You have to look closely and you will recognize the new generation of the 2024 Mercedes GLE and GLE Coupé at best by the modified daytime running lights. Inside, on familiar screens with a diagonal of 12.3 inches each, there is the latest generation of operating and navigation systems with radio updates (over the air) as well as new detailed solutions borrowed from the classy S-Class. This also applies to an extended range of functions of the driver assistance systems. With a camera system, for example, the bonnet is made transparent at the touch of a button, which can pay off, especially on rough terrain. As before, the Mercedes GLE is optionally available with air suspension, which can be used to variably change the ground clearance.
Depending on the engine variant, the Mercedes GLE can pull a trailer weighing up to 3.5 tons. What is new in the double pack of GLE and GLE Coupé is the trailer route planner in the navigation system. Routes can be planned on the central display that are suitable for driving with the appropriately defined trailer and do not mean a major detour or loss of time. Among other things, widths and heights of the passage as well as weight restrictions are taken into account.
With the introduction of the 48-volt vehicle electrical system in the new GLE along with the starter generator, all engine variants are electrified. However, the combination of a powerful six-cylinder turbo and electric motor that many hoped for, as offered by many competitors, is still left out. Anyone who opts for one of the plug-in hybrids must therefore continue to make do with a two-liter four-cylinder, which is electrically supported by a 100-kilowatt synchronous motor. The diesel hybrid of the Mercedes GLE 350 de delivers 245 kW / 333 PS / 750 Nm, while the petrol engine of the GLE 400 e offers 280 kW / 380 PS / 600 Nm. The top speed of both models is limited to 210 km/h and the maximum electric range is between 90 and 109 kilometers thanks to the 31.2 kWh battery pack. Thanks to a special off-road driving program, the plug-in hybrids can now also be driven purely electrically off-road. The hybrids have an 11 kW charger on board for charging at home or at the wall box. In addition, a 60 kW DC fast charger is available on request.
Without plug-in technology, the Mercedes GLE and GLE Coupé are also available as 198 kW / 269 hp four-cylinder diesel engines of the 300d type. The two six-cylinder GLE 450 and GLE 400d with 281 kW / 380 hp / 500 Nm and 270 kW / 367 hp / 750 Nm, which consume between 7.6 and 10.8 liters of fuel and each have a top speed of 250 km/h, have a much better image . The two six- and eight-cylinder sports versions of the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 offer even more power with 320 kW / 435 hp and 450 kW / 612 hp. Like its big brother, the GLS, all versions of the Mercedes GLE are produced at the American plant in Tuscaloosa.
