Most drivers of a GLE only travel on paved roads or in easy to moderately difficult off-road terrain. Mercedes-Benz has therefore recompiled the scope of the Off-Road Engineering Package in order to be able to offer it at a much lower price for the purely combustion-engined models of the GLE. Components include an underride guard and, in combination with AIRMATIC air suspension (optional extra), 30 millimetres more ground clearance.
The "Off-Road Mode" in the current MBUX generation turns special content such as gradient, roll angle, compass and steering angle into a visual experience. In conjunction with the optional Parking Package with 360° camera, it offers the "transparent bonnet" function. When the Off-Road Mode is active, the central display shows a virtual view under the front of the vehicle, including the front wheels and their steering position. The view is composed of the images from the 360° camera. The "transparent bonnet" is extremely helpful: it enables the driver to better recognise obstacles such as large stones or deep potholes in his/her path. This function also offers advantages when driving over ramps or crests.
The GLE pulls off even more: all-wheel drive and a gear ratio designed for traction enable a high towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes and a tongue weight of up to 140 kg. The fully electric trailer coupling is particularly convenient: via a button in the tailgate or a panel on the central display, the ball neck together with the socket for the trailer electrics is swung out from under the car at the touch of a button and automatically fixed in the operating position. After use, it retracts back into its rest position behind the bumper equally effortlessly. A special feature is also provided for those who do not use the coupling to tow a trailer, but to carry bicycles for example: the trailer coupling has two extra bolts on the ball neck to carry a suitable cycle rack safely. Its load capacity is 100 kg - this means that e-bikes can also be taken along.
With the second generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system, the GLE and GLE Coupé are now also up to date. The vehicle interior becomes even more digital and intelligent, as both the hardware and software have made great strides: numerous vehicle and comfort functions can be controlled on the LCD screens in brilliant display views. The sizes of the driver and central displays, each measuring 12.3 inches, have been retained. The central display can be operated directly and conveniently as a touchscreen. Apple Car Play and Android Auto are now available wirelessly.
The driver and central displays offer a holistic, aesthetic experience. They present information in a structured and clearly defined way. The appearance can be individualised with a total of three display styles (classic, sporty, discreet) and four modes (navigation, assistance, service, off-road). The voice assistant "Hey Mercedes" becomes more interactive and capable of learning by activating online services in the Mercedes me App. Moreover, occupants can trigger certain actions even without the activation keyword "Hey Mercedes". These include taking a telephone call, for example. Hey Mercedes also explains vehicle functions on hearing the "Help" command, and provides assistance when asked how to connect a smartphone by Bluetooth or where the first-aid kit can be found, for example. Hey Mercedes even recognises the position of the occupants. In addition, other vehicle functions such as the interior lighting or the blinds can now be controlled by voice command.
With the MBUX Smart Home function6 the GLE SUV and GLE Coupé become a mobile control centre for the home. Because Smart Home refers to WLAN, sensors and actuators making the home increasingly intelligent and communicative: temperature and lights, shutters and electrical appliances can be remotely monitored and controlled. Motion detectors and window contacts inform the user of welcome or unwelcome visitors.
Another important aspect here is the offer logic, which is very precisely geared to frequently expressed customer wishes. As a result, the standard equipment is significantly more extensive than it was for the previous model. In the case of the GLE53 4MATIC+ SUV, it already includes the electric panoramic sliding sunroof, heated front seats, Adaptive Highbeam Assist and Smartphone Integration. Among this model's further features are the engageable AMG Performance exhaust system, the Burmester sound system, the Memory Package, the 360-degree Parking Pilot, the KEYLESS-GO Package and Blind Spot Assist. The latest generation of the AMG Performance steering wheel is also always on board. The round AMG steering wheel buttons impress with their brilliant displays and intuitive operating logic. They allow important driving functions and all driving modes to be controlled without the driver's hands leaving the steering wheel. The steering wheel rim can be heated as an option, and is also available in a carbon fibre look.
In the GLE53 4MATIC+ Coupé, the standard equipment is even more lavish: here, climate control for the front seats, the MBUX Augmented Reality function and MULTIBEAM LED headlamps are also included in the standard specification. This configuration ex works also applies to the GLE63 S 4MATIC+ SUV. In the GLE63 S 4MATIC+ Coupé, customers can also enjoy the benefits of the AIR-BALANCE Package, the multi-contour front seats and the head-up display. Additional standard features include the MBUX Interior Assistant, temperature-controlled cupholders and the logo projector with AMG-specific animation when the front doors are opened.
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