Yahoo Autos The Mercedes-Benz GLE with a Four-Cylinder Is More Expensive Than the Old V-6 Model
Mercedes-Benz has announced pricing for its redesigned GLE-class, and the mid-size SUV is more expensive than before. The four-cylinder GLE350, which supplants the old V-6–powered GLE400 at the bottom of the GLE lineup, starts at $54,695-two grand less than the old GLE400. But that 2019 model was only available with 4Matic all-wheel drive, and adding 4Matic to the new GLE350 bumps the price up to $57,195.
While that GLE400 used a 329-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6, the new GLE350 has a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Despite the lack of power relative to the GLE400 (and Mercedes' zero-to-60 estimate of 7.0 seconds versus 5.9 seconds for the old model), in our first drive of the new GLE the four-cylinder never left us wanting more power.
Upgrading to the 4Matic-only GLE450 requires an additional $4950. The engine in the 450 is Benz's new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that features a 48-volt hybrid system and makes a total of 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. That splits the difference between the 2019 GLE400 and the AMG GLE43 (385 horsepower). The GLE450 is available with the wild E-Active Body Control suspension system, which enhances handling and comfort and is capable of freeing the GLE if it gets stuck while off-roading.
Every new GLE comes standard with a 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen and an additional 12.3-inch instrument-cluster screen, with the screens running the new MBUX operating system. Navigation, LED head- and taillights, and active-safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and automated emergency braking are standard. Options include adaptive cruise control with stop and go, augmented-reality navigation, and, for the first time since the original ML, a third-row seat.
The GLE450 and the 4Matic-equipped GLE350 go on sale in the United States in the spring, with the rear-drive GLE350 following in the summer. Expect a six-cylinder AMG model to debut soon, replacing the current GLE43, and at least one V-8 GLE63 model as well.
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