Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4Matic Tenerife Driving Review

Arriving in Tenerife usually means a quick transition from airport arrivals to the driver seat. We wanted to see how a larger luxury SUV manages the unique geography of this island. The Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4Matic is a substantial vehicle. It looks impressive parked under the palm trees, but Tenerife is an island of extremes. You have wide coastal motorways and incredibly narrow mountain passes, all within a short drive of each other.

We spent several days putting this car through its paces across the varied terrain of the island. Our goal was simple. We needed to know what it is actually like to pilot this heavy, comfortable machine around places like Mount Teide and the busy coastal resorts. Here is how it performed when we took it out of its comfort zone.

How it drives on Tenerife roads

Our journey started on the TF-1 motorway along the south coast. This road is characterized by long fast sweepers and generally smooth tarmac. Here, the GLE 350 4Matic is entirely in its element. The cabin isolation is superb. Wind noise and tire roar are barely noticeable, making it incredibly easy to cover the distance from the airport to the southern resorts in total relaxation. The suspension absorbs expansion joints and minor bumps with a soft, controlled motion.

Things changed when we turned off the motorway and began the long ascent on the TF-21 toward Mount Teide. This road climbs to over 2,100 metres above sea level. As you rise through the pine forests, the air gets thinner and you experience a big temperature drop. The 4Matic all-wheel drive system provided excellent traction on the cooler, sometimes dusty asphalt. The engine had to work harder in the thinner air at higher altitudes, but the automatic gearbox shifted smoothly to keep the power delivery consistent. The steering is light, which makes navigating the endless sequence of corners less fatiguing, though it does not offer much feedback about what the front wheels are doing.

We later drove up to the Anaga forest roads in the north. This area is famously damp, twisty, and often misty. The roads here are constantly wet from low-hanging clouds. The all-wheel drive system proved its worth again, giving us confidence on slippery corners covered in fallen leaves. The high driving position is a major asset here, allowing us to see over the roadside vegetation and spot oncoming traffic through the mist. However, the sheer weight of the vehicle becomes apparent when you string several tight corners together. It prefers a smooth, measured driving style rather than aggressive cornering.

Where this car shines (and where it does not)

This SUV shines brightest when you are prioritizing comfort and passenger space. If you are travelling with family or friends and plan to explore the island at a relaxed pace, it is a fantastic companion. The seats are highly supportive, and the climate control system easily handles the strong afternoon sun in the south before keeping you warm up near the volcano.

However, we must be honest about its drawbacks. The biggest challenge we faced was on the TF-436 descending into Masca. This road is famous for its extremely narrow cliff hairpins. Small cars have a distinct advantage here. The GLE is wide, and meeting a local bus or a delivery van coming the other way requires reversing to a passing place. The turning circle is reasonable for its size, but navigating the tightest hairpins often required us to swing very wide into the opposite lane just to make the corner. If you plan to spend most of your time exploring remote mountain villages, the size of this vehicle will cause some anxiety.

Practical notes

Parking in the popular resort towns like Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and Playa de las Americas requires patience. The streets are busy, and parking spaces are generally designed for smaller European hatchbacks. You will spend a lot of time looking for blue-line meters that are long enough to accommodate the GLE. The 360-degree camera system is absolutely essential and saved our alloy wheels from high curbs on multiple occasions.

Fuel consumption is another factor to consider. While it cruises efficiently on the TF-1, the constant climbing and descending on mountain roads will drain the tank much faster than you might expect. Thankfully, petrol stations are frequent along the coast, though they are sparse in the national park.

Luggage space is generous. We easily fit four large suitcases in the boot with room to spare for backpacks and beach gear. If you are looking to rent this exact specification, we drove the Automatic, 2.0 L, 5 seats variant, which provided a good balance of capability and comfort for a group of four adults.

Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4Matic transforms a Tenerife road trip into a highly insulated, comfortable experience. It completely isolates you from the stress of motorway driving and provides a secure, confident ride in the damp northern forests and high-altitude volcanic landscapes. It is a premium way to see the island.

Just be prepared for the physical footprint of the vehicle. You will need to take extra care on the narrowest routes like the road to Masca, and parking in the southern resorts will require some extra effort. If you value space and luxury over nimble handling, and you plan to stick mainly to the well-paved coastal routes and primary mountain passes, it is an excellent choice for a Tenerife holiday.

Where to book the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4Matic in Tenerife

If this one sounds like your kind of drive, you can check dates and prices for the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4Matic hire in Tenerife directly. Prefer to compare first? Browse all Mercedes rentals in Tenerife, SUV hire in Tenerife, car hire in Tenerife.