Fat luxury - driving report: Mercedes GLE

Mercedes-Benz claims that it set a trend with the introduction of the M-Class in 1997. The trend towards the luxury SUV. In fact, the Hochbeiner with the star, which was the first model to roll off the assembly line at the new US plant in Tuscaloosa / Alabama, was the pioneer for a growth segment that was followed by many imitators from the Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg to the Volvo XC90. More than 20 years and around two million units sold later - the M-Class became the GLE in 2015 - the fourth generation of the off-roader is intended to underpin its reputation as a trendsetter. And so from the end of January, when the delivery of the noble Hochbeiner begins with an entry-level tariff of 65.807 euros, customers can expect some innovations that cannot be found in any other current SUV on the market, whether large or small.

The outfit looks, somewhat ridged from some crimps and edges. The front end carries the new brand face. The taillights and a double-sided illuminated graphics are also new, but the overall picture remains alone because of the striking, wide C-pillar: unmistakably a Mercedes GLE.

The interior, however, presents itself completely new. The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User eXperience) multimedia system known from the A-Class has entered the GLE and requires a new cockpit with its two high-resolution 12,3 inch displays, which are connected to a continuous screen in broadband optics. Layout. This seems somehow familiar and should open up to Mercedes customers intuitively. The stylish, seemingly floating dashboard contrasts with a massive center console, whose robustness is underlined by two dominant handles.

The space has noticeably improved, especially for the passengers in the second row. For the increase in body length by 10,5 centimeters on 4,92 meters and the increased by eight centimeters wheelbase (3,00 meter) are mainly benefiting the Hinterbänklern. They can now look forward to one meter of legroom, and even tall grown contemporaries will not fall on their heads. As a special feature, a six-way fully electrically adjustable second row of seats with a longitudinal adjustment can be ordered by up to 10 centimeters. And in addition to sufficient USB ports, there is even an optional 230-Volt socket for laptops or similar equipment available.

The luggage volume behind the backrests has shrunk to 630 liters - without adjustable rear seats. With this option, the extended cargo holds ever 825 liter, and with folded backrests, which also works fully electric from the trunk, there are either stately 2055 liter. Alternatively, two additional optional seats in the third row, which can be ordered on request, also transform the GLE into a seven-seater. The trailer load is 2.700 kilograms, but can be increased with air suspension on 3,5 tons as before.

Well, now behind the wheel and go on a discovery tour. This begins with a completely new range of engines with eight- and six-cylinder petrol and four- and six-cylinder diesels, of which, however, only two variants are offered for launching the market: the GLE 300d 4Matic with 180 kW / 245 PS, the for 65.807 Euro currently represents the entry-level model, and as the only single-variant with gasoline engine of the inline six-cylinder GLE 450 4Matic with 270 kW / 367 PS at prices from 72.650 Euro.

Both engines impress with excellent smoothness and low noise, the four-cylinder diesel is not so far away from the silky-smooth gasoline six-pack, as one might expect. The 2,0-liter unit spurts in 7,2 seconds on Tempo 100, creates a maximum of 225 km / h and has with 500 Nm already enough 1600 tours, so there is no shortage for a brisk progress. Of course, the Euro-6d-temp standard-compliant engine shines especially in consumption. The hardly achievable standard value (according to NEDC) of 6,1 l / 100 km diesel was in the first test rounds around San Antonio / Texas after all a value well below eight liters compared.

Technically more interesting is undoubtedly the GLE 450 4Matic, whose six-cylinder engine is electrified with an 48-volt electrical system. The Mercedes off-roader will thus become a "mild hybrid", in which an integrated starter-generator takes on hybrid functions such as boosting or recuperation. In the first case, this means that the 270 kW / 367 PS and 500 Nm torque already neatly equipped power-six pack can retrieve additional 16 kW / 22 horsepower and 250 Nm additional torque, in the other case, this reduces consumption. The standard values ​​are between 8,3 and 9,4 Liter Super, our on-board computer showed a value just above 10 liters.

The 48 board technology also includes one of the two world firsts in the GLE: the E-Active Body Control (E-ABC) electrohydraulic suspension, which costs 7.735 Euro extra and must be combined with the optional air suspension (Airmatic). It is the only system on the market that can individually control the spring and damper forces on each individual wheel by means of an electric hydraulic pump. In conjunction with a surface scanner (Road Surface Scan) and the curve tilting function "Curve", the already high level of ride comfort is thus improved a further ounce. Side roll in curves is barely perceptible, and pitching and lifting movements trying to iron out the chassis with the help of the scanner largely. On long bumps that works better than with short road shocks.

But the E-ABC not only ensures improved on-road comfort, but also excellent off-road qualities. Particularly spectacular - in conjunction with the Offroad Package Plus - is the so-called free mode, with which the GLE can free itself from the most difficult situations. Anyone who is stuck deep in the sand with all four wheels will be transported back to freedom piece by piece with a "bouncing" chassis.

The multimedia system MBUX will be extended by the "Interior Assist" in the GLE. A camera in the roof control unit serves as a proximity sensor that detects the intention of the driver or passenger, changes displays in the media display, emphasizes menu items on the touch screen or automatically turns on the reading light when the driver reaches for an object on the right of the unoccupied passenger seat , The assistant is offered only in the MBUX package for 1.722 Euro extra.

Thanks to real-time traffic information, the traffic jam assistant detects where the traffic is already in front of the driver and, as a precautionary measure, reduces the speed in order to be prepared for a slowdown. And the active steering assistant knows where the vehicle is on multi-lane highways and orientates itself at the traffic lane rescue at the existing lane markings. If required, the Trailerrangier Assistant makes it easier for inexperienced truck drivers to reverse-maneuver.

One may rightly argue about the meaning and nonsense of an “energizing coach” who recommends personal well-being programs tailored to the driver, right down to special settings for the massage seats. The even higher-resolution head-up display, which shows a full-color image enlarged to 45 × 15 centimeters in the front window, is a real asset.