In 1997 Mercedes-Benz founded the premium SUV segment with the launch of the M-Class. More than two million customers have decided in favour of the off-roader since the launch of the M-Class, and the GLE is the bestselling SUV in the history of Mercedes-Benz.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLE will be presented to the public for the first time at the Paris Motor Show (Mondial de l’Automobile) in Paris from 4 to 14 October 2018). It will be in the dealerships in early 2019. The GLE is produced in Tuscaloosa (Alabama/USA).
“The GLE exhibits iconic Mercedes-Benz design while remaining true to its character as an off-roader,” says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer at Daimler AG. “With its design idiom it perfectly embodies our design philosophy of sensual purity, thus representing modern luxury. The interior derives its fascination from the contrast between the luxurious and elegant design and the digital high-tech of our MBUX system.”
Some of the most important innovations in the new GLE are E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL, Active Tailback Assist, Turn-off function and Seating comfort.
The new GLE has a considerably longer wheelbase than its predecessor (2995 mm, plus 80 mm). This creates significantly more space, especially for passengers in the rear.
Even more flexibility is possible with the optional, folding third seat row, which provides two extra seats. Thanks to the Easy Entry function of the fully electrically adjustable second seat row, the two rearmost passengers can conveniently reach their seats.
The GLE is equipped with the latest generation of the multimedia system MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience. This revolutionary system debuts include two large 12.3-inch/ 31.2 cm screens as standard, which are arranged side-by-side for an impressive wide-screen look.
A unique feature of MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience is its learning capability thanks to artificial intelligence. With its predictive functions, MBUX for example, anticipates what the user would like next. For instance, anyone who often telephones with their mother on Tuesdays during the journey home will receive her telephone number as a suggestion in the display on this day of the week. Anyone who regularly switches over to a radio station with news at a certain time receives this as a suggestion.
Also available is a next-generation head‑up display whose resolution of 720 x 240 pixels and extended projection distance sets new standards.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLE will be launched with the new in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine, and other engines including diesels and a plug-in hybrid will follow.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC as the first petrol model is powered by a 6-cylinder engine systematically electrified with 48-volt technology is available on market launch. Its performance data: 367 hp and 369 lb ft of torque.
Numerous other assistants that are available are; Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist with exit warning and the turning-off function of Active Brake Assist is completely new.
