Home > SHORTS > DOWN THE ROAD > Trendsetter reconceived

Trendsetter reconceived

With a new control concept, innovative driving assistants, a new engine range, and significantly more space, the new Mercedes-Benz GLE – expected in South Africa in the first half of 2019 – is set to continue the SUV trend pioneered by its predecessors.

Mercedes-Benz founded the premium SUV segment with the launch of the M-Class over forty years ago, and since 2015 the model family has borne the name GLE, emphasising its positioning as a mid-size SUV in the E-Class model family.

Since 1977 more than two million customers have purchased the M-class and its off-road successors, making the GLE the bestselling SUV in the history of Mercedes-Benz – now consisting of seven models (GLA, GLC, GLC Coupé, GLE, GLE Coupé, GLS, and G-Class).

Presented to the public for the first time at the Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris last month the new GLE bristles with innovative technology to take on the recently launched BMW X5, the Jaguar F-Pace, the new Audi Q7, and Porsche Cayenne models.

Improved aerodynamics

Compared to the more angular lines of the new X5 and Q7, the new GLE follows the more rounded design of the smaller GLC, and its face – less imposing than that of the X5 – is defined by an octagonal upright grille with two louvres that frame the large three-pointed star on its nose.

The bonnet features two power domes that provide added visual might to the front end, and multibeam LED headlights with a range of more than 650 metres light the way forward. It also features a chrome-plated under guard at the front, while at the rear, flared haunches and two-section taillights, as well as an under guard, add road presence.

The new design gives the GLE a best-in-class drag coefficient of 0.29 (previously 0.32), and an 80 mm longer wheelbase significantly improves interior space. Rear passengers now have 69 mm more legroom, and headroom is 33 mm more – making a seven-seater option viable. Luggage capacity has also increased from 690 litres to 825 litres, and 2,055 litres available with the rear seats folded down.

New interior, engines

The GLE is equipped with the latest MBUX infotainment system first previewed on the new A-Class. It incorporates two large sideby-side 12.3-inch screens with configurable layout in four styles (Modern Classic, Sport, Progressive, and Discreet). All in-car functions are easily within reach of the driver, and less switches are to be found in the cockpit.

The MBUX-system controls a wide range of functions, including navigation, gesture prediction, artificial intelligence, in-car comfort settings, and voice control activated by saying “Hey Mercedes”, while a larger, brighter head-up display is available as an option.

A range of six-cylinder and four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines will be offered, with a plug-in hybrid version following later. One model will be the 450 4Matic powered by a six-cylinder petrol engine systematically electrified with 48-volt technology (EQ boost) – offering 270 kW and 500 Nm of torque with additional EQ boost of 250 Nm and 16 kW available for short periods.

All derivatives will use nine-speed automatic transmissions, and all-wheel drive capability in the four-cylinder models is via a transfer case with a fixed torque distribution ratio of 50:50. Other derivatives use a transfer case (and reduction gear set) with multi-disc clutch for variable torque distribution.

Driving assistance

E-Active Body Control, a fully networked hydro-pneumatic active suspension on a 48-volt basis used with a newly developed air suspension for the first time, ensures good ride comfort. This is the only system now available where spring and damping forces can be individually controlled at each wheel.

Other advanced driving assistance systems include Active Tailback Assist and Active Distance Assist Distronic that enables the GLE to recognise tailbacks at an early stage, a Turn-off function of Active Brake Assist, and 4Matic with fully variable all-wheel drive (Torque on Demand, TonD).

Other assistance systems include Active Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. Active Blind Spot Assist with exit warning and Trailer Manoeuvring Assist. Local pricing and specification details are not yet available.

– Paul van Gass