2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Australian price and features confirmed

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is now officially on sale, with pricing for the large premium SUV beginning at $99,900 for the GLE 300d and topping out at $118,500 for the GLE 400d, with the petrol-powered GLE 450 sitting in the middle at $111,700 to complement the two diesels.

That represents a $7000 entry-level price bump compared to the outgoing model, whose GLE 250d range opener retailed at $92,900 but offered 30kW less power than the new 180kW/500Nm four-cylinder GLE 300d.

The cheapest Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class isn’t the only variant to get a mechanical shake-up, though, with the GLE 400d and GLE 450 also boasting brand-new powertrains under their bonnets.

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Both equipped with 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-sixes, the 400d sips diesel and produces a stout 243kW and 700Nm – a solid step on the previous-generation GLE 350d, which generated a more modest 190kW and 620Nm.

However it’s the petrol-electric Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 that’s the performance star until full-fledged AMG GLE variants arrive. Making 270kW and 500Nm from its turbo six-cylinder it already has plenty of muscle, but thanks to a 48-volt electrical system and an electric assistance motor it can pump an additional 16kW and 250Nm on top of those outputs to further boost performance.

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That said, it’s not an eco-centric hybrid – the system, dubbed EQ Boost, does have a regenerative braking function, but it lacks a plug-in charging option and dedicated electric-only drive mode. A proper plug-in variant to take over from the departing GLE 500e may eventuate.

All GLE variants boast a maximum tow capacity of 3500kg when equipped with the factory-fit towbar (a $1900 option).

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Now in its fourth generation, the GLE-class (formerly known as the ML or M-Class), is larger than before, sitting atop a wheelbase that’s 80mm longer than the previous generation and boasting up to 70mm more legroom in the second row. Headroom also grows by 33mm in the second row, further improving the GLE’s passenger-comfort credentials.

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Crucially, the GLE can also now be had with a third row of seating, lifting the passenger capacity to seven for the first time since the first-generation M-Class. The lack of that capability has put the GLE behind its major rival the BMW X5 for many years, with the X5 having had a third row option since its inception.

Now, however, the tables have turned: the X5 is only available with six-cylinder powertrains for now, and its price of entry is consequently much higher at $112,990 for the X5 xDrive30d variant.

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In five-seat configuration with the second row up, the GLE offers a generous 825 litres of cargo capacity, expanding to a huge 2055 litres with the second row stowed away.

And no matter which powertrain you opt for, all GLE variants are specced to the same level by default for now. A twin 12.3-inch screen setup is standard on all models, with one screen ahead of the driver displaying vehicle instruments and the centrally-mounted screen beside it being the primary infotainment display.

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They all run Benz’s latest MBUX infotainment software, already seen on the new A-Class, and come equipped with Mercedes me Connect compatibility. The me Connect system enables owners to remotely start and warm up their cars via the app, as well as track their car via GPS, assign geofencing limits to restrict its movement, send addresses to the on-board navigation system, keep tabs on maintenance requirements and locate nearby parking spaces.

Voice commands, a DAB+ digital radio tuner and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring are also part of the GLE’s infotainment suite.

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Other standard equipment includes climate control, a head-up display, synthetic leather upholstery, nappa leather on the steering wheel, heated and power-adjustable front seats, LED headlamps with auto highbeam, alloy roof rails, alloy side steps, a powered tailgate, a 360-degree parking camera array, parking assist, active cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking and 20-inch alloys.

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Adding the seven-seat package requires a $3900 outlay and also brings electric adjustment for the second row, while the AMG Sport Package imparts a sportier exterior treatment, wireless phone charger, real leather upholstery and a panoramic glass sunroof for an additional $9900.

Just want the phone charger and sunroof? The $4200 Vision package has those features and also rolls in a Burmester 13-speaker premium audio system.

For owners who want to maximise comfort, the E-Active Body Control – active suspension that scans road and adjusts suspension settings to pre-emptively soften the blow of lumpy tarmac or deep potholes is available, as are air suspension and adaptive damping. Not enough? Massage chairs and heated armrests can be yours as part of the Energising Plus package.

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PRICING

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE range is available for order now, with retail pricing as follows:

• Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d - $99,900
• Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 - $111,700
• Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d - $118,500

Packages

• Seven seat package - $3900
• AMG Sport package - $9900
• Night package - $4800
• Vision Package - $4200
• Energising Package Plus - $6200