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2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Third row to cater for 1.8m adults

All-new SUV can actually fit big people in the rearmost seats, company claims.


With the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLE making its public debut at the Paris motor show, the German marque was keen to show off the new SUV's increased storage capacity and third row.

Speaking with media, Mercedes-Benz vice president of compact cars and SUVs, Wolf-Dieter Kurz confirmed that the third row will be big enough to seat an adult that measures in at 1.8m tall.

"You are able to sit a person that is 1.8m. So it's a big child. Based on the longer wheelbase, we are able to introduce a full electrified second row that allows space adjustment in the second and third rows," said Kurz.

The second row features a clever electric mechanism that's able to slide the row forward and then lift the row out of the way to allow access to the third row of seating.

Curiously, of the three GLE vehicles Mercedes-Benz had on display to the media – one at a pre-motor show event and two at the actual motor show – none of the vehicles had a third row fitted, so it was impossible to test how well this would work.

Based on playing with the second row's electric function, it showed that an opening big enough for a large child is made for access via the kerbside entrance.

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE now offers 825 litres of cargo capacity with the second row in place and up to 2055 litres with the second row shifted forwards.

With a raft of new engines on the way and a big focus on technology – including the GLE450 4Matic and its 270kW/500Nm 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six with mild-hybrid tech – the new Mercedes-Benz GLE is set to shake up the segment when it lands in Australia during the second quarter of 2019.

Is a three-row GLE on your shopping list?

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