lower-powered (268bhp) version of this engine in the 350d, plus an entry-level four-cylinder in the 300d with 242bhp. Whatever version you choose, power is sent to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic gearbox. 

Elsewhere, the 400d is much the same as we already know. This new GLE is longer, wider and lower than the car before it and comes with the option of seven seats for the first time. It’s also a technological tour-de-force, with a high-tech, high-quality interior and just one trim 'option': AMG Line. 

Yet the GLE’s real party piece that we were so impressed by on its international launch, the clever E-Active suspension – which integrates a development of the Airmatic air suspension with a 48-volt electrical system and camera to scan the road ahead and individually prime each wheel – remains absent from the UK options list and therefore our test car.

What we can marvel at on the GLE, though, is that engine. It’s a really lovely thing, with actual aural character. That’s so lacking in most petrol cars these days, let alone diesels that were never known for their bark, yet the growl from the under the bonnet as you explore the wide band of torque – which is delivered with some considerable shove – will raise a smile. It’s an engine willing to be revved, and one with acceleration that feels better than the official 0-62mph time of 7.6sec suggests.

The engine is ideally suited for towing, too, our GLE coming equipped with the £1150 Towing Package that boosts capacity to a mighty 3500kg. Real-world economy hovered around 30mpg on our mixed-roads test route, which is decent if not outstanding for a big, heavy car, yet the 85-litre fuel tank at least means infrequent fill-ups, thanks to a range of close to 600 miles. 

A great engine, then, but not a great car overall. While the primary ride is as about as comfortable as they come, the secondary ride really lets your backside know you’ve been over a bump or a scar in the road surface. It’s the biggest thing that lets the 400d’s mask slip from being a complete, well-rounded, luxurious and comfortable SUV.

The biggest thing, but not the only thing: it also exhibits too much roll around corners, with steering too remote to feel you’re hanging on and the car’s taking you around a corner rather than you guiding it around yourself if you display even the tiniest bit of enthusiasm.

This dynamic performance makes it all the telling that the lacking E-Active suspension is chiefly designed to counteract body lean, as well as iron out the ride by reading the road ahead, much like the previous version of the system – Magic Body Control – used on the S-Class. It’s too expensive an option for Mercedes UK to deem worth offering here, but it would be fascinating to see just how much it could transform the GLE.

source: www.autocar.co.uk

2019 is already shaping up to be a very good year for sneakers. From forward-thinking new styles to an influx of rereleases and retros that genuinely deserve the hype, there's a lot that's worthy of your attention. As expected, big players like Nike, Adidas, and Jordan are all delivering everything from updated classics shoes to on-point collaborations. But that's just part of the equation. New Balance still knows exactly how to make dad shoes feel cool, Greats still delivers on value and sophistication, and specialized brands like Salomon are making us rethink our priorities. Here are the best sneakers of the year so far.

Nike React Presto 'Brutal Honey'

Reworking the Air Presto was a roll of the dice in theory, but the React version—especially in an old-school colorway—just plain works. Add in some incredibly comfy cushioning and you've got a winner.

Nike SB Dunk High 'Walk the Dog'

These shoes are ostensibly an homage to many different dog breeds, and that's cool. But notice the release date. And all that green on the upper. Yeah, there's that, too.

Nike x Heron Preston Air Max 720/95

The one you see here is just a single iteration of the many possible combinations that were available through Nike and Heron Preston's collaboration. It's all about keeping things personal.

New Balance x Bodega 997S 'No Days Off'

New Balance's 997 Sport got a remix courtesy of Bodega in April of 2019, giving the new style some very attractive colorblocking and a little extra street cred.

Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 'Clay'

Adidas recently upped the production of a lot of the shoes in its collaborative line with Kanye West. While that seemed to introduce a bit of buyer fatigue at first, releases like the 350 V2 in "Clay" prove the partnership is still going strong.

Adidas Yeezy Boost 700 V2 'Geode'

The 700 takes the chunky sneaker trend and brings in the signature Yeezy aesthetic and super-comfortable Boost courtesy of Adidas. It's not exactly new, but it still looks good.

Nike Air Max 90 'Mars Landing'

The words "Nike" and "Mars" together tend to make most sneakerheads think of the brand's Mars Yard sneakers in collaboration with artist Tom Sachs. These AM90s are a good argument for thinking outside of that box.

Air Jordan IX 'Midnight Navy'

The Air Jordan IX is never unwelcome, and this February's "Midnight Navy" colorway was no exception. The combination of dark navy patent and clean white leather feels sporty and fresh.

Nike x Off-White Air Max 90

Nike and Off-White's collaboration has been going for a while now, but the AM90 from this February is solid evidence that it hasn't lost steam. Designer Virgil Abloh's aesthetic fits perfectly with riffs on the classic style in both black and a rich tan called "Desert Ore."