Mercedes-Benz will officially launch its latest SUV in the upcoming New York Auto Show scheduled on April 1. But days before the vehicle’s official introduction to the global motoring community, the German automaker has already offered a sneak peak to the GLE-Class SUV.
The GLE-Class SUV will be the official successor to the ML-Class SUV, and it promises consumers a trim level that ushers the brand’s traditional appearance but nonetheless raising up the ante in terms of power and comfort luxury.
The expected launch of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV at the New York Auto Show will come at the heels of the successful debut of the car manufacturer’s GLE-Class Coupe at the Detroit Auto Show in January this year.
The switch from the ML line to the GLE line is part of Mercedes-Benz new branding strategy as the newly-renamed class comes with improved styling, upgraded drivetrains, and improved fuel efficiency.
In terms of exterior, the GLE-Class SUV features new headlights, taillights, and bumpers that reflect distinct resemblance to the GLE-Class Coupe, notes the Autoblog.
The interior of the GLE-Class SUV is similar to the GLE-Class Coupe highlighted by the multi-function steering wheel and the large infotainment display right in the center of the dashboard. There is also a center-console-mounted dial controller located just below the touch-screen display.
Upgraded drivetrains
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV also comes with a lot of improved technical features and significant upgrading of its drivetrains. The carmaker will actually be offering the GLE-Class with a choice of seven engine variants, all of these offer 17% less fuel consumption than the previous model.
The base model SUV will be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder GLE 250d diesel engine which is capable of dishing off 204 horsepower. It will have fuel consumption of 5.4 liters for every 100 kilometers
There is also the 3.0-liter GLE 350d V6 diesel engine which produces maximum power of 258.3 horsepower and 620 Newton-meters of torque. This particular engine has fuel efficiency ratings of 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers.
For gasoline engines, there is the 3.0-liter GLE 400 twin turbo V6 engine capable of exuding maximum power of 333 horsepower and a maximum torque of 480 Newton-meters. It also has a remarkable fuel efficiency rating of 8.8 liters per 100 kilometers. There is also the powerful 4.7-liter GLE 500 twin turbo V8 engine that produces maximum power of 435 horsepower and maximum torque of 700 Newton-meters.
Other technical features
The Merceds-Benz GLE-Class SUV also features a first-in-its-class nine-speed automatic transmission complemented by a Dynamic Select system that adjusts suspension and driveline settings for different kinds of driving conditions.
The SUV also comes with active safety features including autonomous energy braking and lane-keeping assistance to prevent collision and accidents. Given its extreme power under the hood, the GLE-Class SUV is capable of towing a trailer that can be loaded up to 3,500 kilograms.