World of Wheels

Mercedes Improved a Diesel GLE SUV: 3 Main Steps

The German automaker has equipped diesel-powered GLE 300 d 4MATIC and GLE 300d 4MATIC Coupé models with a second-generation starter- generator and improved exhaust gas neutralization. A diesel GLE SUV also got a refined all-wheel-drive system.

Mercedes-Benz has upgraded the GLE 300 d 4MATIC and GLE 300d 4MATIC Coupé. This is primarily about fuel efficiency. In particular, the current four-cylinder OM 654 M diesel engine with 272 hp and a maximum torque of 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) receives a second-generation integrated starter-generator.

The automaker reports the mild-hybrid technology provides fuel consumption at the level of (37.3-40.6 mpg (6.3-5.8 l/100 km) in mixed driving. CO2 emissions are in the range of 166-152 g/km.

Step 1: new-generation ISG starter-generator

The current OM 654 M engine comes with the 2nd-gen Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). The ISG includes a 48-volt electrical system, allows significant fuel savings, enables boost, recuperation, gliding.

Gliding is an energy-efficient driving mode achieved by turning off the combustion engine while the vehicle is in motion in order to save fuel. During gliding, the engine is completely off. This was prohibited in some countries, by the way.

Moreover, the ISG starts the engine quickly and easily, so the start-stop function is almost obscure. The same applies to the transition from gliding with the engine off to normal driving with the engine on. The company says the transition is smooth.

Step 2: NOx catalytic converter

The four-cylinder diesel has also been improved in terms of catalytic neutralization of vehicle exhaust gases. A NOx catalytic converter builds up nitrogen oxides, especially during cold start conditions, so that they can be recovered in the SCR catalytic converter when the engine is warm.

A specially coated Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) reduces particulate emissions. Two active SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) catalytic converters with separately metered AdBlue injection ensure efficient NOx reduction in all operating ranges.

Step 3: improved 4MATIC all-wheel drive

Mercedes-Benz GLE image
Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes has also improved all-wheel drive. Previously, the diesel GLE crossover with the four-cylinder engine had a transfer case to transmit torque to the axles at a fixed ratio of 50:50 percent. The redesigned transfer case on the updated GLE 300 d 4MATIC and GLE 300 d 4MATIC Coupé features an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. This allows variable transmission of drive torque as needed from 0 to 100 percent between the axles.

In addition, the Torque on Demand transfer case improves driving safety and agility on the road, especially when cornering. This is achieved through a special effect on the yaw moment (angular movement of the vehicle about the vertical axis), which causes the vehicle to oversteer or understeer.

Sales start and prices

European customers can already order the updated diesel GLE SUV. The vehicles will be available from November. Prices for the GLE 300 d 4MATIC start at €75,053.30.The standard GLE 300 d 4MATIC Coupé starts at €79,182.60.

Source: Daimler AG

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to top