Mercedes-Benz on Tuesday unveiled the newest generation of its midsize crossover SUV GLE which hit the showrooms first in 1997. Keeping up at par at its rivals in the same segment, Mercedes-Benz has put in extreme attention to make it tech-savvy while retaining the luxury and comfort.
What's New?
The 2020 GLE has undergone major revamp from its wheel to the driver. Starting with the standard equipment, available throughout all the variants of the model, the new crossover SUV will be available with the Mercedes-Benz's new MBUX touchscreen infotainment and navigation system enabled with Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto. A total of five phones can be charged at once with the help of its numerous charging ports.
Additions to safety features on the new GLE includes blind spot assists and automatic emergency braking along with new ultrabright LED headlights and taillights. However, what stands out as one of the most special features in the new GLE is an automated system which plays a sound in an event of a rear-end collision that will trigger the occupant's stapedius reflex to limit the hearing damage.
The company claims that it has worked relentlessly towards drag reduction in the new model. The new GLE has spoilers which can be found on the fenders ahead of each wheel, on the wheels, around the taillights and on the D-pillars.
The engine
Buyers have an option to chose between two engine models that comprise either of a 2.0-litre turbo four engine that puts out 255bhp and 370 Nm of torque, or a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine that produces 362 bhp and 500 Nm of torque combines with a 21bhp mild hybrid boost. Both the engines are mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The company claims that the new GLE is equipped with a new electric active suspension system, called as Mercedes' E-Active Body Control. The system which runs on the SUV's 48-volt circuit scans the road in front and prepares each corner of the car for any upcoming undulations on the road.
The company claims that the new GLE is equipped with a new electric active suspension system, called as Mercedes' E-Active Body Control. The system which runs on the SUV's 48-volt circuit scans the road in front and prepares each corner of the car for any upcoming undulations on the road.
Executives say
"The new GLE is not only more comfortable than ever before on the road, but also shows its superior off-road character off the beaten track," stated Ola K¤llenius, corporate research lead at Daimler and Mercedes-Benz, in the vehicle's press release. "This alone shows our determination to reinforce our claim to leadership in the SUV segment."
"Significantly more space in the interior, the new control concept, considerably extended and refined driver assistance systems, the best aerodynamics in the segment, a completely new range of engines and numerous other innovations emphatically underline this."
Need to know
The SUV which will be launched by next will be done so in three variants including the GLE 350 with the 2.0-litre engine and optional 4-Matic all-wheel drive and the GLE 450 which carries the 3.0-litre engine and has the E-Active electric active damping and air suspension as an option. The company has not yet revealed the pricing on the models.
