The order books are now open for the next generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLE and for the first time it is being offered to customers as a 7 seater premium SUV. Deliveries are currently expected to begin in Spring 2019 so now would be a good time to register your interest. But, first of all, what does this new GLE offer?
The new GLE is being offered in just two variants initially. A petrol and a diesel. The diesel model is the most affordable. Dubbed the ‘GLE 300 d 4MATIC’ it replaces the GLE 250 d in the previous lineup. This model features a 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder engine which produces a modest 245 horsepower. More significantly, however, is the fact that this engine also produces a massive 500 newton-meters of torque, and that’s an awful lot of pulling power - enough to get the car from 0-60 mph in just 7.2 seconds.
As you would expect the diesel model is the more economical of the two, and the GLE 300 d 4MATIC should return a solid 46 mpg on the combined cycle. There are more economical diesel SUVs on the market, but not many 7 seaters with this level of luxury.
Secondly, there is the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC. This model uses a bigger, beefier 3.0 litre, 6 cylinder petrol engine with the Mercedes ‘EQ boost’ technology. The EQ boost is a 48 volt electric motor which works alongside the engine. This electric input adds an extra 22 horsepower to the 345 horsepower already on offer from the engine. The total output, therefore, is a massive 367 horsepower and the torque figure stands at 500-newton meters, equal to the diesel model. This petrol engine does pack more performance, with a 0-60 mph time of just 5.2 seconds, but naturally, this takes a big chunk out of the economy. The GLE 450 4MATIC will return 33 mpg on the combined cycle, which isn’t hugely impressive but there are worse performers elsewhere on the market.
Aside from the new engines, the GLE also now offers the new MBUX in-car assistant system, which means your car will respond by voice control after a simple ‘Hey Mercedes’ prompt. The GLE now also features the 12.3 inch digital cockpit display and the 12.3 inch touch screen console display, as seen elsewhere in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. If you are yet to see these then you’re in for a treat. It’s a redesign which may sway the trend for future vehicle interiors for years to come.
Other standard features include blind-spot assist, big 20 inch alloy wheels, illuminated grab handles and running boards, LED headlights, tinted windows, oak-wood trim, Nappa leather upholstery (lots of it), heated seats, parking sensors and loads more. The GLE comes absolutely loaded with kit from entry level, but we’re sure that won’t stop the more particular of buyers venturing deep into the options list.
The diesel GLE is on sale now and prices start from £55,685 whereas the petrol starts from £62,300. Is this the luxury seven seater for your family?
