Mercedes GLE received a small update | fairs
Mercedes-Benz updates the exterior, interior, technology and equipment of the 2018 GLE model generation.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
A number of detailed exterior changes give the GLE a more modern look.
The front bumper provides more visual presence.
Two horizontal slats with chrome inserts cut off the GLE’s grille.
The exterior air intakes grille has a chromed horizontal fin.
The lighting of the headlights is typical for Mercedes-Benz. 4 light points with Multibeam LED headlights as standard complete the light signature of the daytime running lights.
The light strip of the rear lights consists of two horizontal blocks.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Inside, some fine details from the Mercedes-Maybach GLS and Mercedes S-Class are present in the GLE.
The GLE gets the latest generation steering wheel with touch-sensitive surfaces on the horizontal gears. Thanks to these touch elements located on the right and left, the driver can control the drive and central displays from the steering wheel.
The chrome appearance of the center and side air vents draws attention in the cabin. They are covered with original galvanized metal plates, as in the case of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS.
The Energizing Air Control system is available as an option. The system monitors air quality using air quality and fine particulate matter sensors. The two-stage filter reduces most of the fine particles and other pollutant components. Depending on the measured value, the vehicle switches from fresh air mode to air recirculation mode.
MBUX INFORMATION SYSTEM
The GLE gets the second generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system.
As hardware and software make huge advances, the car interior is becoming more digital and intelligent: many vehicle and comfort functions can be controlled on bright LCD displays.
The dimensions of the driver’s screen and central display have been retained, each at 12.3 inches.
The central display can be operated directly as a touch screen. Apple Car Play and Android Auto are available wirelessly.
Central displays present information in a structured and well-defined manner. The appearance can be customized with three display styles (classic, sporty, discreet) and four modes (navigation, assistance, service, off-road).
“HEY MERCEDES” VOICE COMMAND
The “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant becomes more interactive and learnable by enabling online services in the Mercedes me app.
Passengers can perform certain actions without the “Hey Mercedes” activation keyword. For example, receiving a phone call.
“Hey Mercedes” also explains the car’s functions when it hears the command “Help”. It helps when you ask how to connect a smartphone via Bluetooth or where the first aid kit is.
Hey Mercedes recognizes the position of passengers.
Other functions of the car, such as interior lighting or blinds, can now be controlled by voice command.
MBUX SMART HOME
With the MBUX Smart Home function, the GLE becomes a mobile control center for the home. The Smart Home function refers to WLAN, sensors and actuators that make the home increasingly intelligent and communicative: temperature and lights, blinds and electrical appliances can be monitored and controlled remotely. Motion detectors and window contacts notify the user of welcome or unwanted visitors.
“Hey Mercedes, is anyone at my house right now?” “I checked. The last movement was detected in the kitchen an hour ago.” Through the voice assistant MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), conversations can be held between residents and the smart home. The MBUX smart home feature supports many devices from major smart home vendors. You can apply for lamps, electrical sockets, thermostats, shutters and blinds, motion detectors and door or window contacts, as well as temperature sensors.
AIR (OTA) UPDATES
As soon as a software update is available for the GLE, a message appears in the MBUX system. The update is downloaded and installed in the background. After that, the user must explicitly accept the activation of the update.
New features can also be downloaded to featured vehicles via over-the-air updates.
For data transmission, Mercedes-Benz relies on mobile communication technology and a communication module installed in the vehicle.
Car owners can enhance their on-board experience by adding new features to the Mercedes me Store, such as music streaming or Office in Car services.
Subscription services can also be renewed or added online via the Mercedes me Store.
STRONG LAYER
Most models are now more powerful than previous versions.
All versions of the GLE are fully electrified.
The mild hybrid GLEs (GLE 300 d 4Matic, GLE 450 d 4Matic) have 48-volt technology and an integrated starter generator.
The plug-in hybrid GLEs (GLE 400 e 4Matic, GLE 350 de 4Matic) are equipped with a permanently excited synchronous motor and offer a system output of up to 100 kW as well as a system torque of up to 440 Nm. With a range of up to 109 kilometers according to the WLTP standard, most daily journeys can be made in pure electric mode.
The hybrid drive program offers an electric driving mode for the most suitable parts of the journey. During journeys in urban areas, the GLE prefers electric driving. Thanks to the Off-Road drive program, plug-in hybrid cars can move in electric mode in off-road conditions.
Rechargeable hybrid models have an 11kW charger on board for charging from the AC home mains or a three-phase wall box. A 60kW DC fast charger is available as an option.
FUNCTIONS FOR ALL AREA USE
Most drivers of the GLE travel only on paved roads or easy to moderately difficult off-road terrain.
As standard, the 4MATIC transmission allows you to cope with off-road conditions in poor grip conditions or on slopes of up to 100%.
Off-road technology package components include underride protection and 30 millimeters of additional ground clearance with Airmatic air suspension (optional).
The MBUX system’s “Off-Road Mode” transforms slope, yaw angle, compass and steering angle into a visual experience.
It offers a “transparent cover” function with the optional Parking Package with 360° camera. When off-road mode is activated, the central display shows a virtual view of the front of the car (including the front wheels and their rotation status). This image consists of images taken from a 360° camera. The “transparent hood” allows the driver to better recognize obstacles in his path, such as large stones or deep potholes. This feature is also useful when crossing ramps or ridges.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BOOT
All-wheel drive and a towing ratio allow for a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes (2.7 tonnes in plug-in hybrid versions) and a tongue weight of up to 140kg.
The fully electric trailer hitch is practical: the ball neck and socket for the trailer’s power supply via a button on the tailgate or a panel on the central display are placed under the vehicle at the push of a button and are automatically locked into operation. . After use, it retracts into its resting position behind the bumper.
A special feature makes it easy to use the hitch for transporting bicycles: the trailer’s hook has two additional bolts on the ball neck to carry a suitable bicycle carrier. Its carrying capacity is 100 kg, which means it can also carry e-bikes.
On the central screen, passengers can plan routes that are suitable for driving with a pre-defined trailer and do not involve large roads or time loss. Route width and height, as well as weight restrictions are taken into account. The trailer is defined through the Trailer menu in the MBUX system. This appears automatically as soon as the trailer is electrically connected to the vehicle. The signal assistant only shows the permissible speeds for the vehicle/trailer combination. If Distronic and Active Speed Limit Assist are activated, the car accelerates only up to the corresponding speed limit.
The extended trailer maneuvering assistance system works via a camera system and is also suitable for trailers with their own roll stabilization device.
The assistance system makes maneuvering with the trailer easier, more practical and safer. The system automatically adjusts the steering angle of the towing vehicle at speeds up to 5 km/h and uphill gradients of up to 15%. It is also integrated into the MBUX system and can be operated intuitively via the touch screen. In addition to stabilizing the mount while reversing, the system can also guide it through freely selectable turns of up to 90 degrees. The steering of the tow truck is automatically controlled to maintain the selected angle. This allows for precise positioning of the harness. The driver can also select the appropriate function when the trailer reaches a desired direction and needs to reverse in a straight line. The entire maneuvering process can be watched from different camera perspectives on the central screen. Guide lines indicate the path you should follow and the width of the vehicle. The system must be trained. There is no need for any markings on the trailer to visually measure the length of the drawbar. Trailer Maneuver Assist is an option that can be unlocked as an “Over the Air” (OTA) update after the purchase of the GLE.
Parking systems offer more effective support to the driver during maneuvers thanks to improved environmental sensors. By being integrated into the MBUX system, they can be used more intuitively and faster.
Active Steering Assist now works in towing mode.
The system automatically helps the driver stay in their lane even during small turns.
DRIVING AIDS
The driver assistance package includes special enhanced functions for example Distronic active distance assist, active steering assist and road sign assist.
The Parking Package with a 360° camera assists the driver when entering and exiting parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.
The updated GLE model will arrive at Mercedes dealers in Europe from July 2023.
The GLE generation started with the M-Class. With it, Mercedes-Benz created the premium SUV segment in 1997. The global success continued with the GLE launched in 2015. The current 2018 model series GLE is manufactured in Mercedes-Benz’s Tuscaloosa plant. plant in the United States.
