Mercedes-Benz Korea has unveiled a total of five models of the fourth-generation facelift version of the luxury mid-size SUV, the GLE, called ‘The All-New Mercedes-Benz GLE,’ and has started official sales in the domestic market.
Since its first launch in 1997, the GLE has sold over 2 million units worldwide. It first appeared under the name M-Class in 1997 and was reborn with the current name GLE in 2015. In Korea, it has sold over 20,000 units since its first launch in 2016 and is recognized as the epitome of a luxury SUV with high practicality for domestic customers.
After being unveiled for the first time in the world at the Detroit Motor Show in 2015, the GLE Coupe was introduced to the Korean market in 2016. It combines the powerful driving performance of an SUV with the sporty feel unique to coupes, marking a new horizon in the luxury SUV coupe segment.
Killian Teller, Vice President of Product, Marketing, and Digital Business at Mercedes-Benz Korea, stated, “This facelifted version of the All-New GLE is a model that has been meticulously upgraded in all aspects, including exterior design, interior, advanced technology, and specifications for the fourth-generation GLE.” He added, “The new GLE lineup consists of the SUV model ‘The New GLE,’ which offers high practicality in all areas of daily life, and the ‘The New GLE Coupe,’ which boasts a unique coupe sensibility, making it a perfect choice that satisfies the diverse needs of potential customers considering a luxury mid-size SUV.”
The new fourth-generation facelift lineup of the GLE includes a total of five models, covering both the SUV and SUV coupe, as well as high-performance models in the Mercedes-AMG range.
The All-New GLE is available in three model lineups: the All-New Mercedes-Benz GLE 300 d 4MATIC, the All-New Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC, and the high-performance model, the All-New Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+. The coupe model, the All-New GLE Coupe, is offered in two model lineups: the All-New Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 d 4MATIC Coupe and the high-performance model, the All-New Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe.
Mercedes-Benz Korea has already begun deliveries of the All-New GLE 300 d 4MATIC, All-New GLE 450 4MATIC, and All-New GLE 450 d 4MATIC Coupe this month. The two high-performance models, the All-New Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ and the All-New Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe, will also be delivered sequentially at a later date.
Additionally, a plug-in hybrid model, the All-New Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 e 4MATIC Coupe, is expected to be launched in the future.
The fourth-generation facelift model, the All-New GLE and GLE Coupe, boasts enhanced marketability in all aspects, including powertrain and safety and convenience features.
All internal combustion engine models of the new GLE and GLE Coupe, along with high-performance models, are equipped with a 48V mild hybrid system for electric drive, showcasing high efficiency and power. Additionally, the second-generation integrated starter generator provides up to 15kW and 200Nm of additional electric output and torque.
In the SUV models, the All-New GLE 300 d 4MATIC and All-New GLE 450 4MATIC are equipped with a four-cylinder diesel engine (OM654M) and a six-cylinder gasoline engine (M256M), respectively. Combined with the 48V mild hybrid system, the All-New GLE 300 d 4MATIC generates up to 269 horsepower and 550Nm of torque, while the All-New GLE 450 4MATIC produces up to 381 horsepower and 500Nm of torque.
The coupe model, the All-New GLE 450 d 4MATIC Coupe, features a six-cylinder diesel engine (OM656M) that enhances output and torque by 37 horsepower and 50Nm compared to the previous model. With the assistance of the 48V mild hybrid system, it delivers a maximum of 367 horsepower and 750Nm of torque, and its acceleration has improved by 0.1 seconds compared to the previous model, reaching 100km/h from a standstill in just 5.6 seconds. The top speed has also increased from 240km/h to 250km/h.
The high-performance models, the All-New AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ and the All-New Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe, are equipped with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder gasoline turbo engine (M256M) and the 48V mild hybrid system, producing an impressive 435 horsepower and 560Nm of maximum torque. Furthermore, the time it takes to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h has improved from 5.3 seconds to just 5 seconds, with a maximum speed of 250km/h.
Moreover, the full lineup of the All-New GLE and the All-New GLE Coupe are equipped with advanced driving assistance systems and the latest convenience features that ensure stable and comfortable driving both on and off-road.
The off-road driving mode, Driving Assistance Package Plus, a parking package including a 360-degree camera, and a transparent hood that helps secure front visibility in off-road driving mode are included. The transparent hood is a feature usable in off-road mode that utilizes the 360-degree camera to show the terrain beneath the front of the vehicle, assisting the driver in easily identifying obstacles such as rocks and potholes.
The interiors of the All-New GLE and All-New GLE Coupe include an Energizing Package, Air Balance Package, a Winter Package including a heated steering wheel and a heated windshield washer system, along with the second generation MBUX infotainment system, providing a comfortable driving environment and enhanced digital experience.
Additionally, the Burmester® surround sound system featuring Dolby Atmos® sound offers a new dimension in audio experience. The All-New GLE 450 d Coupe model is also equipped with an acoustic comfort package that maximizes insulation and external noise reduction with double-glazed windows featuring infrared reflective and absorption films, creating a quiet and comfortable driving environment.
The exterior design of the All-New GLE and All-New GLE Coupe features subtle changes to the front bumper, radiator grille, and head/rear lamps, resulting in a more stylish and modern finish. The interior includes the latest multifunction sports steering wheel, new interior trim, and leather options, along with chrome air vents used in the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, enhancing the modern sensibility consistent with the exterior design.
High-performance models, the All-New Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ and the All-New Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe, include 22-inch AMG multi-spoke lightweight alloy wheels, AMG carbon fiber trim, and AMG performance steering wheel, showcasing the AMG character through exterior and interior design elements. Additionally, AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension and the AMG variable performance exhaust system are included for a stable high-performance experience.
The domestic lineup, pricing, and specifications for the All-New GLE and GLE Coupe are as follows. For more details, please visit any of the 64 official Mercedes-Benz Korea showrooms nationwide or the official Mercedes-Benz Korea website.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr