Mercedes-Benz GLE300d on sale in the UK

The all-new 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE is now available to order in the UK, and there are new details of a four-cylinder base model named the GLE300d.

Replacing the outgoing 250d, the 300d 4Matic draws power from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel making 245hp (182kW) and 500Nm. Mercedes-Benz claims a 7.2-second sprint from 0-100, and a top speed of 140mph (225km/h).

Perhaps more importantly, the GLE300d claims to achieve 46.3mpg (6.1L/100km) on the combined cycle, a significant improvement on the mild-hybrid six-cylinder GLE450's 33.6mpg (8.4L/100km) figure.

Standard equipment in the UK includes a dual 12.3-inch driver and infotainment display incorporating the company's new MBUX intelligent assistant software, 20-inch AMG alloys, static LED headlights with high-beam assist, nappa leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, blind-spot assist, traffic sign recognition, along with an automated parking assistant.

Pricing starts at £55,685 ($100,945) for the GLE300d and £62,300 ($112,936) for the GLE450. The extra spend for the GLE450 also adds Airmatic air suspension, electric second row seats, four-zone climate control and a third row of seats – available as a £1995 ($3616) option on the base model.

UK order books are open now, ahead of first deliveries in the spring of 2019 (March-May).

Speaking with CarAdvice, Mercedes-Benz's local communications boss, Jerry Stamoulis, was unable to confirm whether the UK specifications are indicative of the local range due in the second quarter of next year, though he noted we can expect an announcement "later this year".

Stay tuned for all the latest. Overseas model shown.

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