Versatile: the Mercedes-Benz GLE and its sporty offshoot, the GLE Coupé, are just as suitable for families and leisure time as they are for long-distance journeys and transporting loads. 4MATIC, which comes as standard in Europe, ensures that you can get through even in poor traction conditions or off-road terrain on gradients of up to 100 percent. A towing load of up to 3.5 tonnes makes it possible to pull a horse trailer, a valuable classic car or a larger caravan.
Mercedes-Benz has now updated the exterior, interior, technology and equipment of the model generation launched in 2018. The updated models will reach dealers in Europe from July 2023. The engine range is now electrified throughout. It includes mild hybrids with a 48-volt system and Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) as well as fourth-generation plug-in hybrids. Most models now have more power than the previous versions. The biggest is the increase with 30 kW on the GLE 400 e 4MATIC.
The Driving Assistance Package contains further improved specific functions, for example for the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist and Traffic Sign Assist. The Parking Package with 360°camera supports the driver when manoeuvring into and out of parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. Another new feature is the "transparent bonnet" function. If the off-road drive program is switched on, the central display shows a virtual view under the front of the vehicle - helping to make this noticeably easier in steep terrain. Helpful features for towing include the Trailer Manoeuvring Assist, the updated Trailer menu in the central display and the Trailer route planner. It can be used to find optimised routes when travelling with a trailer.
Equipment: designed for off-road use and towing a trailer
Most drivers of a GLE only travel on paved roads or in easy to moderately difficult off-road terrain. Mercedes-Benz has therefore recompiled the scope of the Off-Road Engineering Package in order to be able to offer it at a much lower price for the purely combustion-engined models of the GLE. Components include an underride guard and, in combination with AIRMATIC air suspension (optional extra), 30 millimetres more ground clearance.
The "Off-Road Mode" in the current MBUX generation turns special content such as gradient, roll angle, compass and steering angle into a visual experience. In conjunction with the optional Parking Package with 360° camera, it offers the "transparent bonnet" function. When the Off-Road Mode is active, the central display shows a virtual view under the front of the vehicle, including the front wheels and their steering position. The view is composed of the images from the 360° camera. The "transparent bonnet" is extremely helpful: it enables the driver to better recognise obstacles such as large stones or deep potholes in his/her path. This function also offers advantages when driving over ramps or crests.
The GLE pulls off even more: all-wheel drive and a gear ratio designed for traction enable a high towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes and a tongue weight of up to 140 kg. The fully electric trailer coupling is particularly convenient: via a button in the tailgate or a panel on the central display, the ball neck together with the socket for the trailer electrics is swung out from under the car at the touch of a button and automatically fixed in the operating position. After use, it retracts back into its rest position behind the bumper equally effortlessly. A special feature is also provided for those who do not use the coupling to tow a trailer, but to carry bicycles for example: the trailer coupling has two extra bolts on the ball neck to carry a suitable cycle rack safely. Its load capacity is 100 kg - this means that e-bikes can also be taken along.
Powertrain: systematic electrification
Thanks to mild hybrids with 48-volt technology and the Integrated Starter Generator as well as plug-in hybrids, the GLE SUV and GLE Coupé are now electrified throughout. The plug-in hybrids have been upgraded to the latest, fourth generation.
The plug-in hybrids have a permanently excited 100 kW synchronous machine and offer a system output of up to 280 kW as well as a system torque of up to 750 Nm. With slightly increased electric ranges of up to 109 kilometres according to WLTP, most everyday journeys can be covered purely electrically. The improved hybrid drive program provides the electric driving mode for the most appropriate sections of the route. On routes in urban areas, for example, the GLE prioritises electric driving. Thanks to an Off-Road drive program, the plug-in hybrids can now also drive electrically in off-road terrain.
An 11 kW charger is now on board the plug-in hybrid models for charging from the domestic AC mains or the three-phase wallbox. In addition, an optional 60 kW DC fast charger is available on request. Most models now have more power than the previous versions. The biggest is the increase with 30 kW on the GLE 400 e 4MATIC.
Electrified motors and modified suspension
The GLE53 4MATIC+ combines sportiness with a high level of everyday practicality. The exterior exudes more hallmark AMG class than ever. The basis for the sporty driving experience is provided by the unchanged 320 kW (435 hp) 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with twin turbochargers. With the help of a software update and a larger turbocharger, the AMG development department increased the maximum torque from 520 Nm to 560 Nm. Furthermore, the engine now responds to driving commands with extra spontaneity and added agility. Acceleration from zero to 100 km is also more dynamic at 5.0 seconds (previously 5.3 seconds).
The GLE63 S 4MATIC+ stands for pure AMG Driving Performance - whatever the terrain. It appeals to customers who have no desire to compromise. Here, extreme sportiness meets good off-road driving characteristics and reliable operation in everyday life. In the '63' models, the proven AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with an output of 450 kW (612 hp) ensures powerful propulsion. As an option, customers of the '53' models can also order the suspension of the GLE63 S 4MATIC+. Fine-tuning of the software for the configuration of the ESP®, the electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential, the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and the suspension control system delivers a dynamic and superior driving experience for all models.
Both engines are electrified by means of an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and a 48-volt electrical system. The ISG combines starter and alternator in one powerful electric motor and is installed between the engine and the transmission. The ISG also performs hybrid functions. These include boosting, recuperation, load point shifting, sailing and the almost imperceptible restarting of the engine during the start/stop function.
Also common to all AMG GLE models are the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension with adaptive adjustable damping. AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL active roll stabilisation is fitted as standard in the '63' models and is available as an option for the '53' models. It works with two electromechanical actuators on the front and rear axles. The system reduces body roll when cornering and allows more precise tuning of the turn-in ability and load change behaviour. Ride comfort during straightline driving is also improved, because any excitations caused by uneven road surfaces on one side are balanced out. As part of the facelift, the roll stabilisation and air suspension also benefited from a software update and a new set-up. These measures increase the spread between dynamic handling and comfort.
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