Mercedes GLE officially launched

Mercedes' new mid-size SUV has officially been renamed from ML-class to GLE-class, featuring an upgraded design and a range of engine options.

Mercedes has officially unveiled the 2016 GLE-class, an upgraded version of the previous ML-class. The vehicle will debut at the New York Auto Show.

The GLE's design is similar to the M-class but features upgrades at the front with a refined grille to match the redesigned radiator grille. The rear boasts more noticeable upgrades with LED taillights and a sportier exhaust system.

Mercedes GLE-class.

The AMG version is more impressive with a sporty front bumper, a single-bar grille, and lightweight 20-inch titanium grey alloy wheels. The high-performance SUV also incorporates a rear diffuser and a four-pipe exhaust system.

The interior remains largely unchanged from the ML-class, but features a new multi-functional steering wheel and infotainment system. Additionally, there's a color palette with options including beige, coffee brown, and porcelain. Customers can pay extra for aluminum and carbon fiber accents to enhance the interior.

Mercedes offers four engine options: a 3-liter V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine producing 328 horsepower and 480 Nm of torque, and a 4.7-liter V8 twin-turbo engine producing 429 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque. Diesel engines include a 2.1-liter four-cylinder producing 201 horsepower and 480 Nm of torque, and a 3-liter V6 producing 254 horsepower and 620 Nm of torque.

The high-performance GLE 63 AMG version is equipped with a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 549 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 250 km/h.

The GLE 63 AMG S delivers higher power, at 577 horsepower and a maximum torque of 760 Nm, resulting in a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 4.2 seconds.

Finally, there's the plug-in hybrid option for the GLE 500e 4Matic, featuring a 3-liter BlueDirect V6 engine combined with an electric motor and an 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, paired with a 7-speed 7G-Tronic Plus transmission. The car boasts 435 horsepower and a maximum torque of 650 Nm. Fuel consumption is 3.3 liters/100 km, and the car can travel 30 km on electric power alone at a constant speed of 130 km/h.

The Mercedes GLE-class is part of the German automaker's strategy to rename a number of its products, especially its SUV lineup. Accordingly, the names will be similar to sedans, such as GLC-class, GLE-class, and GLS-class. The GLE is a competitor to the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne.

According to VnExpress