The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is ending to make way for a facelifted version with a new GLE designation. It complements the previously introduced hybrid coupe and SUV , the plug-in hybrid version is new.
The changes, especially in the front part, faithfully reflect the GLE Coupé presented in Detroit, the revised lights, optionally made of LEDs, are complemented by a more prominent radiator grille and a more robustly shaped bumper. The rear benefits from LED lights and a redesigned bumper with a new tailpipe. A less visible change is the different design of the roof rails, while customization enthusiasts can choose from several new looks for the alloy wheels. A separate chapter is the sporty AMG design with a very massive front bumper, a different grille, 20-inch lightweight wheels, a roof spoiler and a diffuser with four exhaust tips.
The interior is somewhere halfway between the old M-Class and the new GLE. Although the basic lines are still reminiscent of the outgoing model, the multifunctional steering wheel or the free-standing seven-inch display of the multimedia system are among the novelties. The palette of upholstery colors and the range of decors have been revised, including aluminum, carbon, wood or piano black, for example. The sporty design boasts anatomical seats, a differently shaped steering wheel or specially designed decors.
A complete novelty under the hood of a large Mercedes SUV is a plug-in hybrid system, sold as the GLE 500 e 4Matic . The three-liter six-cylinder BlueDIRECT cooperates with the electric motor, built into the seven-speed automatic 7G-Tronic Plus , and with a combined power of 442 horsepower and a torque of 650 Nm, this combination claims only 3.3 l/100 km. Thanks to the 8.8 kWh lithium-ion batteries , the plug-in hybrid can travel 30 emission-free kilometers at a maximum speed of 130 km/h. The driver can choose from Hybrid, E-Mode, E-Save or Charge modes while driving.
Other power units use pure gasoline or diesel. A three-liter six-cylinder twinturbo gasoline engine with a power of 333 hp and a torque of 480 Nm bubbles under the hood of the GLE 400 4Matic , a 4.7-liter eight-cylinder twinturbo with a power of 435 hp and a torque of 700 Nm is in the guts of the GLE 500 4Matic . Those who prefer a more economical drive can go for the GLE 250 d (optionally with all-wheel drive) with a 2.1-liter four-cylinder engine with an output of 204 hp and a torque of 480 Nm, or the GLE 350 d 4Matic with a three-liter six-cylinder engine with an output of 258 hp and a torque of 620 Nm. Both diesels have a nine-speed automatic transmission. The classic GLE also features a Dynamic Select driving mode selector with Individual, Comfort, Slippery and Sport modes. All-wheel drive versions also have an Off-road mode, models with the additional Off-Road Engineering package also have the Off-road+ mode in addition to the Airmatic air suspension (ground clearance up to 285 mm and wading depth up to 600 mm).
The highlight of the offer is the already mentioned Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 4Matic with a 5.5-liter twinturbo eight-cylinder engine with an output of 557 hp and a torque of 700 Nm, respectively the GLE 63 S 4Matic with the same drive unit tuned to 585 hp and 760 Nm. In both cases, the car has a seven-speed automatic, if you go for the weaker version, expect acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, the more powerful AMG can do it in 4.2 seconds. The maximum speed of 250 km/h is the same for both models.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
