Mercedes-Benz today launched the latest generation of the GLE SUVs in India featuring a long wheelbase. The new Mercedes-Benz LWB GLE 300 d is priced at INR 73.70 lakh, and the LWB GLE 400 d (hip-hop variant) is priced at INR 1.25 crores ex-showroom, India).
The new LWB GLE has a considerably longer wheelbase than its predecessor (2995 mm, plus 80 mm). This creates significantly more space, especially for passengers in the rear. Legroom in the second seat row has increased by 69 mm to 1045 mm. Headroom in the rear with the standard, fixed rear seat unit and 40:20:40 split backrest has been increased by 33 mm to 1025 mm. And because the A-pillar is more upright than before, spaciousness and entry comfort in the first row has been further improved. The luggage capacity is up to 825 litres behind the rear seats and up to 2055 litres when the second seat row is folded down.
The GLE is equipped with two diesel engine options. The OM 654 four-cylinder diesel engine comes with 180 kW (245 hp) and 500 Nm of torque on the GLE 300 d 4MATIC and the OM 656 six-cylinder diesel engine comes with 243 kW (330 hp) and 700 Nm of torque in the GLE 400 d 4MATIC (hip-hop variant). Power is transmitted by the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The broad ratio spread of gears 1 to 9 allows a clearly perceptible reduction in engine speed and is a decisive factor behind the high level of energy efficiency and ride comfort. With the 4-cylinder engines, 4MATIC all-wheel drive is realised with a transfer case which transmits the drive torque to the axles in a fixed ratio of 50:50 percent.
The newly launched SUVs have features of interaction with the vehicle and its functions through gestures, touch or the voice control system. This is made possible by the latest telematics generation of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience, which is characterised by intuitive logic and a wide range of operating options. There are five different possibilities to interact with the infotainment system of the GLE:
• Per Touch control on the multimedia display in the centre
• Using the Touch Control buttons on the multifunction steering wheel
• With the multifunction touchpad on the centre console
• By voice control, either with the talk button on the steering wheel or the “Hey Mercedes“ prompt
The new GLE comes with Active Braking Assist which can help you to avoid rear-end collisions and accidents with crossing pedestrians and cyclists. Besides distance and collision warning, it also provides situation-dependent brake boosting in the event that you apply the brakes with insufficient force If you do not react, it is able to initiate autonomous emergency braking. Active Braking Assist is designed to detect vehicles travelling in front and which are stationary, crossing pedestrians and cyclists in the danger zone in front of your vehicle.
Blind Spot Assist takes a very close look for you – in particular as soon as you actuate the turn indicator. The system is thus able to give you a visual and audible warning of side collisions with other road users in the blind spot. After your trip, the system still remains alert and warns you if you open the door at the wrong time. With Blind Spot Assist you get two additional radar sensors fitted in the rear bumper. With these, the system is able to detect not only cars but also two-wheeled vehicles in the area of the blind spot. If a vehicle is detected, a red warning triangle lights up in the appropriate outside mirror. If the indicator is also activated, Blind Spot Assist gives you an audible warning of a possible collision. This warning helps you to deal safely with dangerous situations, such as lane changes, turning off and getting out in flowing parallel traffic.
On the design front, these two SUVs follows the design strategy of sensual purity, and dispenses with individual edges and beading in favour of generously modelled surfaces. The surfaces interact with precise graphic elements. This striking appearance is emphasised by the distinctive headlamp design for day and night. The rear lights are also divided into two sections, which not only gives an impression of width but also creates an unmistakable night design with illuminated blocks typical of Mercedes-Benz SUVs, in this case with backlit edge lighting.
