Mercedes-Benz Australia has announced pricing and specification for the new Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class range. Featuring comprehensive revisions to the model range, the new Mercedes-Benz GLE again combines luxurious, state-of-the-art appointments, with the versatility and robustness of a premium SUV.
The GLE also integrates the new 9G-TRONIC transmission in the diesel models, the innovative DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling system, and powerful yet efficicient engines to deliver exemplary functionality on the road.
The model range
With the start of the new GLE generation, all diesel models will be equipped with the nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard. The entry level 150 kW four-cylinder GLE 250d diesel model in conjunction with the new 9G-TRONIC transmission delivers outstanding fuel consumption of just 6.0/100km (combined). The entry level model to the range introduces an exceptional array of standard equipment into the range including LED Headlights with the Intelligent Light System, Driver Assistance Package PLUS, 19” Wheels, 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, KEYLESS-GO, an EASY-ENTRY Tailgate and COMAND navigation with the innovative touchpad.
The V6 diesel engine of the GLE 350 d 4MATIC produces 190 kW of power and a hefty 620 Nm of torque. An extensive package of measures makes a cut in fuel consumption from the previous model by approximately nine percent to 6.6 L/100 km (combined). The GLE 400 4MATIC is powered by a direct-injection twin-turbo V6 engine with spray-guided combustion, new piezo injectors and MSI multi-spark ignition. This engine produces an output of 245 kW and 480 Nm of torque from 1400 rpm and consumes just 9.3 L/100 km (combined). In addition to the standard range equipment, these vehicles also incorporate a 360 degree camera, Leather upholstery, Heated front seats and 20” Wheels. The GLE 400 4MATIC also incorporates a Glass Electric sunroof and a 14 Speaker Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround-sound system as standard.
The powerful GLE 500 4MATIC with direct-injection twin-turbo V8 engine produces an output of 320 kW, a peak torque of 700 Newton metres, and combines appealing performance with a high level of refinement. Building on the exceptional level of value in the range, the GLE 500 4MATIC includes the following standard features: ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM, AIRMATIC package – includes air suspension and Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with level control and automatic suspension lowering at higher speeds, 21” Wheels, Luxury heated and ventilated front seats, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
The new Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC is now stronger and more appealing than ever before. The AMG 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, is assembled according to Mercedes-AMG’s ‘One man, One Engine’ philosophy to produce an outstanding 430 kW of power, and to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. The chassis has been completely revised from the outgoing model to deliver even better driving dynamics and agility. The throttle response of the engine and the shift times of the transmission have also been further enhanced and underscore the hallmark AMG Driving Performance. The top of the range GLE 63 S 4MATIC also incorporates the AMG Driver’s Package, Panoramic Sunroof, AMG Performance Package (S-Model) and Exclusive AMG S Nappa Leather upholstery in addition to the standard equipment of the outgoing model.
Outstanding levels of safety
The new GLE-Class will also arrive with exceptional safety features as standard including: 9 Airbags, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop & Go Pilot, PRE-SAFE®Brake, PRE-SAFE®Plus, Crosswind Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, an Active Bonnet and an LED Intelligent Light System with Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus.
For the first time in this segment, Mercedes-Benz is also offering a fully electric extendable and retractable trailer coupling, which also includes ESP® trailer stabilization.
DYNAMIC SELECT combined with off-road drive programmes
The DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling control system of the new GLE offers up to six drive programmes. In addition to the established settings INDIVIDUAL, COMFORT, SLIPPERY and SPORT, in the 4MATIC models the driver can choose the additional OFFROAD setting for mild terrain with the DYNAMIC SELECT controller on the centre console. If the GLE model is equipped with the optional Off-Road Engineering package, the OFFROAD+ setting is also available. In this setting, the off-road reduction gear and a 100% inter-axle differential lock come into play to generate high traction even in challenging terrain. This is further boosted by the expanded functions of the AIRMATIC air suspension with raised ride heights for a ground clearance of up to 285 millimetres and a fording depth of 600 millimetres. The selection of the individual drive programmes effects the DYNAMIC SELECT variable dynamic handling control system to activate entirely different characteristics: SPORT turns the GLE into a sporty and dynamic vehicle with strong linear and lateral dynamics. COMFORT emphasises characteristics typical of classic Mercedes-Benz saloon cars, for relaxed, effortless cruising with the greatest possible energy efficiency. SLIPPERY optimises the handling on surfaces with low friction coefficients such as snow or ice. And special off-road algorithms for ABS, 4ETS or ESP boost traction in the OFFROAD settings. In addition, INDIVIDUAL mode enables the driver to programme and store personal preferences in the individual control strategies, regardless of the engine variant. All DYNAMIC SELECT programmes are visualised on the central media display. Especially impressive are the off-road animations: various parameters such as slope angle, tilt angle, steering angle or heading are displayed dynamically in real time.
Superior high everyday practicality and perfect traction, sports-car agility and spontaneous throttle response – the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S guarantees its driver an exclusive driving experience without parallel. The additional DYNAMIC SELECT SPORT+ setting offers the driver tailor-made characteristics for particularly sporty driving dynamics. Throttle response, gear-change strategy, ESP® thresholds, steering power assist or the characteristic of the continuous damper adjustment exclusive to AMG: the system networks all the control systems, generating a wide variety of distinct driving experiences.
The 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system with a balanced 50:50 torque split between front and rear axle inherently boosts the safe, harmonious and sporty handling. A new rear-axle differential with aluminium case is considerably more efficient and furthermore weight-optimised. Mercedes-AMG uses a special transfer case for the AMG Performance 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive in the GLE 63 S. This exclusive solution splits the torque at a ratio of 40:60 between the front and rear axles, resulting in greater agility about the vertical axis of the vehicle and even more dynamic cornering.
Stable combination: AIRMATIC ADS and ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM
In addition to the ground-breaking powertrain configuration, the retuned AIRMATIC air suspension with ADS variable damping system guarantees extremely stable driving. The damping system changes its priorities depending on the preselected DYNAMIC SELECT mode. SPORT focuses on the greatest possible lateral dynamics with the best possible ride quality. Conversely, COMFORT mode enables maximum ride quality with the best possible dynamics. The current handling conditions are detected via a steering angle sensor, four rotation sensors, the driving speed from the ESP® signal and the brake pedal switch. The control unit uses these signals for continuous adjustment of the current damping force for each individual wheel.
The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with AIRMATIC package comprises more than just the air suspension with automatic level control. The new GLE 63 S is also fitted with special struts, which were refined with ADS Plus continuously variable dampers, a solution exclusive to AMG. The ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM roll stabilisation system is part of the standard equipment in this model.
The exciting new Mercedes-Benz GLE range is now available to order for customers in Australia with first deliveries expected in September 2015.
- Mercedes-Benz GLE 250d 4MATIC – $86,900 (MRLP)
- Mercedes-Benz GLE 350d 4MATIC – $104,900 (MRLP)
- Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 4MATIC – $109,900 (MRLP)
- Mercedes-Benz GLE 500 4MATIC – $127,900 (MRLP)
- Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC – $189,900 (MRLP)
As you may be aware, the MRLP includes GST and any LCT applicable to the base / standard specification model but EXCLUDES DEALER DELIVERY AND ALL ON ROAD COSTS such as, for example, registration fees, stamp duty, CTP and the like.
