Mercedes-Benz GLEs arrive Down Under

Mercedes-Benz has officially launched its GLE range Down Under. The M-Class replacement is in essence a refresh of the US-built large SUV, renamed to meet the German marque’s new nomenclature.

The key difference, however, is the addition of a three-mode ‘Coupe’ line-up. The new fastback five-door Coupe variant is aimed four-square at BMW’s X6 – although Mercedes-Benz would be unlikely to publicly admit the point.

Mercedes-Benz has underperformed in the burgeoning prestige SUV segment in Australia, not least of all because of the lack of a full model walk. With the refreshed GLE and new GLE Coupe arriving, that situation is quickly changing.

The arrival of the C-Class based GLC-Class and its potent AMG Sport and (yet to be confirmed) full AMG models could potentially see the Stuttgart brand take a leading position in the segment – further boosting its sales ladder advantage over archrivals BMW and Audi in 2016.

Indeed, by the end of 2016 the Mercedes SUV line-up will span from compact to full-size: GLA, GLC, GLE and GLS. Plug-in hybrids will also be offered in the short term in at least two of the ranges.

For the time being, the GLE wagon line-up is all-4MATIC (Benz speak for AWD), all-turbo and comprises two diesel and three petrol models priced across a $100K range starting at $86,900. All are officially on sale now.

One additional wagon model will join the line-up in early 2016. This is the V6 petrol-electric 500e plug-in hybrid for which pricing is yet to be announced.

Aside from the new look and interior upgrades, the most noticeable technical updates to the GLE range includes making the new 9G-TRONIC standard for all diesel models and the addition of the six-mode Dynamic Select system across the range.

Standard equipment for the base-grade 150kW GLE 250d 4MATIC turbo-diesel includes touch-pad COMAND nav and infotainment system, DAB+ digital radio, ‘intelligent’ LED headlights, keyless go and entry and a power tailgate. Mercedes’ full driver assist system including Distronic Plus adaptive cruise is also standard.

The $104,900 190kW V6 GLE 350d 4MATIC is similarly equipped to its four-cylinder counterpart.

The GLE 400 4MATIC, the base petrol model, is $5000 more and packs 245kW. It adds a glass sunroof and full Harman Kardon audio.

The 320kW biturbo V8 petrol GLE 500 is priced at $127,900. It rolls on 21-inch wheels and gets a significant interior upgrade including heated and vented front seats and Artico trimmed dash and doors.

At the head of the GLE wagon line-up is the 430kW 5.5-litre biturbo petrol AMG GLE 63 S priced at $189,900 and wanting for little.

Mercedes-Benz Australia will offer a truncated GLE Coupe range. The base coupe is the 350d model for which you’ll pay a $17,000 premium over the mechanically matched wagon. The GLE 450 AMG is coupe only at this stage, while the 63 S fastback is $10K up on its wagon counterpart.

The coupe shares its wagon counterpart's mechanicals and architecture. All are AWD and feature air-suspension. Standard equipment across the GLE Coupes include AMG body styling, Dynamic Select transmission modes, 21-inch AMG wheels, Nappa leather upholstery and heated and electronically adjustable AMG Line sports front seats.  

In addition, the 450 gets a panoramic sliding sunroof, AMG Line Nappa leather upholstery, 22-inch AMG wheels, Active Curve System with anti-roll stabilisation and theft protection package.

The GLE 63 S Coupe also includes an AMG driver’s package, AMG performance exhaust, Air-Balance package, digital TV tuner and heated and ventilated multi-contour luxury front seats in exclusive AMG Nappa leather.

Look out for motoring.com.au’s first local drive of the GLE Coupe soon.