Click for more information.
Mercedes-Benz said today that the GLE model range is updated for 2024 with a tweaked exterior and interior, as well as more technology and equipment. Powertrains are now electrified throughout the range with the new GLE 400 e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid, in addition to mild hybrids with a 48-volt system and Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE model range will arrive at U.S. dealerships later in 2023. (autoinformed.com: Mercedes-Benz to Open a Global EV Charging Network)
The GLE 400 e 4MATIC is equipped with a permanently excited 134 hp synchronous motor, for a combined system output of up to 381 hp and 479 lb.-ft. of system torque. The Hybrid drive program provides the electric driving mode for the most appropriate driving situations. During city driving, the GLE prioritizes electric driving. With an Off-Road drive program, the plug-in hybrid can also drive electrically on off-road terrain. The GLE 400 e 4MATIC is available with a standard 11 kW AC on-board charger as well as an optional 60 kW DC charger.
Click for more information.
With the second generation MBUX infotainment system both the hardware and software have changed. Numerous vehicle and comfort functions can be controlled on the infotainment screens in 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 as a touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now available wirelessly. The appearance can be individualized with a total of three display styles (classic, sporty, discreet) and four modes (navigation, assistance, service, off-road). When a new software update for the GLE becomes available from Mercedes-Benz, a message appears in MBUX. The update is downloaded and installed in the background. The user must then explicitly agree again to the activation of the update.
The voice assistant “Hey Mercedes” is more interactive and capable of learning by activating online services in the Mercedes me App, Mercedes claimed. Certain actions can be performed even without the activation keyword “Hey Mercedes,” including taking a phone call. “Hey Mercedes” also explains vehicle functions upon hearing the “Help” command, and helps when asked how to connect a smartphone by Bluetooth or where the first-aid kit can be found, for example. “Hey Mercedes” recognizes 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.
The Off-Road Engineering Package, optional for the GLE 580 4MATIC, includes an underride guard and, in combination with AIRMATIC air suspension, provides 1.2 inches more ground clearance.
The Off-Road Mode in the MBUX display turns gradient, roll angle, compass and steering angle into a visual depiction. In conjunction with the Parking Package with 360-degree camera, it also offers the “transparent hood” function. When Off-Road Mode is active, the central display shows a virtual view of under the front of the vehicle, including the front wheels and steering position. The view is composed of images from the 360-degree camera. This technology enables the driver to recognize obstacles in the path and also offers advantages when maneuvering steep inclines or crests.
Also new to the GLE is the Trailer Route Planner for the navigation system. On the central display, routes can be planned that are suitable for driving with a previously defined trailer. Widths and heights of the route, as well as weight restrictions are taken into account. The trailer can be defined via the Trailer menu in MBUX. This is automatically displayed as soon as a trailer is electrically connected to the vehicle. Customers can choose between bicycle racks and two other trailer sizes.
The extended Trailer Maneuvering Assist now works via a camera-based system and is also suitable for trailers equipped with a separate stabilization device. The optional assist system makes maneuvering with a trailer safer. It automatically regulates the steering angle of the towing vehicle up to a speed of 3 mph and an uphill gradient of up to 15%. It is integrated into MBUX and can be operated intuitively via the touchscreen. In addition to stabilizing the vehicle/trailer combination when reversing, the system can guide the trailer around freely select-able turns of up to 90 degrees. The steering of the towing vehicle is operated automatically so that the selected angle is maintained. This allows more precise positioning of the trailer. The driver can also select a corresponding function once the trailer has reached the desired direction and needs to reverse in a straight line. The entire maneuvering process can be followed from different camera perspectives on the central display. Dynamic guide lines show the path ahead and the vehicle width. The system must be briefly trained. However, no markings on the trailer are necessary for the visual measurement of the drawbar length.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Mercedes-Benz Adds 2024 GLE 400e 4MATIC Plug-In Hybrid
Click for more information.
Mercedes-Benz said today that the GLE model range is updated for 2024 with a tweaked exterior and interior, as well as more technology and equipment. Powertrains are now electrified throughout the range with the new GLE 400 e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid, in addition to mild hybrids with a 48-volt system and Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE model range will arrive at U.S. dealerships later in 2023. (autoinformed.com: Mercedes-Benz to Open a Global EV Charging Network)
The GLE 400 e 4MATIC is equipped with a permanently excited 134 hp synchronous motor, for a combined system output of up to 381 hp and 479 lb.-ft. of system torque. The Hybrid drive program provides the electric driving mode for the most appropriate driving situations. During city driving, the GLE prioritizes electric driving. With an Off-Road drive program, the plug-in hybrid can also drive electrically on off-road terrain. The GLE 400 e 4MATIC is available with a standard 11 kW AC on-board charger as well as an optional 60 kW DC charger.
Click for more information.
With the second generation MBUX infotainment system both the hardware and software have changed. Numerous vehicle and comfort functions can be controlled on the infotainment screens in 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 as a touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now available wirelessly. The appearance can be individualized with a total of three display styles (classic, sporty, discreet) and four modes (navigation, assistance, service, off-road). When a new software update for the GLE becomes available from Mercedes-Benz, a message appears in MBUX. The update is downloaded and installed in the background. The user must then explicitly agree again to the activation of the update.
The voice assistant “Hey Mercedes” is more interactive and capable of learning by activating online services in the Mercedes me App, Mercedes claimed. Certain actions can be performed even without the activation keyword “Hey Mercedes,” including taking a phone call. “Hey Mercedes” also explains vehicle functions upon hearing the “Help” command, and helps when asked how to connect a smartphone by Bluetooth or where the first-aid kit can be found, for example. “Hey Mercedes” recognizes 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.
The Off-Road Engineering Package, optional for the GLE 580 4MATIC, includes an underride guard and, in combination with AIRMATIC air suspension, provides 1.2 inches more ground clearance.
The Off-Road Mode in the MBUX display turns gradient, roll angle, compass and steering angle into a visual depiction. In conjunction with the Parking Package with 360-degree camera, it also offers the “transparent hood” function. When Off-Road Mode is active, the central display shows a virtual view of under the front of the vehicle, including the front wheels and steering position. The view is composed of images from the 360-degree camera. This technology enables the driver to recognize obstacles in the path and also offers advantages when maneuvering steep inclines or crests.
Also new to the GLE is the Trailer Route Planner for the navigation system. On the central display, routes can be planned that are suitable for driving with a previously defined trailer. Widths and heights of the route, as well as weight restrictions are taken into account. The trailer can be defined via the Trailer menu in MBUX. This is automatically displayed as soon as a trailer is electrically connected to the vehicle. Customers can choose between bicycle racks and two other trailer sizes.
The extended Trailer Maneuvering Assist now works via a camera-based system and is also suitable for trailers equipped with a separate stabilization device. The optional assist system makes maneuvering with a trailer safer. It automatically regulates the steering angle of the towing vehicle up to a speed of 3 mph and an uphill gradient of up to 15%. It is integrated into MBUX and can be operated intuitively via the touchscreen. In addition to stabilizing the vehicle/trailer combination when reversing, the system can guide the trailer around freely select-able turns of up to 90 degrees. The steering of the towing vehicle is operated automatically so that the selected angle is maintained. This allows more precise positioning of the trailer. The driver can also select a corresponding function once the trailer has reached the desired direction and needs to reverse in a straight line. The entire maneuvering process can be followed from different camera perspectives on the central display. Dynamic guide lines show the path ahead and the vehicle width. The system must be briefly trained. However, no markings on the trailer are necessary for the visual measurement of the drawbar length.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.