Mercedes-Benz Takes a Fresh An’GLE’
Mercedes-Benz’ subtly facelifted GLE wagon, 7-seater and Coupe range now benefits significantly advanced tech, too.
Mercedes-Benz says that its seven-seater GLE wagon, and GLE Coupe define class in the luxury SUV segment. That’s a sentiment we’ve tended to concur with over time.
There were however aspects that were becoming a touch concerned with as the GLE more recently aged like wine. Happily, however, that has now mostly been addressed too.
Squint to see the GLE style changes
Merc this week launched the subtly facelifted and significantly tech advanced GLE in South Africa. Now available in 7-seater wagon or sleek Coupe, both carry fresh styling touches that you may need to squint to see. GLE more importantly now also benefits Benz’ latest, more intelligent, even more immersive MBUX User Experience infotainment, along with a new GLE 450 d model in a now fully 48-volt electrified range.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE, albeit then called ML, pioneered the premium SUV segment back in ‘97. Built as always at Merc’s Tuscaloosa, USA plant, this version was released in 2018. It now benefits its customary mid-life nip-and-tuck. That starts with detail and style changes including a revised two-bar grille, and a fresh front bumper and trim tweaks.
New grille, LED DRL lights, colors
Add a new two-point DRL signature for the LED headlamps, or four-point on optional Multibeam LEDs. The 7-seater GLE’s taillight style has not escaped attention with a twin horizontal block signet, or two bars on the GLE Coupé. It now comes standard in AMG Line get-up with a star pattern diamond grille. There are AMG front apron, side panels and wheel arch cladding. And there’s a new metallic blue and a solid grey colours too.
Hop aboard to the biggest GLE step in Mercedes’ latest, more holistic, and aesthetic MBUX ‘My Mercedes’ 12.3-inch intelligent digital infotainment. Now with wireless CarPlay and Auto, the new car also brings great hardware and software strides. The smart latest-generation sensor surface multifunction steering wheel is also new. It runs the 12.3 inch driver display to the right and central displays to on the left.
The major GLE strides are inside
Other cabin strides include new chrome look real galvanized metal air vents. A broad palette of interior options from classic to progressive stretches to a particularly sporty AMG Line option. Add ambient lighting and premium 590 watt Burmester surround audio with Dolby Atmos and 13 separate amplifier speaker channels. And optional Energizing air quality control.
Slipping under the bonnet, The US range includes a 255 HP 295 lb.-ft 20 mpg 2-litre turbo gas four-pot GLE 350 4Matic SUV said to get to 60 mph in 7 seconds Next up, the 375 hp 369 lb-ft 19 mpg GLE 450 4Matic 3-litre straight 6 turbo is good for 5.3 seconds to sixty. The 381 HP 479 lb.-ft TBA mpg plug-In hybrid GLE 450e goes 60 in 5.8 seconds, while the 510 HP 538 lb.-ft 15 mpg 4-litre biturbo V8 GLE 580 4Matic SUV will sprint to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds.
All GLE models now gain a 10 HP 280 lb.-ft e-boost
European and other countries like us in South Africa, get a different range. Two turbodiesels and a gas turbo make up our GLE range. The 265 HP 405 lb.-ft 32 mpg 2-litre four pot is called 300 d. It’s good for 60 km/h in 6.9 seconds and surges on to a 140 mph top speed. The 362 HP 553 HP 2,989 cc straight six 450 d sips 29 mpg but matches the same US market gas 450’s 5.6 second 0-60 and 155 mph top speed.
Most models now have more power than previous versions thanks to that electrified 10 HP 280 lb.-ft 48-volt integrated starter generator mild hybrid boost applied across the range.
US Mercedes GLE Base Prices 350 4Matic SUV $62,650 450 4Matic SUV $69,500 450e 4Matic SUV $69,500 580 4MATIC SUV $86,700
Images: Mercedes-Benz