More power, sharper style, an uprated interior, and better off-road and towing prowess - say hello to the updated new Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLE Coupe.
The luxurious GLE and GLE Coupe sit near the pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz SUV line-up, ahead of the GLC and behind the range-topping G-Class.
These are cars that can trace its history back to the Merc M-Class - a vehicle the German firm says ‘established the premium SUV segment’ back in 1997.
A rival to the Audi Q7, Volvo XC90 and BMW X5, the GLE and GLE Coupe come with all-wheel drive ‘4MATIC’ as standard and all of the powertrains are electrified - being either mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
The GLE and GLE Coupe are both popular lease options for customers who do a lot of towing and load-lugging.
And besides upgrades to the looks and interior, it’s here where this new facelift sees some of the most notable improvements.
The ‘Driving Assistance Package’ now boasts improved functions for ‘Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC’, ‘Active Steering Assist’ and ‘Traffic Sign Assist’.
Another new feature is the ‘transparent bonnet’ function, which gives you a camera-assisted virtual view underneath the vehicle to help you negotiate tricky sections off-road - or to spot those mahoosive potholes lying in wait.
There’s a high towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes and the electric trailer coupling swings out from underneath the car at the touch of a button. You can also use the ball neck coupling to carry a bike rack.
New for the GLE and GLE Coupe is a ‘Trailer route planner’ for the sat nav. You can tell the car what sort of trailer you’re pulling through the touchscreen, and the nav will automatically plot the most convenient route to your destination, taking into account things like weight limits and height restrictions.
Meanwhile the GLE’s ‘Trailer Manoeuvring Assist’ system is now camera-based and automatically regulates the steering angle up to a speed of 5 km/h and an uphill gradient of 15 per cent. It’ll also help you to reverse seamlessly in a straight line.
When it comes to how the GLE and GLE Coupe look, there are newly-designed daytime running lights, a new front bumper, and chrome inserts on the radiator grille.
The cabin is swankier than before, too, with elements borrowed from the lush Mercedes-Maybach GLS and Mercedes S-Class.
You’ll now find a steering wheel with touch sensitive sensors, more sumptuous-looking air vents, and a wider choice of interior colours.
And when it comes to power, there are increases across the entire range of powertrains - which run from the 269 hp GLE 300 d 4MATIC diesel mild-hybrid, to the 375 hp GLE 400 e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid.
The electric range for the plug-in hybrids has also increased to a maximum of 67 miles between charges. That means, says Mercedes-Benz, that ‘most everyday journeys can be covered purely electrically’.
Besides the regular GLE and GLE Coupe models, you’ll also find the performance Mercedes-AMG GLE SUV and GLE Coupe variants - the GLE 53 4MATIC+ and the GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ - which have also been given a facelift.
There’s a new front apron, fresh daytime running lights and rear lamps, new wheels and paint options, and better performance with the ‘53’ models.
There’s also more kit fitted as standard.
The 53 4MATIC+ SUV now gets an AMG Performance exhaust system and Burmester sound system, while the 53 4MATIC+ Coupe comes loaded with goodies like climate control for the front seats.
The 435 hp 53 4MATIC+ models have been handed a bigger turbocharger, which improves the 0-62mph time from 5.3 seconds to just 5.0 seconds flat.
Meanwhile the GLE '63' remains as potent as ever - a 4.0‑litre V8 biturbo engine providing power of 612 hp and a 0-62mph sprint time of 3.9 seconds.
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