Mercedes-Benz today launched the new long-wheelbase GLE SUV in China, its first locally produced large luxury SUV, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price range of 599,800 to 767,800 yuan (about $84,500 to $108,100). The model goes on sale in five variants, including a limited 140th-anniversary edition, according to a report by NetEase Auto.
Localized intelligence and tech
The long-wheelbase GLE is built on Mercedes-Benz's MB.OS architecture and features the "Mercedes Virtual Assistant" powered by Doubao AI, supporting complex multi-turn conversations. The rear-seat entertainment system was developed by a Chinese team and uses an on-device multimodal large model VLM co-developed with Tsinghua University, which the automaker claims is the first such application in a luxury fuel-powered model.
Standard equipment includes urban and highway navigation assist, developed with autonomous driving firm Momenta, optimized for fuel-engine characteristics such as water cooling, engine start-stop and gear shifting. The system is scheduled to receive an OTA update to become the first luxury fuel vehicle to adopt Momenta's R7 world model, enabling "parking space to parking space" assisted driving.
The SUV also features micro-LED digital headlights with a range of up to 600 meters, and a 360-degree camera with wheel-risk warning for parking.
Space and performance
The wheelbase is extended to 3,115 mm, with rear legroom of 1,020 mm. Rear seat cushions are longer and thicker by 20 mm, and the backrest can recline up to 38 degrees. The seats offer three-stage heating, ventilation, and China-specific headrest heating and multi-point massage, and have received "back-friendly" certification from the German campaign for healthier backs.
Powertrain options include a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine producing 280 kW (375 hp) and 560 Nm of torque, and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit, both with electric auxiliary superchargers driven by a 48-volt motor. The standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive can distribute torque from 0 to 100 percent between axles, and AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive damping is standard.
Mercedes-Benz says the vehicle underwent nearly 5 million kilometers of real-world durability testing globally, including 1.1 million kilometers in China covering two winters and two summers, with temperatures ranging from minus 40 to plus 70 degrees Celsius.
The launch comes with a limited-time offer worth up to 82,000 yuan (about $11,500), including a 20,000-yuan purchase tax subsidy, extended urban navigation assist service to five years, and various financing and warranty packages, available until November 30.
