Mercedes-Benz has waited for the LA Auto Show to
announce U.S. pricing for the all-new 2020 GLE SUV. The BMW X5 rival offers three
models in the United States: the GLE 350, the GLE 350 4Matic, and the GLE 450
4Matic.
The base rear-wheel-drive GLE 350 starts at US$ 53,700
while the upgrade to the GLE 350 4Matic with standard all-wheel drive will set
you back US$ 56,200. As for the range-topping GLE 450 4Matic, it starts at US$ 61,150. All prices exclude a US$ 995 destination and delivery fee.
The 2020 Mercedes GLE 350 and GLE 350 4Matic feature
a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine rated at 255 hp and 370 Nm of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic packs a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbo unit
with EQ Boost 48-volt technology for a total of 362 hp and 500 Nm of torque. Regardless of the engine choice, the 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic
transmission is standard.
The GLE 450 4Matic offers access to the optional
E-Active Body Control suspension that allows individual control of the spring
and damping forces at each wheel. Mercedes claims the sophisticated suspension
enhances on-road comfort thanks to Road Surface Scan and a curve inclination
function, as well as off-road capability. For example, the Free-driving mode
helps to rock the GLE free by raising and lowering the suspension level if it
becomes bogged down.
Standard equipment on the 2020 Mercedes GLE includes
the dual-12.3-inch MBUX infotainment system with voice control, Mercedes-Benz
Navigation, LED headlamps, Hands-Free Access, as well as safety features such
as Blind Spot Assist and Active Parking Assist. New optional features include the
larger panoramic sliding sunroof with a 50-percent larger viewing area, 4-Zone
Climate Control, Inductive Wireless Charging, and Active Stop-and-Go Assist.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4Matic and GLE 450
4Matic will arrive in U.S. dealerships in spring 2019, followed by the GLE 350
in the summer.
