“In 1997 Mercedes-Benz founded the premium SUV segment with the launch of the M-Class. Since then, more than two million customers have decided in favour of the off-roader worldwide. The GLE introduces the new control concept with innovative driving assistants, a new engine range and significantly more space. The new GLE is set to continue this success story throughout,” says Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO and Executive Director of Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLE is powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine with 243kW and 700Nm of torque in the GLE 400 d 4MATIC. It is particularly clean too and is the first Mercedes-Benz model to be certified to the Euro 6d standard.
Also available from launch is the 2.0-litre four-cylinder GLE 300 d 4MATIC with 180kW and 500Nm. Thanks to further enhanced emission control technologies, the powerful four-cylinder engine family remains below all emission limits.
Sole petrol… for now
The petrol engine in the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC is powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine systematically electrified with 48-volt technology. Its performance data: 270 kW and 500 Nm of torque, with a further 250 Nm of torque available via EQ Boost over short periods.
The integrated starter/alternator (ISG) is responsible for hybrid functions such as EQ Boost or energy recuperation while allowing fuel savings that were previously reserved for high-voltage hybrid technology.
All engines are turbocharged and send power to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic gearbox.
MBUX as standard
The GLE is equipped with the latest generation of the multimedia system MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience. As standard, it includes a large screen cockpit with two 12.3-inch/31.2cm screens arranged next to each other for a widescreen look. The information of the instrument cluster and media display is easily legible on the large, high-resolution screens.
The new, optional MBUX Interior Assist also allows intuitive, natural operation of different comfort and MBUX functions by movement recognition. When a hand approaches the touchscreen or the touchpad on the center console, the media display changes and individual elements are highlighted.
A unique feature of MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience is its learning capability thanks to artificial intelligence. With its predictive functions, MBUX can anticipate the driver’s wishes – such as a regularly used navigation destination.
Updated interior; more space
The new GLE has a considerably longer wheelbase than its predecessor, which has been increased by 80mm. This creates significantly more space, especially for passengers in the rear. The legroom in the second seat row has increased by 69mm. Headroom in the rear, with the standard fixed rear seat unit and 40:20:40 backrest division, has increased by 35mm.
As an optional extra, a special second seat row with six fully electric adjustment options is available. The right and left seats can be separately adjusted fore-and-aft by up to 100mm, the backrests are adjustable for angle and foldable in a 40:20:40 ratio and the head restraints are adjustable for height.
The backrest can also be completely folded down electrically, using a switch array in the luggage compartment. As in the previous model, three child seats can be installed next to one another in the second seat row. The outer seats have ISOFIX fastening points.
The luggage capacity is up to 825L behind the rear seats, and up to 2055L when the second seat row is folded down. A 72mm increase in through-loading width allows bulky items to be stowed more easily. More flexibility is possible with the optional, folding third seat row, which provides two extra seats. Thanks to the Easy Entry function of the fully electrically adjustable second seat row, the two rearmost passengers can conveniently reach their seats.