Reinvention of the pioneer of Premium SUVs
The new Mercedes-Benz GLE comes packed with innovations. For example, as a world first, the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL active suspension based on a 48-volt electrical network. The driving assistance systems take a step further with the incorporation of the active traffic jam assistant. The cabin is now even more spacious and comfortable. A third row of seats can be added as optional equipment. The infotainment system uses larger format screens, a full-color Head-up-Display with a definition of 720 x 240 pixels and the MBUX interior assistant, capable of recognizing movements of the occupants' hands and arms and speeding up the management of the different functions. The exterior design conveys elegance and power and sets a new record for aerodynamic efficiency in the SUV segment. On market launch in early 2019, the GLE will be available with an all-new lineup of engines. The new 4MATIC all-wheel drive is a guarantee of high agility on the road and excellent performance off the asphalt. Later the range of powertrains will be expanded with a long-range plug-in hybrid variant. Prices for the new GLE will be announced at the end of autumn, when the ordering period for the new model opens.
«The new GLE is more comfortable than ever on the road, and displays excellent off-road capability when driving off-road. “This reveals the determination with which we pursue our goal of pioneering the SUV segment,” explains Ola Källenius, Head of Group Research at Daimler AG and Development at Mercedes-Benz Cars. "A significantly more spacious interior, a new driving concept, more numerous and sophisticated assistance systems, the best aerodynamic parameters in its segment, a completely new engine range and many other innovations clearly underline this aspiration."
“The GLE boasts the iconic Mercedes-Benz design and remains faithful to the original character of the off-road vehicle,” says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer of Daimler AG. «With its characteristic features it perfectly embodies our design philosophy, based on sensual clarity, while representing modern luxury. The fascination exerted by the interior results from the bipolarity between an elegant and luxurious aesthetic and the advanced digital technology of our MBUX system.» The new GLE achieves the best mark in its segment in the field of aerodynamics, with an aerodynamic drag coefficient cx starting at 0,29.
Mercedes-Benz founded the premium SUV segment in 1997 with the launch of the M-Class. In autumn 2015, this model range belonging to the E-Class family was renamed GLE, thus underlining its position as an SUV. . Currently, the star brand has seven models in the SUV category – GLA, GLC, GLC Coupé, GLE, GLE Coupé, GLS and G-Class – and enjoys undisputed success in this segment. The presentation of the new Mercedes-Benz GLE to the interested public will take place on the occasion of the Paris International Motor Show (October 4 to 14, 2018). Arrival at dealerships in the United States and Europe is scheduled for early 2019, and in China from spring 2019. The GLE is manufactured in Tuscaloosa (Alabama/USA).
The five most important innovations of the new GLE:
- E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL. Active, fully interconnected hydropneumatic suspension, based on a 48-volt electrical network and combined for the first time with a newly developed air suspension. This is the first system available on the market that makes it possible to independently regulate the damping and suspension forces on each wheel. Consequently, it is capable of effectively neutralizing rolling, pitching and lifting movements of the body.
- Active assistant for withholdings. This equipment, which is part of the GLE's driving assistance systems, is able to recognize a traffic jam in time, actively help the driver when driving in slow traffic up to a speed of approximately 60 km/h and even assist him in keeping the time. to create a corridor to allow access to rescue services.
- Active brake assist turning function. If the driver is about to turn left across the opposite road, and the system detects the danger of a collision, the GLE can automatically brake within the speed range typical for turning maneuvers.
- 4MATIC. Models with a 6- and 8-cylinder engine or with a plug-in hybrid drive can be equipped for the first time with fully variable all-wheel drive (Torque on Demand, TonD) that regulates the distribution of engine torque between the front and rear axle within a range of 0 to 100%, depending on the selected driving program. In combination with the Offroad package, a fully variable all-wheel drive (TonD) with low range and high range ratios is offered as a world first. In this way, the GLE is more suitable than ever for driving on any terrain.
- Seat comfort. The new GLE has a much wider wheelbase (80 mm larger) than its predecessor, which translates into greater habitability inside. The optional fully electrically adjustable second-row seats are particularly comfortable. A third row of seats is available as an option.
