The New Mercedes-Benz GLE: Intelligent Command
From the premium car maker Mercedes-Benz comes this new GLE sport utility vehicle (SUV) offering exceptional agility on the road and superior off-road capability thanks to modern drive technology in particular, an area where this prestige German brand has now, once again, made significant advances.
In fact, the new GLE features a total of around 3,000 new or revised components (don’t worry; we’re not going to list them here), presenting itself as a comprehensively modernised SUV. Distinct lighting details give the front a more striking character for example with two horizontally arranged star motifs in the headlamps create a bold new visual signature. The illuminated central star and contour lighting of the larger grille optionally ensure an impressive presence.
MB.OS
A special mention here for the latest ‘Mercedes-Benz Operating System’ (MB.OS), which is new to this model series, transforming the GLE into an even more intelligent companion that understands, anticipates and evolves with its driver. MB.OS now integrates and controls every aspect of the vehicle. This supercomputer utilises artificial intelligence (AI) and powerful chips and is connected to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud via the standard fit ‘MBUX Superscreen’ bringing the digital world into the GLE.
The Powerful Exterior
The new Mercedes-Benz GLE fits harmoniously into the current Mercedes-Benz design ethos while retaining the character of this perennially popular off-roader. The new front bumper gives the vehicle a more enhanced visual presence on the road. Inside the redesigned headlights, two horizontally arranged star motifs and a distinctive visor create a striking new light signature. When the Digital Light’ headlamps are activated, refined blue ambient lighting appears beneath the stars, adding an exclusive, high-quality detail.
The black panel seamlessly unites the headlamps and larger radiator grille into one harmonious unit. At the centre, the iconic star is set within a bold, optionally illuminated chrome frame and is surrounded by the unmistakable Mercedes-Benz pattern. The side air-intake grilles are further enhanced by a subtle Mercedes-Benz pattern. Additional highlights include the new generation exterior mirrors with a high-gloss black mirror base and a matching connection to the body. The large area under-ride guard emphasises the GLE’s SUV strength and capability.
Both rear light clusters feature a pair of three-dimensional star emblems framed in chrome for increased recognition. A design trim in the tailgate visually combines the lights into a single element and emphasises the width of the GLE.
‘E‑Active Body Control’ regulates each wheel individually and stabilises the body in almost every situation. The control units analyse the driving situation 1,000 times per second and adapts the suspension accordingly. Over longer artificial speed bumps say, the GLE glides effortlessly, almost as if it’s floating on air; it’s that good. Thanks to a new cloud-based damper regulation with ‘AIRMATIC’, the vehicle automatically adjusts the damping just before encountering a bump.
Digital Light
As mentioned above, the new GLE offers the latest ‘Digital Light’ generation with micro‑LED technology and a powerful chip as an option. The high-resolution lighting field is thus increased by around forty per cent, enabling increased brightness for the high beam and for road projections. At the same time, the light module consumes up to 50% less energy than its predecessor. The headlamps themselves also contribute to the careful use of resources: they offer the same customer experience but are more than twenty-five percent lighter than their predecessors. This is due to the more compact design of the micro-LED and only one control unit. As indicated, software components are integrated into the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) and were predominantly developed in-house.
A Premium Interior
New trim elements and additional comfort features significantly enhance the interior of the GLE SUV model. The outer air vents for the first row of seats are now oval instead of square, seamlessly integrated into the ambient lighting and framing the impressive ‘MBUX Superscreen’ on both sides which offers a range of atmospheric ambient styles, available via a dedicated app. Each welcome animation is created with exceptional attention to detail, offering moods that range from calm to intense, cold to warm, and technical to emotional. These designs give drivers and passengers the freedom to create a highly personal atmosphere inside the vehicle and enjoy the brand‑typical home-like ambience. The colour schemes of the instrument cluster, including the tube scales and the ambient lighting, are precisely coordinated with these emotional motifs.
Comfort seats with a new 3D design and elegant moccasin stitching combine modern aesthetics with an enriching seating experience. Mercedes-Benz has streamlined its product range based on customer feedback, they say, and the standard comfort seats now include electric adjustment of the seat cushion depth and the headrests as well as the steering wheel. As an alternative to the comfort seats, a ‘Sports Seat Package’ is available for the AMG Line trim level. There’s a large glass panoramic roof too.
New prestige design elements and comfort features elevate the interior, while the steering wheel adopts the much-appreciated ‘rocker-and-roller’ control concept. The standard ‘MBUX Superscreen’ brings the digital world into the GLE. Three 12.3 inch displays are located under a large glass surface. The MBUX ‘Zero Layer’ displays the most important information and recommendations in the configurable footer bar. Users also have the option of arranging their apps as they wish and grouping them in self-named folders, making access a highly intuitive and personal experience. More than 40 apps are currently available, covering audio, video, gaming and a range of other services.
For those lovers of a really good spatial display, the ‘3D driver display’ is available again as an option. At the touch of a button, it switches into 3D mode. Yet high-tech delivering genuine customer benefits extends beyond the driver’s seat: For front passengers the standard display enables them to view dynamic content while the vehicle is in motion. TV or video streaming is available from Disney+, YouTube, and ‘RIDEVU’ (in selected markets only) and more local providers.
A camera-based system monitors whether the driver is still looking ahead at the road. If there is a risk of distraction, the image on the passenger display is automatically dimmed. Front passengers can operate the content via the touchscreen and, in the case of content with sound, listen to the audio signals via Bluetooth headphones or the cabin sound system. High-tech indeed.
The Power
The motive power options are many and varied so here are the broad outlines: With the introduction of a new engine range, the new GLE models offers an improved driving experience. Numerous technical innovations enhance agility from the outset, while delivering impressive pulling power even on country roads. At the same time, the engines are already designed to meet future emissions standards and provide the brand’s hallmark high level of acoustic and vibration comfort.
The top-of-the-range V8 model, the ‘GLE 580 4MATIC’, is now noticeably more responsive in the important partial load range. Its rated power has increased to 530BHP (537PS / 395 kW), a small increase over the current model. Maximum torque of 750 Nm (up from the 730 Nm previously) is available across a wide rev range from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. The V8 responds more quickly, operates more efficiently, and delivers power more smoothly than before. The injection system, the exhaust after-treatment with particulate filter, the intake and exhaust ports of the cylinder head, and the intake camshaft have also been optimised compared with the previous engine.
Alternatively, the ‘GLE 450 4MATIC’, with the six-cylinder petrol engine now responds even more quickly and conveys an even more refined driving experience as more torque is available, especially in the partial load range. Further, the ‘GLE 450e 4MATIC’ plug-in hybrid is also based on this new, in-line six-cylinder engine and benefits from the comprehensive redesign. With an increase in power output compared with its predecessor, it delivers even smoother gear changes and an even more refined driving experience. Advanced technologies such as petrol particulate filters and pressure tanks are now standard fit worldwide, underlining Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to efficiency and future-ready performance.
Thanks to a newly design MBUX menu structure, everyday use is even easier, from programming a departure time for charging to pre-conditioning the vehicle for maximum comfort before every journey.
Also, and for the first time, there are two six-cylinder diesel models, both equipped with an electric heating catalyst. This brings the exhaust system up to the optimum temperature range early on and ensures that the temperature remains within the desired range throughout the entire driving cycle. The engine block (crank case) and cylinder head are made of aluminium, which makes the engine lighter overall, reducing the weight on the front axle and improving handling.
All petrol and diesel engines have an integrated starter generator (ISG). The latter provides intelligent support in the low-speed range. When combined with turbocharging, this ensures outstanding power delivery. The system includes a 48-volt electrical system, which enables functions such as coasting, boost and recuperation, resulting in significant fuel savings. In addition, the engines start incredibly quickly and comfortably with the help of the ISG.
MHH International With Mercedes-Benz
MHH International offer a wide range of exclusive Mercedes-Benz vehicles for export (ask about VAT-free options) from the UK to twenty-seven worldwide destinations, including New Zealand and Kenya. You can see the current stock here.
