Understand, this isn’t a complaint, mind you. I adored the sound, and from inside, with Sport + mode engaged, the GLE 450 blips the throttle on downshifts (commanded of the new nine-speed gearbox via paddle shifters) and gives ill-mannered (and thoroughly fun) belches on the rapid-fire upshifts.

That 9G-tronic Plus transmission contributes far more to the brilliant driving experience than one might expect with so many cogs to choose from. In the past, nine-speed transmissions have seemed to me to always have at least one too many gears to hunt between, but Mercedes has absolutely dialed in this transmission. The engine always seems to be in the sweet spot and when in Sport and Sport + mode, its gear changes are swift and deliberate. In Comfort mode, they’re sufficiently subdued and soft.

Of course, the transmission’s job is easier when it doesn’t have to shift all that often thanks to a deep well of both torque and horsepower to draw from. The new twin-turbo 3L V6 engine I first experienced in the C 450 AMG last autumn (https://www.autos.ca/car-test-drives/test-drive-2016-mercedes-benz-c-450-amg-4matic/ ) is simply awesome. It sounds magical – and not just that gruff exhaust note; its intake noise and mechanical growls are exquisite too – and it is both smooth and ferocious at the same time.

In a smaller, lighter C-Class, it makes sense, but I was skeptical about how well-suited this high-performance engine would be in a sport utility vehicle. While burdened with a few extra kilograms to haul around, the boosted V6 still feels every bit as lively and energetic, and infuses a whole new dimension to driving an SUV. What fun it can be driving an innocuous (and around the Greater Toronto Area, thoroughly common) luxury crossover in such a manner that drivers of many performance cars watch mouth agape as they can’t keep up with the GLE ripping down an on-ramp.

Not that I’d endorse hooligan-style driving or anything, but if, for instance, you found yourself needing to complete a pass quicker than originally thought, the GLE has plenty of guts to see you through. Likewise, out on the road, if you need to take evasive action to avoid a sudden hazard, the GLE 450 has enough handling chops to move out of harm’s way pretty well. Being a tall crossover, it does exhibit some body roll, and under aggressive braking there is considerable nosedive, but they’re well-managed, and power is put down effectively through the standard 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

Despite driving the GLE in a very spirited manner all week, it still delivered an average fuel consumption rate of 12.9 L/100 km of mixed city/highway driving. Very good indeed for this type of vehicle, especially one with 360 horsepower.

Inside, the interior changes to this GLE from the previous ML are evolutionary, not revolutionary. Those familiar with other contemporary Benz products will feel at home here. Materials are all first rate and the updates are primarily applied to the infotainment system, where they were most needed.

Connect with Autos.ca