The pride of Tuscaloosa is getting a very German revamp for its next generation, adopting evolutionary changes in design while slipping in some new tech that only reveals itself to the driver.
First gracing our shores in 1997, Mercedes-Benz’s GLE debuted as the ML320, finding fans in successful realtors everywhere. Since then, M-B has made sure not to push the the model’s boundaries too much, leaving much of the experimentation to its Mercedes-AMG division. It’s unlikely return buyers will find much to hate about the 2019 version, unless they’re particularly averse to six-pot engines with cylinders arranged all in a row.
Revealed for the first time Tuesday, the new GLE hops to the automaker’s Modular High Architecture platform, promising reductions in weight and an increase in stiffness. Equally as notable, perhaps even more, is the model’s 48-volt electrical system, which technically classifies this vehicle as a mild hybrid. A public debut takes place at October’s Paris auto show.
As reported by Automotive News Europe, the GLE’s wheelbase grows just over 3 inches, improving cabin volume and making an optional third row a possibility. The base engine is a 3.0-liter inline-six generating 367 horsepower, hooked up to the aforementioned mild hybrid system for electrical boost during acceleration (“EQ Boost,” in well-branded Mercedes-Benz parlance). Some 22 extra ponies and an undisclosed amount of torque can be drawn from this system for brief periods.
In the U.S., the current GLE range starts with the GLE400 and its standard twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. That mill, hooked to a seven-speed automatic, provides 329 hp and 354 lb-ft.
“At a later stage a plug-in hybrid variant with a particularly long range will be added to the drive portfolio,” Mercedes-Benz claims.
While the GLE’s outward looks won’t cause rubbernecking pedestrians to walk into traffic, it isn’t likely to offend the brand faithful. The grille opening grows larger and rounder, with the lower air opening adopting a variation of the dog bone shape seen on other models. A slipperier body means coefficient of drag drops to a low 0.29, further aiding fuel economy gains (whatever those might be).
Beneath the SUV, the automaker’s in-house adaptive suspension system draws power from the 48-volt system to adjust damping rates for each wheel, individually. It should help keep things level when the going gets rough. Mercedes-Benz calls the new setup E-Active Body Control.
Inside, drivers gain larger display screens and a color, high-resolution head-up display. No longer does the center stack host an iPad-like screen poking up above the dash. The automaker’s next-generation MBUX virtual assistant now responds to speech commands, as well as hand and arm gestures. (That latter capability is something we’d like to see in action.)
Further details, as well as pricing, will come closer to the GLE’s early 2019 launch date in the U.S.
[Images: Daimler AG]
“In the U.S., the current GLE range starts with the GLE400 and its standard twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6.”
I’m fairly certain this is wrong. The base GLE is the GLE350, using a *naturally-aspirated (!!!!!) 3.5L V6*. In fact, I think it might be the last non-turbo Mercedes available.
Correct. There’s a GLE 350.
According to the Mercedes-Benz USA newsroom the GLE350 will still be the base model but now with a 2.0L turbo instead of the 3.5L NA engine.
Meh, not much difference in appearance from the current model. I’d rather a fat discount than a new model.
looks cheap now with the unpainted black plastic around the wheel wells compared to the last model
So what? How much different can you make a CUV look? The big question is are the cup holders bigger?
So appearance is the only thing you care about?
That’s all fine and dandy, but how well does it handle dangling recreational vehicles and T-rex head-butts? I recall the original model being surprisingly adept in these areas.
That is one sharp lookin’ 4-door Geo Tracker. At least the infotainment screen is integrated into the dash and doesn’t look like an iPad popping out of a toaster.
What the hell is wrong with you people? It has an IN-LINE SIX, an engine configuration that is, surely, blessed by the god of smoothness, if not packaging efficiency, a configuration that has almost died out. It’s return to the MB lineup must be shouted from the rooftops.
I like your spunk Bunk but this engine will be hauling around about 6,000 pounds in front of an automatic transmission here. Does it really make a difference? Well, unless there’s a way to shoehorn it into a W203 when these things start to hit the junk yards in 10 years…
“Leg day” – so they’re offering a manual transmission?
A truly beautiful recreational family utility vehicle with an alluring interior. A strong improvement over its somewhat lackluster-looking predecessor.
In a few years, when prices have gone down, I may replace my 2007 GL320 CDI 4Matic with one.
All fine and dandy, provided youre into a techno interior filled with complex function you wont use, and may not want.
So I need to get my 14 ML350 sold now before the resale value really hits rock bottom.
Inside looks good, but outside all I can see is a melted first-gen Kia Sorento.
That entire lower grille is blocked off black plastic. Dear god please make it stop.
Oh, it’ll get unblocked when Mercedes crams a 4.0L Biturbo into one and sends it around the ‘Ring on barely-legal tires with a hot-shoe at the helm. Then they’ll trade on that for a while.
I think they need to make the front grill star larger, perhaps get it to protrude a bit more so it looks more like a 1950 Studebaker.
Nah, it just needs to be lighted
Aesthetically (sheetmetal-wise), the GLE was the worst of the MB CUVs.
Guess there is some improvement, but that’s not saying much.
The worst is the greenhouse where it looks like the cargo area/hatch was tacked onto the back of a sedan.
Larger screens inside. Oh … yay…