This is the new Mercedes-Benz GLE. everything you need to know

Successor to the now-defunct M-Class, the new Mercedes-Benz GLE will soon experience a new generation. A revised 'wire to wick' model to face heavy competition: Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, BMW X5, Range Rover and Lexus RX.

In aesthetic terms, the new GLE presents itself with renewed exterior lines, in full accordance with the current design philosophy of Mercedes-Benz, designated by the brand of «Sensual Purity».

The best aerodynamic coefficient in the segment

With the new design, the aerodynamics were also reinforced. Mercedes-Benz guarantees that the new GLE has the best aerodynamics in the segment, just 0.29 Cd. Thanks not only to a series of measures to optimize the grille and mirrors, but also to the introduction of numerous spoilers, aerodynamic wheels with measurements between 18 and 22 inches and aerodynamically optimized tires.

More space and comfort

In the passenger compartment, there will be more space and comfort, in particular in the area of the rear seats, the result of an increase of 8 cm in the wheelbase, which came to guarantee a growth of 6.9 cm in legroom, in addition to 3 more .3 cm in headroom. This, from a 40:20:40 back-folding rear seat.

As for the front seats, there is also better access and habitability, thanks to an A-pillar now more upright, while at the rear the luggage compartment registers improved access (+7.2 cm), in addition to a load capacity of 825 liters — or 2,055 liters, with the second row of seats folded down.

Improved MBUX

Speaking of technology, we highlight the availability of the new information and entertainment system “Mercedes-Benz User eXperience”, or MBUX, although improved compared to the Class A, with two large screens (31.2 cm) placed side by side -side, as standard, and the optional MBUX Interior Assist — basically a gesture recognition system, to which are added around 40 new functions.

New is also the latest generation Head-Up Display system, with a resolution of 720 x 240 pixels and extended projection distance.

E-Active Body Control for greater effectiveness

In the driving chapter, technological evolution involves the introduction of the new active hydropneumatic suspension E-Active Body Control, which regulates the suspension on each wheel independently, and which, in the new Mercedes-Benz GLE, is interconnected with the electrical system of 48 V, for the first time, in combination with the equally newly developed air suspension.

This new air suspension system manages to counteract not only body heeling, but also vertical sway and sag.

Highlight also for the Active Tailback Assist, a driving assistance system that makes it possible to recognize other vehicles earlier, support the driver in congested traffic at up to 60 km/h and even help open an emergency lane for emergency services to pass; Active Brake Assist turn off function; and the availability of the 4MATIC all-variable all-wheel drive system on the new in-line six-cylinder and eight-cylinder engines as well as plug-in hybrids.

Start on gasoline only

The launch of the new Mercedes-Benz GLE will take place with a single engine, the GLE 450 4MATIC, whose base is a new in-line six-cylinder gasoline engine, delivering 367 hp and 500 Nm. 48V electrical system (EQ Boost technology), can benefit from more 22 HP and 220 Nm, for short periods of time.

Later on, other engines will arrive, not just Diesel, but also a plug-in hybrid solution.

It only arrives in 2019

Manufactured in Tuscaloosa, in the North American state of Alabama, the new Mercedes-Benz GLE has an official presentation to the public scheduled for the next Paris Motor Show, between October 4 and 14, 2018, followed by commercialization, whose start only it will take place in early 2019 — first in European and US markets, and then in spring in China.