Mercedes GLE. Selectable from any off-road
The Mercedes GLE is a mid-size luxury E-class crossover from the German brand Mercedes-Benz, which has been produced since 2015. It can be both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. In 2020, the second generation of the 2018 model year SUV could be purchased in the Israeli market.
Nomenclature ‘GLE’ is for ‘Geländewagen Lang E-Klasse’. It translates from German as ‘elongated E-class SUV’. Before the GLE, ML-series crossovers were produced. In 2015, Mercedes changed the nomenclature for entire crossover models. Now all crossovers start with GL, and the next letter means the class of the car. This is how the popular third-generation ML crossover received the GLE nomenclature. It means requisite to the medium-sized E-class. It became the first representative of the new class.
First generation
Produced from 2015 to 2018. The very first representative of the GLE-class was the third-generation restyled ML with codename W166, which at that time was already a very popular crossover. Since its release in 1997, over two million customers have chosen the ML, making it the best-selling SUV in the brand’s history. Released specifically for the American market, ML was named “North American Truck of the Year” just one year after its release. It also won first place in the “Luxury Crossover SUV” category and has been named the most ideal vehicle for Americans. The W166 has passed numerous crash tests, including tests by EuroNCAP, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It received the highest marks there.
In the spring of 2015 a facelifted ML was released as the GLE. Also, two body variants were presented for the first time: a classic SUV with codename W166 and a coupe C292. The model range of the class also underwent changes: The GLE 500 e is the first plug-in hybrid in this model range, combining a 333 hp V6 engine with a 116 hp electric motor.
Second generation
Produced from 2018 to present (data for 2020). New GLE with body designation V167 was unveiled on 2 October 2018 at the Paris Motor Show. The car received a new and modern corporate design, a completely redesigned interior, and many new functions and systems that make it even more comfortable and convenient for driving. In 2019, three AMG sports versions of the crossover are presented – GLE 53, GLE 63, and GLE 63S. In August 2019, a coupe version of the Mercedes C167 crossover was released, replacing the C292.
New Mercedes GLE is optionally equipped with the E-Active Body Control hydropneumatic suspension that allows the crossover to get out of the sticky ground, simulating shakedown, by jerks increasing the pressure in the hydraulic system of the struts and briefly increasing the pressure of the wheels on the supporting surface.
Mercedes GLE 2018/2019 is built on the modular platform MHA (Modular High Architecture), characterized by an increased proportion of ultra-high-strength steels, specially designed for large SUVs and is a modified version of the platform on which the GLS-class is also assembled. The front wheels are on a double-wishbone suspension, the rear wheels are on a multi-link. It is possible to install an adjustable-height air suspension (Airmatic). For the first time, an SUV is optionally equipped with the E-Active Body Control hydropneumatic suspension. It consists of accumulators mounted on each rack and powerful servos that continuously adjust the compression and rebound ratios. The suspension is powered by 48-volt mains and can drive each wheel individually, and most importantly, do it quickly enough. The most impressive skill of this suspension is the ability to get out of the sticky ground: the car will simulate the swing, with jerks increasing the pressure in the hydraulic system of the struts and briefly increasing the pressure of the wheels on the supporting surface.
The exterior and interior of GLE 2019/2020 is dominated by the new design philosophy of the German company called ‘Sensual purity’. The most radical changes were made to the front and rear optics and bumpers, the interior was completely changed, in the front there were 2 widescreen touchscreens, each measuring 12.3 inches, as on the 2019 GLS model, new MBUX multimedia system, and other technological innovations. For example, a stereo camera is installed, like the S-class, which scans the road surface, preparing the suspension for the upcoming irregularities.
