The new Mercedes-Benz GLE: The SUV trendsetter completely reconceived (2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE)

The new Mercedes-Benz GLE has a wealth of innovations. The active suspension system E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL on a 48‑volt basis is a world first, while the driving assistance systems take another step forward with Active Stop-and-Go Assist. The interior is even more spacious and comfortable - a third seat row is available on request. The infotainment system has larger screens, a full-colour head-up display with a resolution of 720 x 240 pixels and the MBUX Interior Assistant, which can recognise hand and arm movements and supports operating intentions. The exterior design not only exudes presence and power, but also sets a new standard for aerodynamics in the SUV segment. The GLE will receive a completely new range of engines on market launch in early 2019. The new 4MATIC ensures great agility on the road and superior performance off the beaten track. At a later stage a plug-in hybrid variant with a particularly long range will be added to the drive portfolio. The prices for the new GLE will be announced on the sales release date in late autumn.

"In 1997 Mercedes-Benz founded the premium SUV segment with the launch of the M-Class. Since then, more than two million customers have decided in favour of the off-roader," says Ola Källenius, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "With a new control concept, innovative driving assistants, a new engine range and significantly more space, the new GLE is set to continue this success story."

"The GLE exhibits iconic Mercedes-Benz design while remaining true to its character as an off-roader," says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer at Daimler AG. "With its design idiom it perfectly embodies our design philosophy of sensual purity, thus representing modern luxury. The interior derives its fascination from the contrast between the luxurious and elegant design and the digital high-tech of our MBUX system." With a Cdstarting from 0.29, the new GLE has the best aerodynamics in its segment.

In 1997 Mercedes-Benz founded the premium SUV segment with the launch of the M-Class. Since autumn 2015 the model family has borne the name GLE, emphasising its positioning as an SUV in the E‑Class model family. More than two million customers have decided in favour of the off-roader since the launch of the M-Class, and the GLE is the bestselling SUV in the history of Mercedes-Benz. At present Mercedes-Benz is presented with seven highly successful models in the SUV segment (GLA, GLC, GLC Coupé, GLE, GLE Coupé, GLS, G‑Class). The SUVs are a major structural pillar in the Mercedes-Benz product portfolio, and greatly contribute to the growth of Mercedes-Benz. To date, more than five million customers worldwide have purchased a Mercedes-Benz SUV.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLE will be presented to the public for the first time at the Paris Motor Show (Mondial de l’Automobile) in Paris from 4 to 14 October 2018). It will be in the dealerships in early 2019 in the USA and Europe, and in spring 2019 in China. The GLE is produced in Tuscaloosa (Alabama/USA).

The five most important innovations in the new GLE:

• E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL: Fully networked hydropneumatic, active suspension on a 48-volt basis, for the first time in combination with the likewise newly developed air suspension. This is the only system on the market where the spring and damping forces can be individually controlled at each wheel. This means that it not only counteracts body roll, but also pitching and squat.
• Active Tailback Assist: This driving assistance system enables the GLE to recognise tailbacks at an early stage, actively supports the driver in stop-and-go traffic up to approx. 60 km/h and even helps to form a rescue lane.
• Turn-off function of Active Brake Assist: If there is danger of a collision with oncoming traffic when turning off across a carriageway, the GLE can be braked at the speeds typical of such manoeuvres.
• 4MATIC: Available for the first time for models with 6 and 8-cylinder engines and with the plug-in hybrid, fully variable all-wheel drive (Torque on Demand, TonD) controls the torque distribution between the front and rear axle from 0‑100 per cent depending on the selected driving mode. With the optional Offroad package, and as a world first, likewise fully variable all-wheel drive (TonD) with a low and high range is available. This makes the GLE more off-road capable than ever.
• Seating comfort: The new GLE has a much longer wheelbase (plus 80 mm), with corresponding interior spaciousness. Comfort is particularly enhanced by the optional, fully electrically adjustable second seat row – a third seat row is also available as an option.