Daily Trust

GA4, GS3 designed for young Nigerians - GAC

Finding strength with Mercedes GLE SUV

- From Abdullatee­f Aliyu, Lagos

Since its introducti­on to the Nigerian market last year, the GLE SUV has become one of the most sought-after vehicles in its class boosting the SUV sales globally in 2019 and making the Mercedes-Benz SUV segment the strongest in sales.

In response to the continuous­ly increasing demand for this midsize SUV, Weststar Associates Limited, Authorized General Distributo­r of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria said more units of the 2020 GLE SUV.

Some major highlights of the GLE SUV include topnotch innovation­s that completely reconceive the SUV trendsette­r in comparison to its predecesso­rs.

Features like the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL, the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz assistance systems, the fully variable 4MATIC all-wheel drive which is now available for all GLE models, seating comfort with correspond­ing interior spaciousne­ss and MBUX, have played a part in the success of the GLE SUV.

The exterior design of the GLE SUV exudes an incredibly powerful presence. The front view emphasizes this with its upright radiator grille in an octagonal SUV interpreta­tion; the prominent chrome-plated under guard and the bonnet with two powerdomes.

The distinctiv­e headlamp design is another key feature as it comes with MULTIBEAM LED lights which cover a distance of more than 650 metres. The side view highlights the wide C-pillar typical of the GLE, large wheels in sizes from 18 to 22 inches and the pillared roof rails. The rear view on the other hand stands out with the rear lights, reflectors and chrome plated under guard.

The interior design of the GLE SUV is luxuriousl­y elegant and powerfully progressiv­e. It comes with a sporty and stylish cockpit design in the dashboard.

The dashboard also flows into the door panels while the trim extends around the driver and front passenger areas to meet the doors. The sport steering wheel comes with a striking, sculptured spoke design emphasizin­g the impressive appearance of the SUV’s interior. Other features include good ergonomics, flowing leather surfaces, a broad area of trim and flush-fitting sun blinds.

As a world first in the SUV segment, a second seat row with six fully electric adjustment­s is also available. Another key highlight is the luggage capacity which is up to 825 litres behind the rear seats and up to 2055 litres when the second seat row is folded down.

The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) is another key highlight in the GLE SUV. Since its introducti­on in 2018, the infotainme­nt system has kept on providing robust flexibilit­ies

“Making it affordable and accessible will see most Nigerians adopt in the new normal in today’s time. It will be great to simply charge my car at home like a mobile phone and drive around at no fuel cost. Kona offers just that ease to the consumers.”

Some of the electric features of the Kona include smart key (FOB) and button start; alternator management system (AMS) W.MICOM; battery saver; electric parking brake with auto hold; side plus curtain airbags, child anchor upper and lower ear, child lock manual, halogen head lamp (low projection), auto light control, daytime running light, dedicated LED, position lamp, among several others.

Governor Babajide SanwoOlu who unveiled the vehicle described it as a 21st century technology which is unmatched. He said electric vehicles are the future of automobile­s and vowed that the state government would play its part by partnering with interested firms to set up charging points across the state.

The managing director of Stallion VON Mr. Manish Rohtagi said the arrival of Kona is just a tip of the offerings the Stallion Group has in stock to transform the automobile industry in Nigeria. a dynamic blend of innovation and

creativity with exteriors following the unique design

traditions of GAC.

The interior looked and felt livelier

with numerous chrome-coated parts, and

many other features created with practicali­ty

and comfort in mind for a young Nigerian audience.

A lucky winner of a brand new

GA4 Car, 19-years old Paul Ndube Idafum

from Badagry was unveiled at the event. He was

selected from one of the numerous live audiences

of the event on social media. and advancemen­ts in enhancing user experience­s.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC comes with a 6-cylinder petrol engine systematic­ally electrifie­d with 48volt technology (EQ Boost). It has an estimated output of 270 kW (367 hp) and torque of 500 Nm.

It also boasts of other unrivalled functions in its segment like the Active Brake Assist which helps the driver to brake in good time when approachin­g the end of a tailback; the Active Steering Assist, Active Stop-and-Go Assist and the Active Blind Spot Assist which helps lower the risk of a collision with other road users as it monitors the blind spot when at a standstill, and can warn the driver of approachin­g vehicles, motorcycle­s or bicycles when opening the door.

“The new generation GLE SUV has enjoyed a great amount of success in this market as our dealers continue to receive large orders for this product. We are most sincerely thankful to our customers who have remained loyal to our MercedesBe­nz brand that continuous­ly meets and exceeds expectatio­ns” -Managing Director/CEO, Weststar Associates Limited, Mirko Plath said.

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