Four things to know about the new Mercedes-Benz 4th gen GLE premium SUV

Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 

Auto Nation Group (ANG), the country’s importer and distributor of Mercedes-Benz launched the new GLE last week during an exclusive media luncheon held at its EDSA Greenhills showroom. The fourth-generation model of the premium SUV is packed with a suite of intuitive safety systems for both driver and passengers, including its voice- activated MBUX infotainment system, with matching spacious and comfortable interior that fits 7 full-sized passengers.

“The GLE exhibits the iconic Mercedes-Benz design while remaining true to its character as an off-roader,” says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer at Daimler AG. “With its design
idiom, it perfectly embodies our design philosophy of sensual purity, thus representing modern luxury. The interior derives its fascination from the contrast between the luxurious and elegant design, and the digital high-tech of our MBUX
system.”

It talks back to you – just say “Hey, Mercedes!”

Looking inside, cabin space is bigger and more comfortable, and the cockpit features a wide digital screen enhanced with a full-colour head-up display for a more convenient experience, and now with the MBUX infotainment system. First introduced in the A-Class at the CES Show in Las Vegas last year, the MBUX has the ability to learn from the driver and users, using artificial intelligence. It can adapt to the user and comes with intelligent voice control and hand writing feature that creates an emotional connection with the car. The infotainment system also offers seamless Apple Carplay smartphone integration for a more hands-free driving experience. To activate the system, the user simply has to say “Hey Mercedes”.

An engine with a high EQ

The new GLE is powered by an in-line 4 Turbo Diesel engine with 9G TRONIC 9-speed Automatic transmission, producing an output and torque of 245 hp and 500Nm, respectively. It also comes with the same 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive making driving to the most difficult terrain when needed. Also a first in Mercedes-Benz in the Philippines, the new GLE is now equipped with EQ Boost, a mild hybrid feature wherein energy recovered from braking and systematic engine shut offs delivers a boost of energy when needed or when eliminating turbo lag.

A world first feature

The new generation GLE comes with active suspension system E-Active Body Control and is considered a world first, and will come as an option for the local market. This system controls the vehicle’s air suspension and makes adjustments on each individual wheel to enhance its ride quality. It acts as a “brain” and senses the road conditions and the driving style of the user. It is the world’s first suspension that can control spring and damping forces separately on each wheel. Aside from this, it also made improvements on its driving assistance systems with its Active Stop-and-Go Assist.

Value driven price tag

The current model offering GLE 300 d 4MATIC and has a price point of P5.690 million, which is a competitive price to pay considering there are a number of best-in-class features including the GLE’s new Multibeam LED with Ultra Range beams that ensures driving visibility on every road terrain, longer wheelbase than its predecessor, a sporty and stylish cockpit embedded in a striking dashboard design, capped by 64-colored premium ambient lighting to set the driving and riding mood. The new GLE also offers more space in the rear’s legroom and headroom, and comes with third-row seats — a first in the Mercedes-Benz SUV line-up. Its rear seats can be electronically adjusted and folded to accommodate longer items and luggage, and comes with a power liftgate. All these plus the new GLE is endowed with the latest safety innovations such as Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, and equipped with an advance 360-degree camera to provide support to the driver. The new GLE is also powered by the latest-generation of Intelligent Driving Systems, which are a host of risk-mitigating safety features.

“From the time we introduced the GLE in 2005, it’s been regarded as an icon of confidence among our discerning customers, who want a premium SUV that offers no compromise. It has drawn both aspiration and inspiration from people who are the CEOs of their lives, and those who live for life’s adventures. The new GLE is the result of generations of design and engineering, a powerful promise of trust and capability, with a strength of character that can only come from Mercedes-Benz and this holds true for our entire SUV line-up. Our SUVs are a major structural pillar in the Mercedes-Benz product portfolio, and greatly contribute to the growth of Mercedes-Benz globally,” said Francis C. Ang, COO of the Auto Nation Group.