Mercedes-Benz GLE surprised by the new class systems

12 September 2018

The new German SUV will be produced in Russia

The history of the Mercedes-Benz GLE (nee M-Class) stretches back to 1998. "Daimlerbenz" presented its crossover before BMW started producing the X5, not to mention the Audi A7, which came much later a formal "classmates". If keep in mind this fact, is not so surprised that in the new, fourth generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLE many options and technology offered first in the class.

SUV thoroughly updated visually. At the same time, there are strong family traits. The Mercedes-Benz designers retained not only the General proportions of the body, but the individual elements. For example, famously littered with forward strut roof that is installed behind the rear doors, was used in the first generation of the car.

Based on the Mercedes-Benz GLE is a new platform MHA (Mercedes High Architecture). Subsequently, this truck will move on the flagship crossover GLS. Interestingly, the new GLE will be available not only and air spring (Airmatic) suspension, but also a fundamentally new kind of design — E-Active Body Control. She is an active hydropneumatic suspension. This system works from the on-Board systems 48 and is able to adjust the position of each wheel individually.

This technology may come in handy on the pavement, where it will suppress the roll in the corners, and off-road. For example, if the vehicle is stuck, then E-Active Body Control tries to literally shake it.

At the moment, the Germans announced only one version — the GLE 450. It is equipped with three-liter gasoline turbo engine, issuing 367 horsepower and 500 N·m. But this car will be a "mild hybrid": on Board system is provided with the EQ-Boost, consisting of a starter-generator and a small battery. They add to the common Fund her 22 "horse" and 250 N·m. In the future will be more simple version. Regardless of the powerplant of the Mercedes-Benz GLE will be powered by a nine-storeyed automatic transmission 9G-Tronic.

Among the interesting facts mentioned improved aerodynamics: the drag coefficient reduced from 0.32 to 0.29 to, and it is quite an impressive figure even by the standards of cars. Plus, the engineers have increased by 80 mm 2 995 mm wheelbase.

It is noteworthy that Mercedes-Benz GLE will be the first car which will be assembled at a new plant in Russia. Start of production is scheduled for 2019.