2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE pricing and specification announced

A range of new-generation engines, bold design, improved interior space and a third row of seats highlight the new Mercedes-Benz GLE, which is one of the first models in the company’s line-up to feature the driver-vehicle connectivity of the Mercedes me Connect system.

The full-size SUV, now in its fourth-generation, has grown in size compared to the model it replaces with almost 70mm of extra legroom, and features a new generation of engines including a new inline six-cylinder petrol engine enhanced by a mild hybrid system. As before, 4MATIC all-wheel-drive is standard across the range.

The initial three-model range will be among the first Mercedes-Benz vehicles to arrive in Australia equipped with Mercedes me Connect as standard, which connects the owner to their vehicle in several new ways.

Via the Mercedes me Connect app, the vehicle can be warmed up via Remote Start, the doors can be locked or unlocked, the vehicle can be tracked or geofenced, an address can be sent to the vehicle navigation system, or nearby parking spaces may be located.

The owner will also be automatically notified of upcoming maintenance requirements, and can connect to a call centre at the press of one button in the case of an accident or breakdown.

New-generation engines 

A pair of new diesel engines anchor the GLE range, starting with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged unit rated at 180kW/500Nm and paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission in the GLE 300 d 4MATIC.

Moving up, the 3.0-litre, inline six turbo-diesel powerplant in the GLE 400 d 4MATIC model outputs 243kW and 700Nm, also via a nine-speed auto.

A new 3.0-litre, turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine is paired with Mercedes’ EQ BOOST 48-volt mild-hybrid system in the GLE 450 4MATIC. Similarly paired to the nine-speed auto, it outputs 270kW and 500Nm, with the integrated starter/generator of the mild-hybrid system able to recuperate decelerative energy and redeploy up to 16kW and 250Nm of electrical assistance under acceleration to improve efficiency.

Each of the three models can drive power to all four wheels via the all-wheel-drive system. 

Mercedes-Benz GLE range specifications

The three-model Mercedes-Benz GLE range is identically specified. Key interior features across the range include five seats (seven seats optional), climate control, ambient lighting with 64 colours, the MBUX multimedia interface including two 12.3-inch digital screens and ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice recognition, the ‘Mercedes me Connect’ system, a head-up display (HUD), heated front seats, open-pore oak wood trim, DAB+ digital radio, and Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto smart phone integration.

External features include LED headlights with Adaptive High Beam Assist, aluminium roof rails and aluminium-look illuminated running boards, powered tailgate and 20-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels.

Standard safety features include nine airbags, a 360° surround camera, Active Parking Assist, and the Driving Assistance Package incorporating Active Distance Assist, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and crash preparation system.

A third row of seats, including electrically operated second-row access, can be optionally added to all variants.

Mercedes-Benz GLE pricing (excluding on-roads)

Mercedes-Benz GLE 300 d 4MATIC – $99,900

Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC – $111,700

Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 d 4MATIC – $118,500

Check Also

2024 Nissan X-Trail SUV range review

The Nissan X-Trail has always been one of the favourites amongst Aussie buyers. But with …