The Mercedes-Benz GLE has been updated with a number of new tech items along with a diesel engine ahead of the upcoming Euro VI emission standard.
The active suspension system E-Active Body Control on a 48-volt basis is a world first and the new driver assistance systems further increase the level of active safety, while the interior is even more spacious and comfortable, with a third seat row available on request.
“In 1997 Mercedes-Benz founded the premium SUV segment with the launch of the M-Class. Since then, more than 2-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 Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLE is the very first SUV anywhere to meet the coming Euro 6d standard. The OM 656 six-cylinder diesel engine comes with 243 kW and 700 Nm of torque in the GLE 400 d 4MATIC. Also available on market launch is the four-cylinder GLE 300 d 4MATIC with 180 kW and 500 Nm.
The first petrol model powered by a six-cylinder engine systematically electrified with 48-volt technology is the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC and it offers 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.
The GLE is equipped with the latest generation of the multimedia system MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience. As standard it include a large screen Cockpit as 12.3-inch/31.2 cm screens arranged next to each other for a widescreen look.
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 centre console, the media display changes and individual elements are highlighted.
With its predictive functions, MBUX can anticipate the driver’s wishes – such as a regularly used navigation destination.
The new GLE has a considerably longer wheelbase than its predecessor, which has increased by 80 mm, so legroom in the second seat row has increased by 69 mm. Headroom in the rear with the standard, fixed rear seat unit and 40:20:40 backrest division has increased by 35 mm.
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 100 millimetres, 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.
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 825 litres behind the rear seats, and up to 2 055 litres when the second seat row is folded down. A 72 mm increase in through-loading width allows bulky items to be stowed more easily.
“The GLE exhibits iconic Mercedes-Benz design while remaining true to its character as an off-roader,” says Selvin Govender, Marketing Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa. “With its design idiom it perfectly embodies our design philosophy of sensual purity, thus representing modern luxury. The interior derives its fascination from the contrast between the luxurious and elegant design and the digital high-tech of our MBUX system.”
The new GLE has a Cd figure from 0,29, the best in its segment. This is also a significant improvement over the preceding model (Cd 0,32). The good aerodynamic properties make a key contribution to low fuel consumption under everyday conditions.
The new GLE sees the debut of the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems giving cooperative support to the driver.
When Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adaptation is active, the new GLE is able to respond to LiveTraffic info – ideally before the driver or the radar and camera sensors detect the hold-up or hazard. When a traffic jam is detected, the speed is reduced by way of precaution to 100 km/h, unless the driver specifically decides otherwise.
Once the tailback dissolves, the GLE accelerates back up to the set speed and where traffic signs specify a different speed, Active Speed Limit Assist automatically selects the signposted speed limit.
A totally new feature of Active Brake Assist in the Driving Assistance package is the turning-off function, which comes into play when the driver intends to turn off across the oncoming lane: in the event of a risk of collision with oncoming traffic, the GLE can carry out autonomous braking.
Energising seat kinetics is another new feature. This supports beneficial changes in seated posture by means of minute movements of the seat cushion and backrest when on a journey.
In all variants of the new GLE, power is transmitted by the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. With the four cylinder engines, 4MATIC all-wheel drive is realised with a transfer case which transmits the drive torque to the axles in a fixed ratio of 50:50 percent.
A transfer case with an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch is used in the GLE 450 or GLE 400d. This allows a variable transfer of drive torque from 0%-100% (torque on demand) between the axles. Also new, and available as an option, is a transfer case specially configured for superior off-road driving characteristics.
In addition to the controlled multi-disc clutch with torque-ondemand function, this has a reduction gear set and an automatic locking effect from 0–100 percent for off-road driving.
And, just when you thought tech had little wiggle room left – there is Magic Vision Control, which has undergone further development for the new GLE and saves up to 50% of washer fluid compared to a conventional system – while ensuring a perfect view to the front.
The intelligent system precisely meters the washer fluid according to the prevailing conditions, e.g. the ambient temperature and road speed. The warm washer fluid is distributed onto the windscreen along the entire length of the wiper blades by sophisticated channels and hoses, always on the side towards which the blade is currently moving. Accordingly the washing procedure can be fully automated according to the current conditions. Corresponding washer programmes are stored in the control unit of the wiper motor.
The new GLE Models:
| GLE 300 d 4MATIC | GLE 400 d 4MATIC | GLE 450 4MATIC | |
| Number of cylinders/arrangement | 4/in-line | 6/in-line | 6/in-line |
| Displacement (cc) | 1950 | 2925 | 2999 |
| Rated output (kW) | 180 | 243 | 270 |
| at rpm | 4200 | 3600-4000 | 5500-6100 |
| Extra output from EQ Boost (kW/hp) | – | – | 16/22 |
| Rated torque (Nm) | 500 | 700 | 500 |
| at rpm | 1600-2400 | 1200-3000 | 1600-4500 |
| Add. torque from ECO Boost (Nm) | – | – | 250 |
| Fuel consumption combined (l/100 km) | 6.4-6.1 | 7,5-7,0 | 9.4-8.3 |
| Combined CO2 emissions (g/km) | 161-169 | 184-199 | 190-214 |
| Emission class | Euro 6d-TEMP | Euro 6d | Euro 6d-TEMP |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s) | 7.2 | 5.8 | 5.7 |
| Top speed (km/h) | 225 | 240 | 250 |
| Starting Retail Price | R 1 210 500 | R1 351 200 | R1 329 400 |
