All-new 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV to start at $54,695

(December 6, 2018) With a wealth of innovations, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLE is poised to set new benchmarks in its segment for what Mercedes calls "an extremely competitive price." For example, the revolutionary new E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL system is the world's most intelligent SUV suspension developed by Mercedes-Benz and powered in part by the 48-volt battery.

The 2020 GLE, built in Tuscaloosa, Ala., will start at $54,695 including destination charge for the GLE 350 and will go on sale in he U.S. this spring. The GLE 450 4Matic will begin at $62,145. The 350 is outfitted with a 2.0-liter inline turbocharged 4-cylinder making 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The 450 is powered by a 3.0-liter inline turbocharged 6 making 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.

The driver assistance systems also take another step forward with Active Stop-and-Go Assist that enables the GLE to recognize traffic jams at an early stage and support the driver in stop-and-go traffic. The interior is even more spacious and comfortable, with a newly available third row seat.

The new GLE is equipped with the intuitively-operated infotainment system Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with Voice Control and natural language understanding, and introduces the new MBUX Interior Assistant, which supports operating intentions by recognizing hand and arm movements. The exterior design not only exudes presence and power, but also sets a new standard for aerodynamics in the SUV segment.

The new GLE benefits from exciting new additional standard features including MBUX with Voice Control, dual-12.3" digital instrument cluster and 12.3" touchscreen multimedia displays, Mercedes-Benz Navigation, LED headlamps, HANDS-FREE ACCESS and a host of safety features, including Blind Spot Assist and Active Parking Assist.

Newly optional features such as the enlarged panoramic sliding sunroof with a 50% larger viewing area, 4-Zone Climate Control and Inductive Wireless Charging make the in-car experience even more luxurious for the driver and passengers. The new 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission on all GLE models allows for faster, smoother and more efficient driving.

Available on the GLE 450 4MATIC, the sophisticated E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension uses Road Surface Scan and a curve inclination function that make an extraordinary level of comfort possible. It is the only system on the market where the spring and damping forces can be individually controlled at each wheel. The suspension also introduces and enhances off-road capabilities. For example, the new Free-driving mode can quickly and automatically help rock the GLE free by raising and lowering the suspension level if it becomes bogged down.