Mercedes-Benz recently whipped the covers off its new GLE, so we’ve decided to take a closer look at the new luxury SUV’s tech-filled cabin.
The GLE will, of course, boast the Stuttgart-based brand’s new MBUX infotainment system, here gaining various “improvements” over the version that debuted in the A-Class. A head-up display measuring 720 x 240 pixels will also be offered.
In the GLE, two 12,3-inch screens will ship as standard, arranged next to each other for a widescreen look. Here, the MBUX system offers a choice of four different styles: Modern Classic, Sport, Progressive and Discreet style.
In addition, the optional MBUX Interior Assist allows what Mercedes-Benz describes as “intuitive, natural operation” of different functions by movement recognition (essentially gesture control) via a camera in the overhead console that registers movements of the driver’s and front passenger’s hands and arms.
When a hand approaches the touchscreen or the touchpad on the centre console, the media display changes and individual elements are highlighted. Interestingly, Mercedes says the system is able to distinguish the driver’s hand from that of the front passenger, and “therefore knows for whose seat the massage function is to be activated, for example”.
As we pointed out in our original story, the new GLE’s wheelbase has grown by some 80 mm to 2 995 mm, resulting in increased legroom in the second row of seats. That second row can be optionally specified with six fully electric adjustments, while there will also be the option of a folding third row, which provides two extra perches.
Luggage capacity comes in at a claimed 825 litres behind the rear seats (without the third row specified, that is), and up to 2 055 litres when the second row is folded down.
