New Mercedes GLE SUV range: prices, specification and on-sale date

This is the new Mercedes GLE, the latest generation of the brand’s large luxury SUV that’s taking on its fellow German rivals the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne, along with other choices such as the Range Rover Sport and Volvo XC90.

Offered only in AMG Line trim in the UK, the GLE is powered by the usual choice of petrol and diesel engines, along with plug-in hybrid power that’ll arrive later. The full range is available to order now, priced from £55,685.

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The Mercedes GLE range opens with a four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel in the GLE 300d – it has 242bhp, manages 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds and returns 46.3mpg. Next step up the ladder is the £61,995 GLE 350d, which uses the same 3.0-litre, straight six engine as was recently introduced to the Mercedes S-Class saloon range. It produces 268bhp, while a 362bhp version powers the GLE 400d, which starts at £64,230. Both are claimed to return up to 40.4mpg.

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Those who prefer petrol power can opt for the GLE 450, which uses a mild-hybrid 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine for which 33.6mpg fuel economy is claimed. 0-62mph takes 5.7 seconds and prices start at £62,300. Every GLE has a nine-speed automatic gearbox and Mercedes’ 4MATIC four-wheel-drive system.

It’s expected that a plug-in hybrid diesel will arrive later down the line, badged GLE 350de. The obligatory high-performance AMG models will arrive in 2020; a coupe-styled model is likely to join the GLE lineup in due course.

2019 Mercedes GLE specification

All GLE models come equipped as standard with Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch displays, blind spot assistance, traffic sign assistance, automatic dual-zone climate control, 20-inch alloys, illuminated grab handles and running boards, LED headlights with active high beam assistance, privacy glass, open-pore oak wood trim, nappa leather upholstery, auto-dimming mirrors, heated front seats and a parking package that includes active parking assistance.

Opt for the GLE 450 4MATIC and you’ll get adaptive air suspension, seven seats, electrically adjustable rear seats, additional USB ports and four-zone climate control.

Optional extras are available as packages. Highlights include the Premium Plus pack, which offers a Burmester surround sound stereo system, an interior fragrancing system, keyless go, hands free and remote boot opening and a panoramic sunroof for £4,295, along with an off-road pack that can be specified on the petrol model for £1,695, adding additional driving modes, hill descent control and extra underside protection.

Design and interior

On the styling front, the Mercedes GLE has been brought into line with the company’s most recent offerings, with front and rear lights that echo those of the latest Mercedes A-Class and forthcoming Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door. A bold new grille design also features.

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Inside, the design is far more revolutionary. Mercedes’ latest dual-screen infotainment system dominates a new dashboard, which gets new air vents and wooden trim. There’s more headroom for rear passengers than before, as well as a bigger boot – up 125 litres to 825, or 2,055 with the seats folded down. A seven-seat option is offered for the first time in response to practical rivals like the Volvo XC90 and Land Rover Discovery.

The new Mercedes GLE’s safety and driver-assistance systems have been brought up to date, with systems including active distance assist, active stop-and-go assist and active steering assist – many of which are also set to feature on the forthcoming all-electric Mercedes EQC SUV, too.