The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE isn’t just a fresh face – it has some clever party tricks as well.
Mercedes-Benz has an array of seven SUVs on offer to U.S., with the GLE sitting right smack in the middle. It’s larger than the GLA and GLC-Class, but smaller than the mammoth GLS and G-Class SUVs. Now, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE is almost upon us, with sales starting in spring of 2019. On the styling front, it’s not a radical departure from the outgoing model. Elements of its precursor carry over to the new model, like the tapering rear end and taillight design. The new car does see major changes, however, when it comes to technology and powertrain. In today’s TFLcar video, Roman Mica walks through the must-try features of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Let’s start with the powertrains. Gone is the old 3.0-liter V6 engine, and in its place is Mercedes’ new 3.0-liter inline-six unit instead. That engine, slotted in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450, is a return to a field that only BMW has occupied consistently over the past several years, at least when it comes to cars. The new engine manages 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, and is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Another notable feature is E-ACTIVE Body Control. Not only does it allow the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE to “dance” by controlling the ride height at each corner, but it lets the driver raise or lower the car at their whim. The 48-volt suspension system is also able to rock the car back and forth and try to free itself when you do get stuck off-road.
What about practicality?
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 houses a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. That powerplant makes 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. However, it is still able to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The GLE 450, with the bigger 3.0-liter engine, is able to tow around 7,000 pounds. That’s on par with the previous generation model, which could tow up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE also has 2,055 liters of cargo capacity (or about 72.5 cubic feet) with all the seats folded.
Finally, there’s MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience, the company’s new entertainment system. We’ve experienced the system in the new A-Class and CLS-Class, and now it makes its way to the GLE as well. The system has larger screens and an “interior assistant” that recognizes hand and arm gestures, as well as voice commands. The system uses two 12.3-inch screens as standard equipment, replacing the old instrument cluster and many of the button controls.
Driving impressions are embargoed under November 21, and Mercedes-Benz has not officially announced pricing yet. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for our full review and more updates on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE!
