The Mercedes-Benz GLE has been revealed ahead of its New York show debut. It is effectively the new ML-Class, taking on the company’s latest naming structure.
Aside from the name change, the GLE is quite similar to the outgoing ML. You’ll notice an updated front end and new grille area, more modern headlights, and an updated rear end which shows off LED taillights and a sporty diffuser section underneath.
Four main powertrain options will be available with the GLE, including two turbo-petrols and two turbo-diesels. A hybrid GLE 500 e will also be on offer, blending a 245kW V6 with an 85kW electric motor. The hybrid provides a combined output of 325kW and 650Nm, and comes with a seven-speed auto.
The entry-level GLE 400 petrol comes with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 245kW and 480Nm, followed up by the GLE 500 with a 4.7-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 320kW and 700Nm. Both come with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
For the diesel fans, the range starts with the GLE 250 d which comes with a 2.1-litre four-cylinder producing 150kW and 480Nm, while the GLE 250 d 4 MATIC uses a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 producing 190kW and 620Nm. Both also feature a nine-speed automatic.
Lastly, the mighty GLE 63 AMG will come in two tunes; the 63 AMG and the 63 AMG S. Both use a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8, with outputs spanning from 410kW and 700Nm, to 430kW and 760Nm. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 4.3 seconds and 4.2 seconds, respectively.
Like the outgoing ML-Class, the new GLE will showcase various cutting edge technologies and luxury features. Some of these include a Dynamic Select driving mode system, AIRMATIC air suspension, adaptive dampers, and ACTIVE CURVE roll stabilisation.
Specific details and variant levels that will make it to Australia are yet to be confirmed. It will go on sale later in the year.
