New-generation Mercedes-Benz GLE checks in for duty

MERCEDES-BENZ Australia/Pacific has confirmed pricing and specification for its fourth-generation large SUV, with the GLE available from launch with three engine options, while at least two more are expected down the line.

The range kicks off with the GLE300d from $99,900 plus on-road costs – $6000 more than GLE’s previous entry-level offering – with it powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that produces 180kW of power and 500Nm of torque.

Checking in at $111,700, the GLE450 is the only member of the trio to run on petrol and feature Mercedes-Benz’s EQ Boost 48V mild-hybrid system.

Specifically, its 270kW/500Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder unit is supplemented by an integrated starter-generator that provides 16kW/250Nm of electrical boost under acceleration.

For now, flagship responsibilities fall to the $118,500 GLE450d that uses a turbo-diesel version of the 3.0-litre straight six to develop a meaty 243kW and 700Nm.

All GLE variants are mated to a nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission that sends drive to all four wheels via Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic system.

For reference, GLE’s key rival, the BMW X5, starts from $112,990 for the 195kW/620Nm xDrive30d, rising to $115,990 for the 250kW/450Nm xDrive40i and $149,900 for the 294kW/760Nm M50d.

Interestingly, the GLE trio features the same list of standard equipment, including 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, puddle lights, aluminium roof rails, illuminated aluminium-style running boards and a power-operated tailgate.

Inside, the German brand’s new MBUX infotainment powers a pair of 12.3-inch displays (central touchscreen and digital instrument cluster). It supports natural voice recognition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and ‘Mercedes me Connect’ smartphone connectivity.

A windshield-projected head-up display, DAB+ digital radio, climate control, heated front seats, LED ambient lighting, Artico leather-accented upholstery, a Nappa-leather-trimmed sports steering wheel and open-pore oak wood trim are among the cabin’s other features.

Advanced driver-assist systems extend to autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep and steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, high-beam assist, surround-view cameras and park assist plus nine airbags.

Various options packages are available, including the $9900 AMG Sport Package (bodykit plus panoramic sunroof, wireless smartphone charging and leather upholstery), the $4800 Night Package (black exterior trim), the $4200 Vision Package (13-speaker Burmester sound system, panoramic sunroof and wireless smartphone charging) and the $6200 Energising Package Plus (massaging front seats, heated front armrests and more).

For the first time since the original M-Class (GLE’s forebear), a seven-seat configuration can be optioned on Mercedes-Benz’s large SUV, with it costing $3900 but also adding power adjustment to the second row.

Meanwhile, the $1900 Towbar Package is fitted from factory and enables GLE’s maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg, with all three variants capable of this figure.

As reported, the GLE line-up will be bolstered by the arrival of the Mercedes-AMG GLE53 in the fourth quarter this year, powered by 320kW/520Nm version of the GLE450’s engine.

In the future, Affalterbach’s new-generation GLE63 is likely to re-join the range with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that punches out more power and torque than its current model’s 430kW/760Nm 5.5-litre unit.

Sales of GLE have taken a significant hit this year in the lead up to the new model’s release, with 210 examples sold to the end of May – a massive 73.1 per cent decrease over the 782 deliveries made during the same period in 2018.

As a result, GLE has fallen to seventh position in the $70,000-plus large-SUV segment, trailing the BMW X5 (1413 units), Range Rover Sport (1160), Lexus RX (718), Porsche Cayenne (633), Land Rover Discovery (499) and Volvo XC90 (459).

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs