2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE range priced from $99K
Entry price of Merc's newest BMW X5 rival rises by $6000 but includes new engines, more tech and a seven-seat optionAustralian pricing and specification details have been announced for the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLE range.
The BMW X5 competitor arrives in local showrooms initially in three different grades -- one petrol and two diesel. Each sends drive to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Aside from more equipment, safety and technology, the newcomer offers buyers a choice of seven seats for the first time since the original M-Class, albeit as an optional extra ($3900).
Interior space has grown with 70mm extra legroom, while the GLE now adopts Mercedes’ latest dual 12.3-inch MBUX infotainment system, ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice recognition and, for the first time in Australia as standard, ‘Mercedes me Connect’ services.
Despite those additions, the entry-level GLE variant will undercut the equivalent BMW X5 by $12,000 -- at least until the new xDrive25d variant lands in Australia.
Anchoring Merc's new large SUV line-up is the diesel-powered GLE 300d, priced from $99,900 (plus on-road costs). It employs a 180kW/500Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that is good for a 7.2-second 0-100km/h dash.
Occupying the middle rung of the initial GLE portfolio is the six-cylinder petrol mild-hybrid GLE 450, priced from $111,700 (plus on-road costs).
The GLE 450 combines a new 270kW/500Nm 3.0-litre turbo-petrol straight six with 48-volt electrical system, which recuperates braking energy and can redeploy up to 16kW/250Nm during acceleration. Officially, the GLE 450 notches triple figures from rest in 5.7 seconds.
Sitting atop the range – until the AMG-fettled GLE 53 and GLE 63 variants arrive – is the GLE 400d, priced from $118,500. Power is sourced from a 243kW/700Nm 3.0-litre inline-six turbo-diesel which requires 5.8 seconds to clip the 0-100km/h ticket.
Fuel use — based on the new WLTP European standard that is intended to be more aligned with real-world consumption — is rated at 6.1-6.4L/100km in the 300d, 7.0-7.5L/100km for the 400d and 8.3-9.4L/100km for the 450.
The GLE range comes standard with 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, multibeam LED headlights with adaptive high beam, aluminium roof rails and running boards, electronic tailgate, head-up display, Artico leatherette upholstery, Nappa leather steering wheel, heated front seats, open-pore oak wood trim, DAB+ digital radio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
On the safety front, the range receives a 360-degree surround camera, an automated parking assistant, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, steering assist, lane change assist, blind-spot assist, and the company’s Pre-Safe Plus predictive collision protection technology.
Mercedes-Benz is offering a seven-seat package as an option across the range, priced from $3900 and including a third row of seats and electric adjustment for the second row.
Other options include an AMG Sport Package ($9900, including AMG exterior body styling, panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging and leather upholstery), Energising Package Plus ($6200, including multi-ontour front seats with massaging and heating, front armrest heating, Air Balance fragrancing and additional MBUX functionality), Night Package ($4800, including black exterior accents and styling upgrades) and Vision Package ($4200, including a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging and 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system).
The new Mercedes-Benz GLE rides on a 80mm longer wheelbase than the third-generation vehicle, contributing to much-improved legroom in the second row seats, along with a 35mm lift in headroom.
Boot space is 630 litres with the third row of seats folded down and the second row set fully back, expanding to 825 litres when they’re slid forwards. Drop the second row and there’s a cavernous 2055 litres of cargo room. Braked towing capacity is rated at 3500kg with a 140kg tongue limit.
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE range is on sale now and will be joined later this year by new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 and 63 models, with GLE Coupe body styles to follow.
How much does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE cost?
GLE 300d 4MATIC – $99,900
GLE 450 4MATIC – $111,700
GLE 400d 4MATIC – $118,500
* Prices exclude on-road costs
What options are there for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE?
Seven-Seat Package ($3900)
Vision Package ($4200)
Night Package ($4800)
Energising Package Plus ($6200)
AMG Sport Package ($9900)
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
