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Johannesburg - The new Mercedes-Benz GLE is full of innovations for 2019. For example, the active suspension system E-Active body control on a 48volt basis is a world first. The new driver assistance systems further increase the level of active safety.
The interior is even more spacious and comfortable, with a third seat row available on request. The infotainment system boasts larger screens and MBUX Interior Assist, which can detect hand and arm movements to assist with control functions.
The GLE will feature a completely new six-cylinder petrol engine and four-cylinder diesel. The new 4MATIC ensures great agility on the road and superior performance off the beaten track.
Image: Motorpress
Powertrain: in-line six-cylinder diesel
The new Mercedes-Benz GLE is the very first SUV anywhere to meet the coming Euro 6d standard. The OM 656 six-cylinder diesel delivers 243kW/700Nm in the GLE 400 d 4MATIC. It’s also the first Mercedes-Benz to be certified to Euro 6d standard. Also available on market launch is the four-cylinder GLE 300 d 4MATIC with 180kW/500Nm.
Image: Motorpress
Six-cylinder petrol engine: electrified with 48-volt technology The first petrol model powered by a six-cylinder engine systematically electrified with 48-volt technology is the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC and is available on market launch.
Its performance data - 270kW/500Nm of torque, with a further 250Nm of torque available via EQ Boost over short periods.
The integrated starter/alternator (ISG) is responsible for hybrid functions such as EQ Boost or energy recuperation, while allowing fuel savings that were previously reserved for high-voltage hybrid technology. In all variants of the new GLE, power is transmitted by the 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.
MBUX: now with Interior Assist
The GLE is equipped with the latest generation of the multimedia system MBUX - Mercedes-Benz User Experience. As standard it includes a large screen Cockpit as 12.3"/31.2cm screens arranged next to each other for a sublime widescreen look. The information of the instrument cluster and media display is easily legible on the large, high-resolution screens. An emotive presentation with brilliant graphics underlines the comprehensibility of the intuitive control structure.
Image: Motorpress
Image: Motorpress
The new, optional MBUX Interior Assist also allows intuitive, natural operation of different comfort and MBUX functions by movement recognition. When a hand approaches the touchscreen or the touchpad on the centre console, the media display changes and individual elements are highlighted.
A unique feature of MBUX - Mercedes-Benz User Experience is its learning capability thanks to artificial intelligence. With its predictive functions, MBUX can anticipate the driver's wishes – such as a regularly used navigation destination.
Interior: more space in the rear and third seat row on request
The new GLE has a considerably longer wheelbase than its predecessor, which has increased by 80 mm. This creates significantly more space, especially for passengers in the rear. Legroom in the second seat row has increased by 69mm. Headroom in the rear with the standard, fixed rear seat unit and 40:20:40 backrest division has increased by 35mm. And because the A-pillar is more upright than before, spaciousness and entry comfort in the first row has been further improved.
Image: Motorpress
As an optional extra, a special second seat row with six fully electric adjustment options is available. The right and left seats can be separately adjusted fore-and-aft by up to 100mm, the backrests are adjustable for angle and foldable in a 40:20:40 ratio, and the head restraints are adjustable for height. The backrest can also be completely folded down electrically, using a switch array in the luggage compartment. As in the previous model, three child seats can be installed next to one another in the second seat row. The outer seats have isofix fastening points.
The luggage capacity is up to 825 litres behind the rear seats, and up to 2055 litres when the second seat row is folded down. A 72mm increase in through-loading width allows bulky items to be stowed more easily.
Even more flexibility is possible with the optional, folding third seat row, which provides two extra seats.
Trailer Manoeuvring Assist: support during slow manoeuvres
Trailer Manoeuvring Assist is new at Mercedes-Benz and optionally available for the GLE in Europe. It particularly makes reversing manoeuvres easier for inexperienced trailer users. Trailer Manoeuvring Assist controls the steering angle of the towing vehicle automatically. An articulation angle sensor in the ball-neck of the trailer coupling supplies the necessary information.
