The large Mercedes SUV GLE is launching sales at the end of January with technical innovations: a suspension that leans into the curve, and a multimedia system based on artificial intelligence.
More than 30 assistance systems are now available to Mercedes customers, with each model change being added. This is also the case with the fourth generation of the Mercedes GLE, which will be launched at the end of January. The two world premieres, the electronically controlled suspension "E-Active Body Control" and the interior assistant as a supplement to the multimedia system MBUX, however, are not included in the basic price from 65.807 Euro.
With an 7.735 Euro token, the new Body Control is one of the most expensive line items in the SUV's upper middle class premium list. It is undoubtedly also a technical highlight. Powered by an 48-Volt electrical system - therefore "E-Active" - the chassis is able to regulate the spring and damper forces on each wheel individually by means of an electric hydraulic pump. The Daimler developers demonstrated this quite impressively and playfully with an offroader that "danced" to rhythmic sounds. In practice, the novelty of the clientele brings a higher level of comfort.
Thanks to a surface scanner, the electronic suspension system, which is always combined with air suspension, continues to compensate for bumps, but in the Curve driving program it also curves into the curve like a motorcyclist (up to three degrees), thus ensuring a better leveling. Even more effective is the so-called free-ride mode, with which the GLE can free itself from difficult off-road situations. If you are deep in the sand with all four wheels, you will gradually be transported back to freedom by a "bouncing" suspension. At least for occasional trips into the desert that is very helpful.
The multimedia system MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User eXperience), which the Stuttgart-based company first introduced in the A-Class and for which they have earned a lot of praise, is now also being used for the M-Class successor GLE - expanded by the new " Interior Assist ". He should "with his ability to learn thanks to artificial intelligence" (original sound Daimler) continue to increase the ease of use. A camera in the overhead control unit detects when a hand is approaching the 12,3 touch screen or touchpad on the center console, and changes the display in the media display, highlighting the desired menu items.
This works so precisely that even the driver's hand is distinguished from that of the passenger, and thus it is recognized, for example, for which seat, for example, the massage function is to be activated. In addition, the reading lights on the underside of the inner mirror can be switched on and off by approaching the hand. And when the driver reaches for an item on the right side of the unoccupied passenger seat, the interior light will illuminate there automatically. The driver and front passenger can also set a personal favorite function - for example, the navigation home - which is immediately started with a hand gesture (victory sign).
The surcharge for the interior assistant should be around 300 Euro. However, this novelty in Germany is offered exclusively in the MBUX package for 1.722 Euro. In contrast to the E-Active Body Control, which is initially only available for the GLE petrol engine 450 4Matic (from 72.650 Euro), the extended multimedia system can also be ordered in the GLE 300d 4Matic.