Mercedes-Benz took the wraps of its newly-developed GLE. The GLE is essentially just the new name for the facelifted M-Class. Alongside the standard models, Merc has revealed its AMG derivatives as well that include an AMG GLE 63 4MATIC and an AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC.

Minor change for GLE exterior

The biggest change on the GLE appears to be the name change as the rest of the addition are hardly discernible. The standard trim and tuck on the front end has been applied as has a new set of headlights. The rear has also had some light restructuring with different exhaust pipes and LED taillights installed.

Plenty engines

There is plenty of choice when it comes to engines with Merc throwing a mix of diesel, petrol and AMG twin-turbo V8 tech at the range. Diesel offerings include a 2.1-Litre four-cylinder with 150 kW and 480 Nm. The bigger diesel is the 2.0-Litre V6 with 190 kW and 620 Nm. Petrol versions are all turbocharged and starts off with the 3.0-Litre V6 with 245 kW and 480 Nm. Before hitting AMG moddels you can get a 4.7-Litre V8 with a huge 320 kW and 700 Nm. The AMG models whack out insane power with the ‘standard’ AMG knocking out 410 kW and 700 Nm. That means the SUV will sprint to 100kph in a silly 4.3 seconds. Add the S badging to the AMG model and you get more power, it racks up 430 kW and 760 Nm but only gets to 100kp a tenth quicker (4.2 seconds) than the standard AMG.

Mercedes will also offer the GLE in a plug-in hybrid model. The drive system components comprise a V6 direct-injection petrol engine with 245 kW and a hybrid module with 85 kW of electric power. The system peak torque is a 650 Nm. The system also offers all-electric driving at speeds up to 130kph.

All the latest tech

As an option, the latest generation of COMAND Online offers infotainment with an 8-inch display and touchpad. The system comprises, among other things, a DVD player and traffic sign recognition including wrong-way warning function. Customers can supplement COMAND Online with a 6-disc DVD changer. Also available are sound systems from Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen.

This equipment level can be upgraded further. The Driving Assistance package Plus includes DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, PRE-SAFE Brake with pedestrian protection, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE-SAFE PLUS.

With the Comfort package, the equipment is enhanced with the automatic EASY-PACK liftgate, the soft and automatic power closing of all doors and a reversing camera. The Parking package with 360° camera and Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC allows an overview and problem-free manoeuvring into and out of parking spaces. Night-time vision is improved by the LED Intelligent Light System which is available for all models.

We can probably expect this new Mercedes Benz to reach our shores in 2016.