The Mercedes-Benz GLE is an all-wheel-drive premium SUV of the mid-size class, which boasts a "thoroughbred" design, a luxurious interior with a five- or seven-seat layout, an advanced technical component and a rich level of equipment ... Its main target audience is wealthy family people (and regardless of gender and age), living in the city, but preferring outdoor activities ...
The full-scale premiere of the second-generation crossover (but if we take into account the ML-class - then the fourth) with the in-plant index "W167" took place in October 2018 - at the stands of the International Paris Auto Show, but a few weeks before this event (namely, September 12) it was officially declassified on the web.
The car inherited very little from its predecessor (perhaps only some visual solutions) - it changed the expression of the "face" and the design of the stern, enlarged in size, tried on a completely different interior, moved to a new modular "trolley" and received a wide range of modern options (some of them - generally first appeared in the segment).
The appearance of the "second" Mercedes-Benz GLE obeys the current corporate identity of the German brand - the SUV looks attractive, moderately brutal, balanced and presentable. The front view of the car flaunts an expressive "physiognomy" with a slightly frowned look of lighting technology, an octagonal radiator grille and a bumped bumper, and from the rear it "flaunts" graceful LED "blades" of lights, a neat fifth door and a pair of "curly" exhaust pipes.
On the side, the mid-size crossover is distinguished by proportional and solid outlines that emphasize the colorful sides, the original rear roof pillar (by the way, one of the “family” features of the GLE-class) and rounded-square wheel arches accommodating “rollers” measuring from 18 to 22 inches ( depending on modification).
The external dimensions of the Mercedes-Benz GLE W167 refer it to the mid-size class according to the European classification: length - 4924 mm, height - 1772 mm, width - 1947 mm. The center distance extends at the five-door to 2995 mm, and its standard ground clearance is 180 mm (however, on versions with air suspension it can reach up to 300 mm in "off-road" mode).
The curb weight of the SUV varies from 2,170 to 2,220 kg, depending on the version.
Inside, the second generation Mercedes-Benz GLE meets riders with a "traditional Mercedes revolution" - the dominant position is occupied by a wide solid flap, under which there are two 12.3-inch color screens: the left one acts as a dashboard, and the right one is responsible for infotainment functions. The weighty multifunctional steering wheel with a raised rim and the monumental center console with four ventilation deflectors and a stylish air conditioning unit also fit well into the interior of the SUV.
On the first row there are ergonomic chairs with a well-developed profile, filling with optimal rigidity and a wide range of electrical adjustments, and on the second row there is a comfortable sofa that can accommodate three adult passengers without any problems, which is equipped with an electric drive for a surcharge (the outer seats are able to move within 100 mm) and an adjustable backrest.
By default, the interior of the German premium crossover has a five-seater layout, but as an option it can be supplemented with a two-seater "gallery" (though more suitable for children).
Even in normal condition, the trunk of the Mercedes-Benz GLE of the second incarnation is striking in its scope - 825 liters ("under the curtain"). The second row of seats, “sawn” in the ratio “40:20:40”, fits into an even “rookery”, due to which the cargo volume increases to 2055 liters.
In the Russian market, the mid-size crossover is offered in two versions to choose from:
- Diesel version GLE 300d 4Matic Powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four with turbocharging, direct fuel injection and a 16-valve DOHC timing belt, generating 245 horsepower at 4200 rpm and 500 Nm of torque at 1600-2400 rpm.
- Gasoline version GLE 450 4Matic contains under the hood a 3.0-liter unit with a vertical architecture, a turbocharger, direct feed technology, 24 valves and variable valve timing, which produces 367 hp. at 5250-6000 rpm and 500 Nm of peak thrust at 1600-4500 rpm.
In addition, normally such a car can boast of the so-called "mild hybrid" system - it implies the presence of a 48-volt EQ Boost motor-generator, which, during acceleration, "throws" its 22 hp to the internal combustion engine performance. and 250 Nm, but is also responsible for energy recovery during braking.
Both engines are combined with a 9-band "automatic" 9G-Tronic and an all-wheel drive transmission, and of two types. So "four-cylinder" cars relies on 4Matic technology with a symmetrical center differential, which by default distributes the potential between the axles in a "50:50" ratio, and "six-cylinder" cars - a more "advanced" all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that can flexibly redirect traction (moreover, back can go up to 100%). As an option, the crossover is assigned an "off-road" transfer case with a lowering range and automatic inter-axle locking (from zero to 100%).
The first "hundred" car conquers after 5.7-7.2 seconds, and the maximum gains 225-250 km / h.
Diesel versions of the five-door require an average of 6.4 liters of fuel for every 100 km of track in the combined cycle, and gasoline - 9.4 liters.
At the heart of the "second" Mercedes-Benz GLE is a modular platform MHA (Mercedes High Architecture) with a longitudinally arranged engine and a monocoque body, in the design of which high-strength grades of steel and aluminum are widely used.
On both axles of the crossover, independent suspensions with coil springs and anti-roll bars are used: front - double wishbone, rear - multi-link. Optionally, the car can be equipped with two variants of the pneumatic chassis: the first is the Airmatic suspension, and the second is the E-Active Body Control, which is an active hydropneumatic suspension that is able to control each wheel separately.
The off-road vehicle has a rack and pinion steering system and an adaptive electric booster, as well as a powerful braking system with ventilated disc devices on all wheels, supplemented by the "darkness" of modern assistants.
In the Russian market, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE is offered in two modifications - GLE 300d 4Matic and GLE 450 4Matic. Moreover, the first of them can be purchased in the fixed "Premium" and "Sport" trim levels, and the second - only in the "Sport Plus" version.
- The base SUV costs a minimum of 4,650,000 rubles, and is equipped with: six airbags, 19-inch alloy wheels, ABS, ESP, electric drive and heated front seats, fully LED optics, virtual instrument cluster, media center with a 12.3-inch screen, navigator, servo drive fifth door, automatic parking system, rear view camera, dual-zone "climate", engine start from a button, premium audio system and a lot of other "gadgets".
- For the GLE 300d in the "Sport" version, dealers ask for a minimum of 4,950,000 rubles, and its features are: an external AMG body kit, 20-inch wheels and genuine leather seats.
- "Top modification" with a gasoline engine will cost from 6,230,000 rubles, and it "flaunts" (in addition to all of the above): a panoramic roof, door closers, all-round cameras, front seat ventilation, blind spot monitoring technology, matrix headlights and the "music" of Burmester.
