Mercedes-Benz GLE launched
Farewell ML, welcome GLE - complete with inevitable Range Rover Sport SVR humbling AMG version
The important details as far as Mercedes is concerned are its first plug-in hybrid SUV, Dynamic Select configurability and new LED tail lights. The important details for PH relate to the AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic (don't forget the naming switch around) and its update.
Uber SUVs may not be your cup of tea but there's no doubting their popularity or absurd performance. The GLE 63 produces 585hp from the familiar 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8, accompanied by 560lb ft from 1,750-5,250rpm. That makes it more powerful than the Range Rover Sport SVR, BMW X5 M and Porsche Cayenne Turbo S. That will most likely matter to quite a few customers. The 0-62mph is dispatched in 4.2 seconds (the Porsche is faster...) with top speed limited to 155mph or 174 depending on which option boxes are ticked. Kerbweight? Don't ask.
Mercedes claims the chassis has been "completely revised to deliver even better driving dynamics and agility." Throttle response and shift times are said to be improved too. So there we are, another way to offend every person in sight will be available soon.
The rest of the GLE range is comprised of the 500e 4Matic plus 250 and 350 diesels. That hybrid will of course compete with BMW's recently announced X5 xDrive40e. Contain your excitement now. The Mercedes combines the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 seen in the E400 with a 116hp electric motor to produce 442hp and 479lb ft. That performance allied to 85.6mpg and 78g/km makes a case that's annoyingly hard to argue with, at least by the numbers.
The Dynamic Select system seen in both the AMG GT and C63 is further modified for use in the GLE. There's an off-road setting for "mild terrain" and an 'off-road plus' mode if the 'Off-Road Engineering package' has been specified. That gives the GLE a 100 per cent inter-axle diff lock, Airmatic suspension that has up to 285mm of ground clearance and a fording depth of 600mm. Y'know, in case it has rained in the M&S car park.
The GLE now has an "even more harmonious interior" than the ML in case you weren't sold already. So there's a larger media display (not quite as tablet-esque as some other Mercs), fresh colours including ginger beige (really) and new standard equipment including Crosswind Assist.
The GLE is still recognisably an ML from the outside, albeit refreshed with the new Mercedes corporate face and those LED lights. For the GLE 63 the standard rims are 20s, with 21s on the extras list. It "impresses with dominance" supposedly.
Mercedes will release the GLE in the UK this September following a debut at the New York show next week. Prices to be confirmed nearer the time.
I like the way they just quietly slip in the 585hp AMG at the top of the range without any fanfare or fuss (take note Range Rover SVR).
I think they have never got the rear right,
a kind of eyesore in my opinion.
One thing Mercedes should change soon as well, is the naming.
I am getting much to old and uninterested now, to follow there
confusing naming.
Maybe they should offer lessons: "Mercedes naming for dummies"?
Not too sure on this one, have to see it in the flesh I guess but from the pictures it does look a lot better than BMW's effort.
As for the screen comments, mentioned this before but Merc does it because apparently (and I quote) "Women get a sense of familiarity with it because it looks just like their iPad". Their words, not mine!
I should look familiar, it's just a new ML.
Only they cleared up the naming:
GLA = A-class "SUV"
GLC = C-class "SUV" = former GLK
GLE = E-class "SUV" = former ML
GLS = S-class "SUV" = former GL
It's a nice clear up of the range imho.
PS : GL stands for "Geländewagen", which translates literally to "Terrain Car"
Maybe its just me, but I've seen better Chinese knock-offs than the styling on these. From this angle in particular, I think it looks terrible, and certainly not like a Mercedes.
The 2nd generation ML wasn't actually bad looking for an SUV, but this looks like a monstrosity!
I think they have never got the rear right,
a kind of eyesore in my opinion.
One thing Mercedes should change soon as well, is the naming.
I am getting much to old and uninterested now, to follow there
confusing naming.
Maybe they should offer lessons: "Mercedes naming for dummies"?
A, C, E, S
GLA, GLC, GLE, GLS
CLK -> C coupe/E coupe
CL -> S coupe
...
BMW apparently is doing just the reverse of that :/
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff