In case you haven’t read about it, Mercedes is currently changing its naming structure. Some of the cars will be used as starting points, like G-Class and SL, while the others will adapt to them. If your déjà vu is still unresolved, this article’s SUV was called ML until now. The “G” of the new name denotes it’s an SUV, the “L” is just another part of the structure (originally, it stood for the German word for “light”), and the “E” means it’s positioned at E-Class’ level on the lineup. In other words, it’ll stay above the GLC, which will be the current GLK’s successor, and under the GLS, which will be the new GL. The previous car released under the GLE nameplate shares a lot of mechanical parts with this, but featuring that X6-wannabe silhouette.
However, the old ML received much more than a new name. Since it’s already four years old, the company took the opportunity to give it the midlife facelift. The front fascia was entirely refreshed, in order to present the new design language: lights, air intakes and bumper changed the angular shapes for round ones. The rear was also changed, but it’s harder to notice. The lights have new internal design, while the bumper was slightly retouched at its lower part. The Coupé version has pretty much the same front because it belongs to the same lineup, but looks entirely different at the back because of its body type: Mercedes wanted it to resemble coupé versions such as S-Class’. But the new GLE features many other novelties on the inside.
The air suspension still comes as an option, but was retuned and added variable dampers. This way, the driver gets more customization options from which to choose through the Dynamic Select controller. When it comes to engines, some options are completely new for this model, and other were carried over with several improvements dedicated to reduce emissions and increase the overall efficiency. The conventional options are two diesels, starting with the GLE 250d. Its four-cylinder unit delivers 201 hp and comes with two or four-wheel drive – the first one is capable of running 52.3 mpg and emitting 140 g/km of CO2. If you want more, GLE 350d reaches 255 hp and 457 lb-ft, and was improved to achieve 9% less consumption, now reaching 44.1 mpg.
Going to the really interesting trims, GLE 63 honors the AMG surname by carrying an eight-cylinder, twin-turbo 5.5 good for 577 hp. This is enough to take it from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and to the electronic limit of 155 mph – it goes to 174 hp with the Driver’s Package. Mercedes improved its chassis, shift times, and throttle response. If you prefer your SUV to be efficient, there will be a hybrid for the first time. GLE 500e pairs a 329-hp twin-turbo V6 to a 114-hp electric motor using a seven-speed automatic transmission. The electric-only mode is limited to 80 mph, and travels up to 18.5 miles. According to European measuring standards, the combined behavior allows 85.6 mpg, and 78 g/km of CO2. This model will go on sale in the next few months.
