Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV officially revealed!

After unveiling the GLE-Class SUV coupe and the GLE63 S Coupe, Mercedes-Benz has officially revealed the all new GLE-Class SUV, in both, its regular and AMG avatars. The German car maker claims that across the available engine range, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced by around 17% in comparison to the outgoing model (M-Class). All diesel models will be equipped with the nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard.

The immediately tangible change, is the new front fascia that features a similar design and styling pattern as the new GLE-Coupe, C-Class and S-Class. This can be mainly attributed to the new headlamps. The front grille features two thick slats, the front bumper has been tweaked and gets revised air vents, and a silver skid plate. At the back, the SUV features restyled tail lamps and more sporty tail-pipes. The GLE is more of an evolutionary upgrade and it largely serves the purpose of switching over to the new model nomenclature.

On the inside, the GLE gets a revised multi-function steering wheel, the audio 20 CD infotainment system with a 7-inch display and silver lined AC vents with a gloss black surround. The centre console houses the COMAND controller with the touchpad fitted above and the SUV is available with interior colours such as ginger beige, espresso brown, saddle brown or porcelain, which are combined with black interior elements.

The GLE will be offered with a total of 5 engine options, featuring four, six or eight cylinders. Given below are their details:

• GLE 400 4MATIC: 3.0L, twin-turbo V6 that makes 328.5 BHP and 480 Nm of torque.
• GLE 500 4MATIC: 4.7L, twin-turbo V8 that makes 429 BHP and 700 Nm of torque.
• GLE 250 d/250 d 4MATIC: 2.1L, 4 cylinder turbo-diesel that makes 201 BHP and 480 Nm of torque.
• GLE 350 d 4MATIC: 3.0L, V6 turbo-diesel that makes 255 BHP and 620 Nm of torque.
• GLE 63 AMG: 5.5L, V8 that makes 550 BHP and 700 Nm of torque.
• GLE 63 AMG S: 5.5L, V8 that makes 577 BHP and 760 Nm of torque.

The GLE will also be the first Mercedes SUV to feature a plug-in hybrid variant. The GLE 500 e 4MATIC uses a 3.0L, BlueDIRECT V6 direct-injection petrol engine that works in tandem with a 114 BHP electric module. The peak torque comes in at 650 Nm. Transmission duties are carried out by a seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic gearbox. On electric power alone, the SUV can hit a top speed of 130 km/h.