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The article is about the base GLE450. The 4MATIC model currently starts at $54,700. Say base W167 is $58k. That’s a long ways from $100k. I’d guess you’ll be able to get that option for $70-75k. On the S450 & 560 MAGIC BODY CONTROL with CURVE function is $4,450 and requires the Driver Assistance Package at $2,250. It does not appear to be available on the 4MATIC versions of those cars.
Last edited by GregW / Oregon; Aug 3, 2018 at 09:59 AM.
While Mercedes claims to be the first with this technology, the 1990 Toyota Leopard F31 was equipped with the "Duet-SS Super Sonic Suspension" II system that was also installed on other NIssan vehicles at the time, which featured a sonar module mounted under the front bumper that scanned the road surface and adjusted the suspension accordingly via actuators mounted on the strut towers. Certainly more primitive than MBC, but amazing to think that was 28 years ago!
Last edited by GregW / Oregon; Aug 3, 2018 at 10:19 AM.
In reading the various articles it looks like the GLE will have the X5 beat easily in suspension tech the way it drives on road and off road. The GLE53 will be the sweetheart of the range. I wouldn't be surprised to see a GLE 350 return with the 299hp 4-cylinder engine. The same engine that was supposed to go into the U.S. market E350 before they decided not to.
New Mercedes GLE Has Only 2 Or 3 Bolts In Common With The Old One
From Motor1.com 8.3.18:
The GLE’s roots can be traced back to the second half of 2011 when Mercedes introduced the third-generation ML-Class. The name change reflecting the SUV’s connection in size with the E-Class happened in 2015, but the underpinnings remained pretty much the same. What we’re trying to say here is that the midsize SUV is getting a bit long in the tooth, especially when compared to its much newer rivals, but not to worry as a completely revamped GLE will be unveiled in the months to come.
Some of our media colleagues had the privilege of taking near-production prototypes for a quick spin and were also allowed to have a brief look at the specs sheet. Auto Express is reporting the new-gen model is 80 millimeters (3.1 inches) longer than its predecessor and it now stretches at 4.93 meters (194 inches). If you’re wondering about how many components have been carried over from the old one, you’ll be happy to hear only “two or three bolts” were borrowed, according to project manager for GLE development, Stefanie Schmitz.
Chief engineer and head of testing, Rüdiger Rutz, admitted the Range Rover is a better performer off-road compared to the outgoing GLE, but things will change with the next generation as it has been engineered to be more competent on difficult terrain. Mercedes' Active Body Control has been further tweaked for this purpose, while the Off-Road Plus setting will jack up the SUV by 50 mm (nearly 2 inches).
Steel springs will come as standard on the cheaper versions, but those willing to fork out more money will have the option of an air suspension ensuring a silky smooth ride. A front-mounted camera will scan the road up ahead and will send info to the suspension that will automatically adjust itself so those inside the cabin won’t be bothered by the road’s imperfections.
Engine details are limited for the time being, but we do know the GLE 450 will rely on the company’s newly developed inline-six 3.0-liter helped by an electric motor. It will work with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a standard 4Matic AWD setup, with up to 100 percent of the power channeled to the rear axle and as much as 65 percent sent to the front wheels. At an additional cost, Mercedes will sell the GLE with an optional two-speed transfer case for those in need of a truly competent and luxurious off-roader.
Riding on the Mercedes High Architecture (MHA), the next-gen GLE will source some of the tech from the S-Class flagship and will be available with huge 21-inch wheels part of an optional sport package. Hotter versions of the GLE will include the mild hybrid 53 and eventually a new range-topping 63, while a GLE Coupe will follow with a nearly identical specs sheet.
Mercedes has already kicked off the teaser campaign for the overhauled GLE, so expect an official reveal to take place before the year’s end.
Hey folks. I've been following the thread as bits of info dribble out. The new GLE is certainly shaping up to be a great SUV. We finally decided to just get two 2018 E Class Sedans. My partner's is a Polar White E300 and today, I picked up an Iridium Silver E400. They're just the right cars for us at this time. They're pretty terrific and both are 100% paid for!
I hope this has not already been discussed but this youtube video review has:
Touch screen and MBUX
3rd row option
Electric engine each wheel
Bouncing hooptie like (LOL)
Electric rear seats
Two V8 engines
4" wheelbase increase (10 cm)
What’s the attraction with the “off road thing”. How many of us would take a Luxury SUV on a serious off road trek. For one thing the tires would be destroyed quickly. I know it’s done but..... Once a year the LR guys meet in Moab Utah for off road driving but they are very limited. The high center of gravity isn’t conducive to off camber terrain. I have seen a $100G+ LR drop into Devils bathtub and climb out with wet tires. It’s probably a 60-70 degree angle up and down with barely room to clear the bumpers before starting up the other side. Impressive! To my knowledge they never do any serious off roading it’s more like a rally. What’s the point? We take our Polaris RZR side by sides pretty much anywhere we want to go and with a faster, far better ride.
I’ll reserve judgement on the new suspension because I’m satisfied with the existing air. Are they trying to solve a problem that doesn’t exist? Bragging rights? How many dealerships will have the ability and parts to fix the inevitable malfunction. I don’t normally shy away from new tech and after riding in one may change my mind. It would seem to make a low profile tire on 21”or 22” wheels have a better ride. I prefer sporty handling so probably in the minority here.
A friend has 21” with low profile on his Merc. and blew 2 tires and bent a rim when he hit a pothole. He was returning from California and it happened in W. Nevada. It was 4 hours waiting for a wrecker and the return to a town. Then he had to fly home and return 2 weeks later to retrieve his vehicle. Finding a wheel for a 2 year old M was not easy. Freak deal but that’s the downside of LP tires.
What has the rumor mill said about the GLE 53.. Will it be available straight at launch or will it be a delayed release? Counting the days for Paris Auto Show.
What has the rumor mill said about the GLE 53.. Will it be available straight at launch or will it be a delayed release? Counting the days for Paris Auto Show.
From a Moror1 Article:"The new Mercedes GLE is expected to show up before the end of the year, or early in 2019. Underhood of the standard model should come the same mild-hybrid, inline-six turbocharged powerplant found on cars like the E-Class. On the sedan it produces 362 horsepower (269 kilowatts) and 369 pound-feet (500 Newton-meters) of torque from the engine, alongside an extra 21 hp (15 kW) and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) from the electric motor.
As for the hotted-up AMG models, don’t expect to see them until at least late 2019 or early 2020. The GLE 53 will be the first to arrive, and could come with the same hybrid inline-six, while the more potent GLE 63 should get a powerful V8. Spy videos show the high-powered 63 model with what appears to be a V8 underhood. "
The video posted at #335 is very telling. The new adjustable back seating is a great addition. But I also notice MB finally moved away from the current headrest design that caused problems for smaller children. Here are two pics taken from the video:
Thank you E55 KEV for posting that video, it's probably the best one we've seen yet, but what a pity the presenter wasn't allowed to take the camo fabric off the dashboard! Oh well, in time I guess.
Also thanks to the other fellow members who have sourced information on the W167 and shared it with us all, especially GregW / Oregon and JoeMa!!
The W167 looks like it's going to be a total game changer. Some of those features in the video are very cool, but the most exciting part for me is the return of the non-AMG V8 from the S560, which we can assume will be a GLE560. My fingers are now crossed hoping that MBAuP allows it be available in Australia. My W166 ML500 was the best car I've ever owned, and ever since I sold it I've regretted it. Unfortunately, a new GLE500 was no longer available last year so I bought the GLS as I still wanted the non-AMG V8. This was a bad decision on my behalf, as it is way too big for me and it really drives like a truck. I really miss the car-like nimbleness of the ML so I'm very excited about the W167 GLE, even more so now!
As always, safe & happy motoring everyone!!
Last edited by Benz Werd; Aug 6, 2018 at 07:10 AM.
I’ll reserve judgement on the new suspension because I’m satisfied with the existing air. Are they trying to solve a problem that doesn’t exist? Bragging rights? How many dealerships will have the ability and parts to fix the inevitable malfunction. I don’t normally shy away from new tech and after riding in one may change my mind. It would seem to make a low profile tire on 21”or 22” wheels have a better ride. I prefer sporty handling so probably in the minority here.
A friend has 21” with low profile on his Merc. and blew 2 tires and bent a rim when he hit a pothole. He was returning from California and it happened in W. Nevada. It was 4 hours waiting for a wrecker and the return to a town. Then he had to fly home and return 2 weeks later to retrieve his vehicle. Finding a wheel for a 2 year old M was not easy. Freak deal but that’s the downside of LP tires.
The Magic Body Control suspension option is intriguing, but the complexity would give me pause - will likely be prone to problems after warranty and expensive to fix. I will still consider it, though. Theoretically it will make damage to low profile wheels less likely as it adjusts wheel extension in real time to potholes or bumps. The Handling Package with Active Curve and 20s on my '12 definitely improves handling in the twisty stuff and I will want something that is at least equal to that.
I hope this has not already been discussed but this youtube video review has:
Touch screen and MBUX
3rd row option
Electric engine each wheel
Bouncing hooptie like (LOL)
Electric rear seats
Two V8 engines
4" wheelbase increase (10 cm)
Hope the Paris Auto Show debut is correct - that's less than 2 months away (10/4). Previous rumor was LA at end of November.
Last edited by GregW / Oregon; Aug 6, 2018 at 12:11 PM.
The Magic Body Control suspension option is intriguing, but the complexity would give me pause - will likely be prone to problems after warranty and expensive to fix. I will still consider it, though. Theoretically it will make damage to low profile wheels less likely as it adjusts wheel extension in real time to potholes or bumps. The Handling Package with Active Curve and 20s on my '12 definitely improves handling in the twisty stuff and I will want something that is at least equal to that.
Hey Greg, have you searched the S Class forum for posts from owners with Magic Body Control? It's an intriguing for me as well so if you find anything of note, please post it.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
