As next week’s New York Auto Show is around the corner, more manufacturers are releasing details of new vehicles which will be unveiled at the show.
The latest addition to the list is the new Mercedes-Benz GLE and Mercedes-AMG GLE63. These cars are the facelifted versions of the current ML models and ML63 AMG.
The most notable change can be seen at the front. Here the SUV has received the same design treatment as the new S- and C-Class sedans. At the rear the headlights are new LED units.
The AMG version features a different grille, bumper, side sills and 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels. At the rear it features the distinguishable four exhaust pipes.
Move to the interior, and buyers will be greeted by a new multi-function steering wheel, while the infotainment screen has moved to the top of the dashboard. The latter, similar to the rest of the new crop of Mercedes-Benz models.
As can be seen in the pictures, there is also a new colour palette. These includes Ginger Beige, Espresso Brown, Saddle Brown and Porcelain.
The trim options, to name a few, can be ordered in Aluminium, Carbon Fibre, Piano Black, Brown Ash, Brown Eucalyptus and Brown Burr Walnut.
The range will be available with the following engines:
• 3,0-litre, turbopetrol – 245 kW/480 N.m
• 4,7-litre, turbopetrol – 320 kW/700 N.m
• 2,1-litre, turbodiesel – 150 kW/480 N.m
• 3,0-litre, tubodiesel – 190 kW/620 N.m
The GLE500 e 4Matic offers the plug-in hybrid in the range. The drivetrain is made up of a 3,0-litre BlueDirect V6 engine and an 8,8 kWh lithium-ion battery.
The combined output is 325 kW/650 N.m while Mercedes-Benz claims an EU cycle average consumption of only 3,3 litres per 100 km. This SUV’s electric-only range is said to be 30 km.
The AMG version will not be fitted with the new 4,0-litre, V8 engine as found in the C63 AMG. Rather, the GLE63 S carries the ML63’s engine over into the facelifted range.
This means the 5,5-litre, V8 turbopetrol develops 410 kW and 700 N.m. The result is a 0-100 km/h acceleration figure of 4,3 seconds and a limited top speed of 250 km/h. The GLE63 S develops 430 kW and 760 N.m. This cuts the 0-100 km/h time by a further 0,1 seconds.
Expect the new GLE to arrive in South Africa in the third quarter of the year.
