The upcoming 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a luxurious mid-size SUV that can accommodate five passengers across the two rows of seats. Firstly known as the M-Class, this SUV was now recognizable under the name “GLE”. The competition is stronger than ever and this SUV will rival models such as Lexus RX and BMW X5.
The 2019 model will look more like an SUV than ever before. Furthermore, a hybrid variant is available and we can expect a lot of upgrades both in and out. According to the latest reports, the German carmaker could bring a new drivetrain in the offer.
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE is three inches longer than its predecessor
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE will now look like a real SUV. The upcoming model will get plenty of updates, but most of the styling cues will remain. For the start, new SUV will ride on the Mercedes High Architecture. With that in mind, the new GLE model is around three inches longer than its predecessor. New air suspension is available on upper trims and the lower trim will still use standard steel springs. Furthermore, the German carmaker will introduce a new Active Body Control system that can lift the suspensions by two additional inches.
The front end will suffer numerous changes such as new hood line, taller nose, and a larger grille. Moreover, sharp lines on the hood are looking really sleek. The sharp body lines are visible to the sides as well.
The lower body is curved toward the rear and the rear-door glass is all-new. The rear end will host some changes too. For an instance, the hatch is slightly longer and the LED taillights will now look more elegant. Generally, the appearance of this SUV is more modern and smoother.
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE interior
After the latest images that appear on the web, it is visible that the interior of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE will suffer a lot. However, the changes are welcoming and we could say the German carmaker is moving in the right direction. Whatsoever, do not expect a higher level of luxury for the same or similar price. The 2019 GLE will be just as luxurious as its predecessor. Latest changes include a new tablet-like housing that will mix the infotainment duties with the new and digital instrument cluster. The center console sports a touchpad for the controlling of various systems. HVAC vents are now looking trapezoidal and the squarish vents are visible too.
The new steering wheel in the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE is multifunctional and the metallic buttons are providing more attractiveness. The interior is available in a two-tone scheme, along with the leather upholstery and additional soft-touch materials. Thanks to the latest dimensional changes, the cargo room will now offer more space. With the rear seats folded flat, cargo area delivers 80.3 cubic feet of space. The technology inside the cabin is great, and Mercedes will replace floating infotainment display with the in-dash display.
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE engine and fuel economy
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE will still use the same 3.5-liter V6. This drivetrain is capable of producing up to 305 HP and 275 lb-ft of torque. The customers can now choose between the rear and all-wheel-drive systems. Additionally, the 2019 GLE will use a 7-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. German carmaker will also introduce a hybrid variant of this SUV.
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE will use a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 in a combination with the electric motor. The motor adds a lithium-ion battery that can solely run up to ten miles. The overall output figures are 440 horses and 480 lb-ft of twists. Driving range with the hybrid drivetrain is rated at 50 mpge and the battery will new couple of hours to completely recharge.
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE towing capacity
Tow rating is set at 7,200 pounds with the all-wheel-drive configuration. Rear-wheel-drive setup can tow slightly less, 6,600 pounds to be exact. Mercedes is likely to offer new engines, but those are pure speculations for now. However, some reliable sources are saying the GLE will gain one or two drivetrains for the specific markets.
E-Active Body Control
The latest system that will Mercedes offer on its new GLE model is an E-Active Body Control. The system provides better comfort and a smoother ride. On top of that, all-new functions are available such as free-driving mode. The whole system is combined with the new AIRMATIC air suspension.
That makes this system the very first system in the market where you can individually control the damping forces and the spring. There is no doubt the E-Active Body Control is the world’s most intelligent suspension. Furthermore, EABC is capable of lifting the suspension by an additional two inches.
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE price and release date
The starting price of the approaching 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE is $54,000. This luxurious SUV will slot in the mid-size class and it will introduce a hybrid variant that will cost over $65,000. With these prices, GLE starts below BMW X5 and above Lexus RX. This SUV will go on sale later in 2018.