Facelift for Mercedes-Benz GLE / GLS: A bit more S-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS are receiving a mild-hybridization of all combustion engines, a new cockpit, and more processing power as part of a facelift.
(Image: Mercedes-Benz)
After the summer holidays, Mercedes-Benz is giving its luxurious, large SUV models GLE and GLS a facelift. This includes mild hybridization of all combustion engines with a starter generator. The manufacturer also promises a completely new cockpit and a new combustion engine. The plug-in hybrid version remains in the lineup. Because the SUV models have been so consistently popular in the lineup for decades, the top models, GLE and GLS, like some previous generations, are also getting a few more S-Class features with this facelift.
All combustion engines are being hybridized
All combustion engines will receive a 48-volt starter generator with 17 kW of power. The main reason is likely to be demand-controlled load point shifting, which allows gasoline and diesel engines to achieve more favorable standard consumption over a wide range of operating conditions, especially under fluctuating loads. Mercedes also promises more comfortable response with the mild-hybrid system for stop-start, coasting function, and starting assistance.
Mercedes-Benz GLE / GLS Teil eins (4 Bilder)
Mercedes-Benz
)The gasoline and diesel engines are both inline six-cylinders with three liters of displacement. The diesel produces 245 or 270 kW, and the gasoline engine in the GLS 450 4matic produces 280 kW. The latter works with an electrically assisted compressor, which is intended to help the engine achieve full boost pressure and thus more torque at high load demands and low speeds when exhaust flow is insufficient, for example, during acceleration or overtaking.
Chassis control with database access
New for the GLS 580 4matic version is an also mildly hybridized V8 gasoline engine with 395 kW, as in the S-Class. Interesting about this engine: it has a flatplane crankshaft instead of the previously used crossplane crankshaft, and the ignition sequence alternates between the two cylinder banks. The plug-in hybrid GLE 450e with a 106 kilometer electric range and an electric motor producing 125 kW also uses the three-liter six-cylinder as its base. It replaces the four-cylinder and contributes 240 kW in combination.
Mercedes-Benz GLE / GLS Teil zwei (5 Bilder)
Mercedes-Benz
)The E-Active Body Control suspension option, which can adaptively adjust damping for each wheel individually, analyzes the driving situation 1000 times per second. As a new function, it gains cloud access, enabling it to proactively adjust to road conditions using a database based on Car-to-X data from other Mercedes vehicles.
The rollers are back
As usual, Mercedes is also changing the exterior, most visibly the headlights and taillights. The headlights will be available digitally as an option. Fortunately, the glass roof can still be opened in the future. Inside, the so-called Superscreen, consisting of three 12.3-inch displays under a single glass surface, is now installed, along with the Distronic rocker and a volume roller on the steering wheel instead of sensor buttons.
Operation, assistance, and infotainment are expected to benefit from another generation of software based on NVIDIA hardware, which should enable the later introduction of Level 2++ driving assistance. It also increasingly utilizes artificial intelligence. The MBUX Virtual Assistant integrates Microsoft, Google, and ChatGPT. This should also make more apps usable.
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Mercedes-Benz has not yet provided a more precise release date than “after the summer break” or pricing.
(fpi)