Mercedes has released the full details of its
all-new GLE, the new X5-rivalling premium SUV that can fit for the first time
up to seven passengers. Highlights
include the new 48-volt E-Active Body Control suspension, the MBUX multimedia
system and the new electrified powertrain in the GLE 450 4Matic.
The latter is combining a straight-six petrol engine
with the EQ Boost system, making it a mild hybrid with a set of rather
impressive figures: 362 hp and 500 Nm of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft available from the
EQ Boost over short periods.
Mercedes says that the electrified GLE 450 is
capable of a 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and of a top speed of 250 km/h. A plug-in hybrid version will be added to the range on a later date.
The rest of the US range includes the GLE 350 and GLE 350 4Matic, both powered
by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo with 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. And yes,
there’s an AMG version, complete with a V8.
The Euro-only diesel engine range includes the
four-cylinder GLE 300d 4Matic, offering 241 hp and 500 Nm of
torque; the six-cylinder GLE 350d, with 268 hp and 600 Nm of
torque; and the GLE 400d, with 325 hp and 700 Nm of torque.
The six-cylinder diesel models are the first SUVs in the world to comply with
the Euro 6d emissions standards, which will become mandatory in 2020.
Working in conjunction with the new Airmatic air
suspension, the E-Active Body Control controls the springs and dampers
individually in order to counteract not only body roll but also pitching and
squat. There’s even a special “Curve” function, which makes the new GLE lean
into bends in order to eliminate most of the centrifugal force and further
improve comfort levels.
But perhaps the biggest party trick of the new
E-Active Body Control is its ability to help the GLE free itself if it gets
stuck off-road; the system starts to automatically raise and lower the
suspension several times, improving the ground pressure of the tires. Watching
an SUV rocking itself free is something we need to witness.
The interior features the twin-display setup with
the latest MBUX infotainment system that debuted in the smaller A-Class,
featuring a pair of 12.3-inch screens and the optional Interior Assist voice
control system. The third row of seats is optional while luggage capacity is
now up to 825 liters behind the second row.
