Next-Gen Mercedes GLE Packs Serious Tech Punch

Daimler recently made a huge announcement, taking the wraps off the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE. The company also spilled the beans on the quite frankly amazing tech packed in to the next generation of this popular SUV. After all, people aren’t going to take out a third mortgage for just an average hunk of metal.

The SUV has grown by three inches in the wheelbase, and a third row is optional. To boost fuel efficiency, Mercedes focused considerably on aerodynamics. It claims the drag coefficient is a slippery 0.29.

A nine-speed automatic transmission comes with each model. The base engine for the GLE350 is a 2.0-liter turbo four-banger. More exciting is the turbo 3.0-liter inline six with an integrated 48-volt electrical system. That little addition means a 48-volt active suspension that works with the air suspension. That means the spring and damping rates can be controlled for each wheel. This opens up all sorts of crazy things, like if the SUV gets stuck in sand the suspension will raise and lower rapidly, rocking the vehicle out of the situation.

All models with use the MBUX infotainment system with navigation. It works with the touchscreen or voice controls. The system works with hand gestures, and it will learn your preferences, providing shortcuts to things you use constantly. Five standard charging USB ports also come in the vehicle.

Mercedes goes large for the wheels, with 19-inch alloys standard. You can upgrade to 22-inchers if you really want to get obnoxious.