Mercedes-Benz has completely redesigned its best-selling SUV in the market. The new Mercedes-Benz GLE features include a more attractive front and rear end and significant measures that enable new emissions and driving system performance benchmarks. Compared to the preceding model series, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are lowered by an average of 17% across the entire engine range. In addition, Mercedes-Benz now offers a plug-in hybrid vehicle, the GLE 500 e 4MATIC, for the first time in the company's SUV history. The GLE 500 e 4MATIC combines optimum economy with outstanding performance. This multi-talent will further improve the already low fuel consumption of the GLE 250 d's four-cylinder diesel engine while keeping the performance of a V8 variant. The new GLE's benefits include superior on- and off-road performance, exceptional interior space, and a high degree of active and passive safety. Simultaneously, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC high-performance SUV makes its world debut.
"With cutting-edge and efficient drive technology, superior ride quality, and the versatility and robustness associated with SUVs, the new GLE has all the ingredients necessary to continue the success story of our best-seller," says Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz Cars. Exceptional safety and a high degree of driving dynamics on and off the road are among the luxury SUV's other qualities. Additionally, the GLE impresses with ground-breaking assistance systems, the nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox, and the ground-breaking DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling control system, which comes standard with numerous driving and off-road programs.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE experience is enhanced by the distinctive design with the signature C-pillar and the flexible inside with the wellness factor associated with a premium saloon vehicle. "Often imitated, seldom equaled - the M-Class launched the luxury SUV market in 1997 and has remained one of the world's most successful cars since. The edition will cross the 1.6 million milestones with the introduction of the GLE, "Källenius continued. Additionally, Tobias Moers, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH's Board of Management, stated: "Mercedes-AMG is in a powerful and confident position with the new GLE 63 and seven additional performance SUV models ranging from the GLA 45 to the G 65 AMG. The predecessors' three generations were all quite popular. In the rapidly developing SUV market, we have the ideal performance car for any particular taste."
Diesel and hybrid drivetrains: economy meets driving pleasure
Along with its attractive appearance, the changeable driving experience enabled by DYNAMIC SELECT, and knowledgeable assistance technologies from the E- and S-Class, the GLE impresses with a broad engine lineup.
The GLE 250 d's 204-horsepower four-cylinder diesel engine delivers exceptional performance while maintaining this car class's all-time low fuel economy. It is the world's first full-size SUV in production with a conventional drivetrain that produces less than 140 grams of CO2/km (52.3 mpg)
The Mercedes-Benz GLE 500 e 4MATIC's system output of 442 hp ensures outstanding CO2 emissions of 78 g/km (85.6 mpg). Moreover, the GLE 500 e 4MATIC sets the standard for its market sector with 16.7 kWh/62 miles fuel consumption. Additionally, the hybrid variant can drive entirely on electricity for up to 18.5 miles.
GLE 500 e 4MATIC: SUV meets plug-in hybrid technology
The new GLE 500 e 4MATIC with plug-in hybrid drive combines the performance and refinement of a V8 engine with the fuel economy and mobility of a three-liter vehicle. The driving system is comprised of a BlueDIRECT V6 direct-injection petrol engine producing 333 hp and a hybrid module producing 116 hp. The peak torque of the system is a whopping 650 Nm. Along with excellent acceleration via the boost function, the unique system drive also features all-electric driving up to 80 mph, optimized energy recovery via the intelligent operating strategy, and comfort features such as pre-entry climate adjustment in the summer and winter.
The tiny hybrid module is entirely incorporated into the automatic transmission's seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS. The energy produced is stored in a lithium-ion battery with an 8.8 kWh capacity that can be recharged at public charging stations, at home using the wall box charger, or by a standard 220-volt power outlet. The charging period is around two hours when using the wall box charger or the charging station.
The most efficient driving approach has always been anticipatory driving with little braking and acceleration. However, this is much more critical in a hybrid vehicle, as braking maneuvers are utilized to collect kinetic energy and deliver deceleration. Furthermore, the route or traffic also affects how efficiently the high-voltage battery is charged and discharged. As a result, the intelligent drive system management assists the driver in adopting the most efficient driving style through specialized control techniques.
Along with the equally economical and powerful four-cylinder diesel engine offered in the GLE 250 d and GLE 250 d 4MATIC models, the GLE 350 d 4MATIC features a proven V6 diesel engine delivering 258 horsepower and a substantial torque of 620 Nm. In addition, a comprehensive suite of steps reduces fuel consumption by approximately 9% over the previous generation, achieving 44.1 mpg (NEDC combined). The changes include a reworked engine control unit with combustion management, which manages diesel fuel injection for each cylinder in response to the combustion air, particularly during the warm-up period. The emissions- and fuel-saving solutions include a turbocharger optimization, a reworked EGR valve, and a new demand-controlled rotary vane oil pump.
With the introduction of the GLE generation, all diesel variants will come standard with the nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox. The transmission has a novel type of torque converter with high efficiency of 92% and a wide range of 9.15 between the nine gears. Both contribute to the GLE models' remarkable energy efficiency. A twin-turbine torsional damper equipped with a centrifugal pendulum and a torque converter lock-up clutch fitted with a return spring assures the brand's signature ultra-refined functioning. The 9G-TRONIC impresses with outstanding agility and reactivity or poised calm, depending on the mode selected for the DYNAMIC SELECT variable dynamic handling control system. This technique maximizes the potential of the new transmission. It impresses with quick gear changes and seamless transitions for intense sprinting, as well as with soft, scarcely detectable gear changes for pleasurable cruising and with gear-change methods optimized for terrain traction.
Mercedes-Benz has reorganized its popular SUV model lineup. The multipurpose all-rounders' names will always include a G as a nod to the famous G-Class. In addition, each instance has a three-letter abbreviation for the label. An L always follows the G; the third letter aids in orienting within the SUV lineup, which is based on Mercedes-passenger Benz's vehicle model range. @via Spare wheel and Mercedes.
