Mercedes-Benz has thoroughly revised its best-seller in the SUV segment. The highlights of the new GLE include a more appealing front and rear and extensive measures which make new benchmarks with regard to emissions and the drive system possible. Across the available engine range, fuel consumption and CO2emissions are reduced by 17 per cent on average compared with the predecessor model series.
For the first time in its SUV history, Mercedes-Benz offers a plug-in hybrid model, the GLE 500 e 4MATIC, which combines maximum efficiency with outstanding performance. This multi-talent will even better the already low fuel consumption figures of the efficiency champion the GLE 250 d with the four-cylinder diesel engine, while delivering the performance of a V8 model. The advantages of the new GLE furthermore include best on-road and off-road handling, outstanding spaciousness and high levels of active and passive safety. The high-performance SUV model, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC, celebrates world première at the same time. Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz Cars, characterises the newest member of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family,
“State-of-the-art and efficient drive technology, combined with superior ride quality and the versatility and robustness typical for SUVs – the new GLE has all the ingredients to continue the success story of our best-seller.”
Outstanding safety and a high level of driving dynamics both on the road and in terrain are among the other strengths of the premium SUV. Furthermore, the GLE impresses with ground-breaking assistance systems, the nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and the innovative DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling control system, which offers extensive drive and off-road programmes already in basic specification.
The unmistakable design with the hallmark C-pillar and the variable interior with the wellness factor of a luxurious saloon model enrich the Mercedes-Benz GLE experience as well. Källenius went on to say,
“Often copied, rarely equalled – the M-Class established the segment of premium SUVs in 1997 and since then has been one of the most successful models in the world. With the launch of the GLE, the edition will surpass the 1.6 million mark.”
Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, added,
“With the new GLE 63 and seven additional performance SUV models from the GLA 45 AMG to the G 65 AMG, Mercedes-AMG is in an extremely strong and very confident position. All three generations of the predecessors were highly popular. We offer the right performance automobile for every individual taste in the further growing SUV segment.”
GLE 500 e 4MATIC: plug-in hybrid technology meets SUV
The new GLE 500 e 4MATIC with plug-in hybrid drive combines the power and refinement of a V8 engine with the fuel consumption of a three-litre car and the versatility of a premium SUV. The drive system components comprise a BlueDIRECT V6 direct-injection petrol engine with 333 hp and a hybrid module with 116 hp of electric power. The system peak torque is a massive 650 Newton metres. In addition to impressive acceleration thanks to the boost function, the innovative system drive also offers all-electric driving at speeds up to 80 mph, optimised energy recovery thanks to the intelligent operating strategy and comfort functions such as pre-entry climate control in summer and winter.
A selector switch on the centre console and the instrument cluster offer the driver a choice between four specific operating modes:
- HYBRID: the system controls automatically select the most sensible operating mode with combustion engine and/or electric motor for optimising the overall energy balance
- E-MODE: all-electric driving
- E-SAVE: this mode preserves the current state of charge of the battery to be able to drive on all-electric power at a later time, for example in urban traffic
- CHARGE: battery is charged while driving and when the vehicle is stationary
The compact hybrid module is fully integrated into the seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. The electrical energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery with an energy content of 8.8 kWh, which can be recharged using public charging stations, the wallbox charger at home or on a conventional 220 volt power outlet. The charging time using the wallbox charger or the charging station is around two hours.
Intelligent drive system management
The best strategy for efficient driving has always been anticipatory driving without unnecessary braking and accelerating. This is even more important in a hybrid model: because braking manoeuvres serve not only to deliver deceleration, but are also used to recover kinetic energy. The route or the traffic also has influence on the most efficient charging and discharging of the high-voltage battery. For this reason the intelligent drive system management aids the driver with specific control strategies in adopting the most efficient driving style.
| GLE 500 e 4MATIC | |
| Engine | Twin-turbo V6, direct injection, electric motor |
| Displacement cc | 2996 |
| Combustion engine hp at rpm | 333 hp @ 5250-6000 |
| Electric motor kW/hp | 85/116 |
| System output (kW/hp) | 325/442 |
| Combustion engine Nm at rpm |
480 1600-4000 |
| Electric motor Nm | 340 |
| System torque | 650 |
| Fuel consumption (mpg) (NEDC combined) |
85.6 |
| CO2 g/km | 78 |
| Electric range km | 30 |
| Power consumption kWh/62 miles |
16.7 |
| Emissions standard | EU 6 |
| Transmission | Based on 7G-TRONIC |
| Drive system | 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system |
| Length/width/height mm | 4819/1935/1840 |
| Wheelbase mm | 3075 |
| Wheels Tyres |
8.5 J x 19 255/50 R 19 |
Gallery
Source; Mercedse-Benz
