COVER Mercedes’ new GLE
Latest mid-size SUV revealed with fresh look, seven-seat option in roomier interior, plus new infotainment and safety tech
Wraps come off classier, higher-tech SUV with seven seats
MERCEDES’ product onslaught continues: a week after the firm revealed its Tesla-rivalling electric EQC, the wraps are off its all-new GLE SUV.
Making its public debut at the Paris Motor Show next month, the new GLE will go on sale in early 2019 with a range of four, six and eight-cylinder engines, as well as plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Externally, the GLE is still recognisable as the brand’s mid-size SUV. The new rival to the BMW X5 and Audi Q7 takes an evolutionary approach to design, with a big, bold front end, large grille and sharp LED lights. The back end gets a subtle update as well, with a blackedout D-pillar and slimmer tail-lights.
The wheelbase has been stretched by 80mm over its predecessor, which Mercedes says creates “significantly more space, especially for passengers in the rear”. Headroom has been boosted by 33mm, too, while buyers will be able to spec electrically operated seatbacks for improved comfort. The 825-litre boot is 125 litres bigger than before, and a total volume of 2,055 litres puts the GLE on par with the biggest cars in its class. Mercedes will also offer the GLE with the option of seven seats for the first time.
Up front is a version of the dual-screen infotainment system found in the S-class. Mercedes claims all the switchgear is new, while haptic and acoustic feedback should ensure the display is easy to use. The two 12.3-inch screens sit above four air vents and the cabin is covered in wood, metal and leather.
The new GLE will come with a whole host of clever safety kit and driver assistance systems, including Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC. This set-up detects and responds to tailbacks with the help of built-in Livetraffic software, and can alert the car to potential hazards.
The new GLE gets ‘fully networked’ hydropneumatic E-active Body Control suspension. Working in conjunction with the newly developed air springs, the system can control the damping at each individual wheel to counteract roll.
Two engines will be offered in the GLE at launch in the UK: one petrol and one diesel. The GLE 450 4MATIC gets a 362bhp in-line six-cylinder petrol unit, using 48-volt technology to improve performance and lower CO2 emissions. Mercedes claims this unit is capable of up to 34mpg, with CO2 emissions as low as 190g/km. A more economical GLE 300 d 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel will also be available. All models will come with a nine-speed automatic gearbox.
Later, Mercedes will add a GLE 350 de diesel plug-in hybrid, as well as a pair of six-cylinder diesel (350 d and 400 d) engines. Higher-powered models will also be paired with a clever 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, which is able to send up to 100 per cent of its torque to either axle on demand.
The range-topping AMG versions aren’t expected to arrive until 2020, at which point a GLE Coupé will also be added to the line-up.
Specifications will be revealed later, but as with the outgoing model, Mercedes UK will only offer the GLE in AMG Line trim. The basic diesel car is expected to start at around £54,000 before any options are added.
BMW X5 rival to make debut at next month’s Paris Motor Show
Will launch with diesel and petrol engines; hybrid to follow