More than a quarter of a century after Mercedes-Benz established the premium SUV segment with the unveiling of its renowned M-Class model, the famous three-pointed star is set to light up the sector once again with this year’s unveiling of a new formidable and forward-thinking 4×4 double act.

 

Order books are now open for the majestic Mercedes-Benz GLE and its sporty offshoot, the GLE Coupé, which will arrive in Mercedes-Benz South Wales showrooms this summer and look destined to not only maintain the brand’s SUV success story but continue its American dream.

The M-Class made its debut in 1997 and was succeeded by the original GLE in 2015 and then a facelift version three years later. All were built at the Mercedes-Benz production centre in Tuscaloosa, USA – the manufacturer’s first major plant outside Germany where now more than four million vehicles have rolled off the assembly line during the last 26 years. With two-thirds of its current annual production of in excess of 250,000 vehicles shipped overseas, the Alabama operation is now one of the country’s largest automotive exporting sites.

The latest GLE model generation will drive off the production line with updated exterior styling including a new front bumper design, radiator grille, front air intakes and newly-designed MULTIBEAM LED headlamps incorporating a new-look daytime running light signet and interior enhancements such as a brand new steering wheel and choice of leather upholstery colours.

There are major technology and equipment improvements over their predecessors too. AIRMATIC air suspension with Active Damping ensures luxury and comfort no matter how tough the going gets and is standard as is 4MATIC capability, which ensures progress even in poor traction conditions or off-road on gradients of up to 100 per cent. Further aiding travel in steep terrain is the new transparent bonnet function that relays a virtual view under the front of the vehicle to the central display. And owners can definitely rely on having plenty of pulling power at their disposal as the new models offer a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes.

Occupants are assured of being kept fully connected and thoroughly entertained on every journey as the new GLE and its Coupé sibling boast the latest generation MBUX with ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant and over-the-air updates for in-car software as well as the Burmester surround sound system. Apple Car Play and Android Auto are now available wirelessly.

Prices start at £77,890 for the GLE SUV which comes with a choice of three extensively-equipped model lines topped by the AMG Line Premium Plus – the only option for the Coupé costing £92,675 on-the-road. Electrified throughout, the engine range includes mild hybrids with a 48-volt system and Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) as well as fourth-generation plug-in hybrids. With slightly increased electric ranges of up to 68 miles, most everyday journeys can be covered purely electrically. On routes in urban areas, the intelligent GLE prioritises electric driving and the plug-in hybrids can now also drive electrically in off-road terrain. Most models now have more power than the previous versions.

The all-new GLE SUV and GLE Coupé are expected in Mercedes-Benz South Wales showrooms in Cardiff, Bridgend, Swansea and Neyland in July. Register your interest now by emailing digital.mercedes@sinclairgroup.co.uk