Mercedes-Benz GLE Owner's Manuals

Mercedes-Benz GLE is an all-wheel drive crossover of the K3 class. The fourth generation of the model (index W167), which premiered at the Paris Motor Show in October 2018, sales started in early 2019.

It is no wonder that the fourth generation of the best-selling crossover in the brand’s lineup (since 1997 – still under the name M-Class – more than two million cars have been sold) has grown in size compared to the previous one. The process is natural, and in this case it is expressed in the wheelbase increased to 2995 mm (which is 80 mm more than the previous generation). Which is also natural – the result of aerodynamic drag has been improved: the indicator is now equal to a record in the class of 0.29 (previously – 0.32). In addition, the car can now be equipped with wheels up to 22 inches in size, and optional ULTRA RANGE MULTIBEAM headlights (84 individually controlled diodes) shine through a range of up to 650 m. In a word, the brand’s engineers decided that this generation GLE will at least set the tone class.

The same applies to the interior of the car. The increase in wheelbase has affected the amount of space for second-row passengers – 69 mm has been added for them (and an additional 33 mm overhead will not be superfluous either). In addition, the second row can now be electrified – the seat (moves in the range of 100 mm), backrest and headrest are controlled using levers designed in the same style as the front. The second row can be folded in a ratio of 40:20:40. It is also important that for the first time in the history of the model, it became possible to order a third row of seats. As for the luggage space, behind the second row its volume is up to 825 liters, behind the front seats – up to 2055 liters. Loading height can be changed using the control button of the optional AIRMATIC air suspension, lowering the level to 40 mm.

Two 12.3-inch displays are available for the driver and front passenger, which implement the MBUX smart multimedia system. The left one is a dashboard that can be changed in several styles and type of information, the right one is touch-sensitive and is responsible for navigation, audio and comfort functions. The system can be controlled not only by voice (Hey, Mercedes) and gestures (option), but also by three sensors: on the steering wheel (“slide” movements left-right and up-down), on the display itself and on the touchpad located on the central tunnel. MBUX can not only be configured for multiple drivers by selecting profiles, but it also learns (if you let it) and adapts itself to the driver, taking into account his choice of route, music, etc. A separate option is the ENERGIZING function, which, by reading from fitness watch indicators of your activity for the day, when driving, it will select the “correct” settings for interior lighting, backlight brightness, set up a massage program and airflow / ventilation intensity.

The manufacturer claims 4-, 6- and 8-cylinder power units; the base for this Mercedes is a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine. The GLE 450 version was the first to enter the market, under the hood of which there is an in-line 6-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 367 hp. and 500 Nm of torque. The engine is equipped with a “mild hybrid” system (48 volts): the starter-alternator is responsible for both the EQ Boost system (additional 22 hp and 250 Nm during intense acceleration) and for energy recovery during braking.

All versions of the car are equipped with 4MATIC all-wheel drive and 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. But if versions with 4-cylinder engines are equipped with a differential that distributes torque equally to each axle, then the remaining versions will receive a clutch through which the front axle is connected. The second solution allows you to transfer all 100 percent of the torque to the desired axle. And the optional off-road package has a low range and simulated blocking.

Special attention deserves the optional E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL hydropneumatic suspension (under the control of a 48-volt system), combined with the already familiar AIRMATIC. She “knows how” to adjust each corner of the crossover separately, which allows you to both reduce roll at high speeds and align the body when driving over rough terrain. If the car is stuck, the system can simulate a sway to help the driver get out.