The new Mercedes-Benz GLE is the world's first off-road vehicle equipped with active suspension system E-Active Body Control, which allows adjusting the spring rigidity and damping force on each wheel separately. Thus with the new GLE SUV equipped with the innovative technologies, the Mercedes-Benz keeps its legendary shape and state-of-the-art luxury while remaining true to the essence of the SUV, both on the road and off-road.
With the release of M-Class in 1997, Mercedes-Benz revealed a premium SUV segment. Since then, more than two million buyers have chosen this off-road vehicle. “With a new management concept, innovative driving assistants, a new range of engines and a much larger interior space the new GLE is ready to continue this success. The interior is contrasted with the luxurious and elegant design of Mercedes-Benz and the high-end technologies of MBUX system”, wholesale and marketing manager Vitālijs Ročans characterizes the new model.
In addition, with the aerodynamic resistance factor of 0.29, the new GLE has the best aerodynamics in its market segment.
The most important innovations in the new GLE
The richly equipped GLE offers E-Active Body Control system, in which a hydropneumatic active suspension operated by a 48-volt electrical system, is for the first time combined with newly developed pneumatic suspension. This is the only system in the vehicle market, which allows each wheel to individually adjust the spring's rigidity and damping force. This eliminates not only the inclination of the body, but also the longitudinal oscillations and the increase in the draft of the vehicle rear during motion.
Driving assistance is also significantly improved – Active Tailback Assist. It allows GLE to notice traffic jams in a timely manner, actively supports the driver in the traffic flow up to 60 km/h and in traffic with frequent stops and even helps to create a rescue lane. The fully variable all-wheel drive, which is available for the first time for models with six-cylinder and eight-cylinder engine and for hybrid vehicles, controls the torque distribution between 0 and 100 percent depending on the selected driving mode. With the optionally available Off-road kit, the world's first fully variable all-wheel drive (TonD) with reduced and increased gear can be used. Thus, GLE is even better suited for off-road conditions.
Between the elegance of the limousine and the advanced SUV
The vehicle's longitudinal wheelbase, short overhangs and large single-level wheels instantly make sure that GLE feels at home and looks elegant in any area. The design of the GLE modelled surface withstands the purity of the style and gets along without distinctive edges and decorations.
The new GLE salon captivates with the contrast between the luxurious, elegant environment of the Mercedes-Benz luxury limousine and the powerful, advanced SUV features. The main feature of the dashboard design is the sporty and modern control panel embedded in expressive support of the instrument panel. The instrument panel support passes over to the door panels, and the built-in trim element covers the driver and front passenger area up to the doors.
As optional equipment, GLE as first in the SUV segment has a second row of seats with six fully electric settings. ENERGIZING seat kinetics is another upgrade available for front seats with fully electric seat adjustment with memory function. ENERGIZING comfort management combines various comfort systems and offers a wide range of wellness programs, which allow enjoying musical and lighting moods as well as multiple massage modes.
Another innovation – ENERGIZING COACH function that, depending on the situation and the feelings of the person, suggests a program. If a compatible Garmin® wearable device is being worn, the accuracy of the recommendations is enhanced by personal indicators such as stress level or sleep quality. This ensures that the driver and passengers feel good and calm even during difficult or monotonous rides.
MBUX: learning ability with artificial intelligence
For the first time in the new GLE, the younger generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems is emerging, providing joint support to the driver. Compared to the previous model, the level of active safety is not just improved, as some intelligent driving functions are unmatched even outside the SUV segment.
GLE has the latest generation multimedia system MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), which includes two 31.2 cm screens as standard equipment. Depending on the mood or on the chosen interior design, the user can choose one of four control panel styles.
Optionally available MBUX interior assist system with gesture recognition. The camera on the top console records the movements of the driver's and front passenger's hands and arms. The system is able to distinguish between the driver's and front passenger's palm, so it knowns, for example, for which seat the massage function should be activated. In addition, there are functions that can be controlled with simple hand gestures: for example, the reading lamp can be switched on and off by stretching the hand towards the rear view mirror. Both the driver and the front passenger can program each of their personal favourite functions.
The unique feature of MBUX is learning ability provided by artificial intelligence. Using prediction features, MBUX determines what the user would like. For example, if the driver often calls her mother on the way home, a recommendation with her phone number on the display will appear on that day of the week. Anyone, who regularly switches to a radio station at a certain time, receives appropriate advice.
In Latvia, Mercedes-Benz GLE can be ordered at the general representative of the German company “Daimler AG” in Latvia – “Domenikss” – in the showroom, and its price for the basic package starts from 65100.00 euros.
