Mercedes-Benz’s GLE SUV is set for a drastic change in 2019, with the new model boasting class-leading aerodynamics, active 48-volt suspension and a high-tech digital interior centred around the brand’s latest MBUX user interface. It will make its world debut at the Paris Motor Show in October before arriving in early 2019, built in Alabama, North America. While its silhouette is still familiar, the GLE’s exterior styling has been brought into line with the latest Mercedes-Benz models, featuring new daytime running lights and headlamps, rear light clusters and wheel designs. It’s said to boast a best-in-class drag co-efficient of 0.29 Cd. Other design features include a longer wheelbase (stretched by 80mm), short overhangs and large, upright grille, along with SUV traits like chrome-plated skid plates. Wheels range in size from 18- to 22-inches beneath black flared wheelarches, and the D-pillar is blacked out for a more distinctive look. Interior space is up too, thanks to a 122-litre increase in luggage room (to 825 litres) and the option of seven seats for the first time.
ALL-NEW 2019 V167 GLE GOES BMW X5 G05 CHASING / Mercedes-Benz GLE-Klasse Br.167 (V167/W167)
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC AMG Line V167
“Interior space is up too, thanks to a 122-litre increase in luggage room and the option of seven seats for the first time.”
Its interior is an evolution of the digital architecture found in the A- and E-Class, with a dual-screen infotainment system comprising of two 12.3-inch screens. The optional MBUX user interface uses a camera in the roof to monitor hand gestures. It’s also loaded with around 40 new features from off-road driving modes and displays to an “in-car office” that can read out and take dictation for emails.
When it arrives there’ll be a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel in the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d V167, along with a 3.0-litre petrol mild-hybrid GLE 450 V167 (W167 for LWB version). Every GLE comes equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic four-wheel drive. It’s anticipated a plug-in hybrid diesel model could also arrive after the initial wave of engines. The GLE will be the first Mercedes-Benz to feature E-Active Body Control, a ‘fully networked hydropneumatic active suspension’, where spring and damping forces can be individually controlled at each wheel. Mercedes-Benz claims this can counteract body roll, dive and squat. Driving aids will be more prevalent than ever before, driving the car autonomously in heavy traffic and automatically applying the brakes in an emergency. The GLE can also adjust its speed based on traffic sign recognition camera and software.
While the pictures show Sport specification, the new GLE-Class will be offered exclusively in AMG Line trim here in the UK. Prices are expected to be close to the outgoing model, with diesel editions in the £55k to £60k range when it arrives in showrooms early in the new year.
