Five things you didn't know about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
A lineup of 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450s. Photos by Benjamin Yong.
It’s no longer called the M-Class, but when it originally launched over 20 years ago the Mercedes-Benz GLE blazed the way for the luxury SUV segment. For the fourth generation, the vehicle is completely redesigned: here are five things you might not know about the 2020 model.
Base trims now receive four-cylinder engine
Entry level 350s, priced starting at $66,075, come packaged with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor putting out 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. A 450 grade ($74,075) is also offered packing a boosted 3.0-litre inline six and making 362 horsepower.
It can fit more passengers than before
Because the new GLE possesses an 80 millimetre longer wheelbase compared to previously, rear passengers gain more legroom and customers may choose to include an optional third row to accommodate an extra two passengers, for a total of seven.
There’s onboard mild hybrid technology
All six-cylinder variants feature EQ Boost, which is essentially a 48-volt Integrated Starter Generator designed to allow limited electric-only “gliding” operation under low loads, as well as short bursts of enhanced performance. While the turbo is spooling up, an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque is provided to help mitigate turbo lag.
The GLE has a bounce function
When the available AIRMATIC Air Suspension is installed, drivers can activate a special rocking mode to escape a sticky situation during off-roading. This causes the SUV to bounce up and down, reducing the ground pressure of the tires and improving traction in hopes of getting unstuck.
An intelligent digital assistant is at occupants’ disposal
Called MBUX, short for Mercedes-Benz User Experience, simply saying “Hey Mercedes,” followed by a command, can accomplish a great deal of things. Via plain speech, she can be asked to change the cabin temperature, turn on the lights, or suggest a certain type of nearby restaurant. Built-in artificial intelligence means MBUX has the ability to learn, too.
For full details and specs about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE visit the OpenRoad New Car Showroom.
