Mercedes GLE: data, prices, market launch, first seat sample

Luca Leicht

Mercedes GLE (W167)

Subscriptions & booklets

19.12.2018

• Dimensions
• Sitzprobe
• MBUX functions
• Motors
• New assistance systems
• First ride in the GLE
• P travel

Curtain up for the new GLE: With the fourth generation of the luxurious all-purpose vehicle, Mercedes wants to drive back to the top of the segment. A position that absolutely corresponds to your own self-image. Because with the debut product introduced 21 years ago, at that time still trading under the name M-Class, Mercedes had opened the arms race of the premium manufacturers and made the SUV class, which was then mainly equipped with smaller Asian models, socially acceptable in Europe.

Right from the start, this model was committed to a balancing act between two worlds, should be both off-road and a real expert adopt the manners from the car sector on-road. Accordingly, the topic of off-road capability is still relevant for the new Mercedes GLE, which will be available from dealers at the beginning of 2019, as can be seen, for example, from the optional active suspension 'E-Active Body Control'.

Daimler AG

The new GLE gets a gentler design language than the previous model

DieShapes are becoming softer again

Formally, the GLE is taking a little journey through time, tending to be more rounded again, similar to the first M-Class, and saying goodbye to the hard design edges of the two previous generations. This is also beneficial for the aerodynamics, Mercedes promises to be best in class with a drag coefficient of 0.29. For comparison: The previous Mercedes GLE achieved 0.33.

Luca Leicht

auto motor und sport editor Marcel Sommer took a closer look at the interior of the new Mercedes GLE.

We get into the driver's seat and immediately notice the two huge 12.3 inch screens. The driver reads the instruments on the left screen, while the driver or front passenger control the infotainment system via the right display with a touch-sensitive surface. This is even easier to operate with a new interior assistant using gesture control.

The steering wheel can be adjusted in height and depth so that the driver can quickly find his perfect position. The seats offer a pleasant side support and a high level of seating comfort. As is typical for Mercedes, the seat adjustment is now in the side of the door - on the front andrear seats. At 1.95 meters, however, it has to be the lowest seating position in order not to hit the roof with their head.

In the rear, three passengers have plenty of space for themselves and their legs. Even tall people have a good ten centimeters between their knees and the backrest of the front seat. The fold-out armrest is leather covered and well padded. The cup holders at the front end can be opened quickly and easily, which does not affect the comfort of the armrests. However, the headroom in the rear is significantly less than in the first row. The first head-to-roof contact is 1.95 meters, probably earlier on a bumpy route. Just in case, two huge handles protrude from the center console. The rear passengers at least have the huge door handles to hold onto. At the rear end of the Mercedes GLE there is another talent: lots of space and a huge trunk lid. The latter is posted high enough on the roof that two-meter men can stand upright under it.

Daimler AG

The GLE is finally getting the new MBUX multimedia system, which has even been expanded to include a number of functions