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The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-class offers a spacious, family-friendly cabin and off-road credentials. Three different powertrains are offered, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder in the GLE350 and graduating to a turbocharged inline-six in the GLE450 and a twin-turbo V-8 in the top-dog GLE580. The GLE-class has an adjustable air suspension that features a bouncing mode to help the SUV free itself from deep sand or mud—but these options can add up in a hurry. The GLE-class's cabin is spacious, luxurious, and comfortable, while the exterior styling transmits a signal of wealth and status that buyers expect of any car sporting the three-pointed star on its grille. Ambient interior lighting, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and SiriusXM satellite radio are standard.New this year is a parking damage detection system that notifies the owner via the Mercedes me smartphone app if the GLE is jostled while parked.
The GLE350 models are powered by a 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine with either rear-or all-wheel drive (4Matic in Mercedes parlance) and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLE450 brings standard all-wheel drive and a 362-hp hybrid powertrain that consists of a turbocharged inline-six and a novel 48-volt electrical system. The 2020 GLE350 takes 6.6 seconds to reach 60 mph and the six-cylinder GLE450 managed a 5.3-second time. The 48-volt system combines with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 to make up to 504 horsepower. Every GLE-class can be outfitted with a cutting-edge air-suspension system that can lean into corners and even wiggle itself loose if the driver gets it stuck in sand or mud. The standard setup is traditional steel springs and anti-roll bars.
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The six-cylinder GLE450 rates 21/26/23 mpg city/highway/combined. The four-cylinder GLE350 rates 19/26/22 mpg city/highway/combined, while the GLE580 earns ratings of 17/22/19 mpg. The GLE350 4Matic returned 25 mpg, and the GLE450 4Matic delivered 23 mpg.
The fine materials such as genuine leather, woods, and metals impart a sense of true luxury. Not only can the front seats be heated, but the armrests and center-console lid can too, quickly taking the chill out of a frigid winter morning. The spacious interior can now be outfitted with an optional third row of seats and features modern Mercedes technology, carries at least 11 carry-on suitcases in the cargo hold. With all seats folded to their flat positions, the GLE-class offers room for up to 26 carry-ons.
Dual 12.3-inch infotainment displays offer several ways to interact with the system, including the MBUX voice-recognition system. Like Apple's Siri or Google's virtual assistant, MBUX can respond to many commands, thus enabling the driver to keep his or her hands on the wheel but still turn up the heat, switch on the ventilated-seat function, or tune to a specific radio station. A touchpad on the center console allows for tactile interaction with the infotainment system, and the screen is also touch-sensitive. Navigating is better done when the GLE-class is parked. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot are all standard, which makes keeping up with calls, texts, and other communications while on the go a little easier.
The 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV is an all-electric reimagining of one of the most iconic, bad-ass off-road machines of the last century. While the Hummer brand now lives under the GMC umbrella, its unmistakable design and remarkable off-road capabilities are faithfully upheld in EV form. It is arguably more impressive thanks to the SUV's advanced technology, incredible power output, and innovative features, including four-wheel steering. The reinvented Hummer is its Ultium battery tech, which provides quick charging times and a massive battery pack that provides an estimated range of 300-plus miles. Inside the cabin, is a mix of hightech content and removable roof panels that create an open-air experience. Unfortunately, the 2024 Hummer EV SUV won't go on sale for another couple of years, but GMC has released pricing and is currently accepting reservations.
Based on the Hummer EV pickup truck–and hinted at by the superscript in their model names–the SUV version will be powered by two or three electric motors. The EV2 and EV2X have the dual-motor setup that generates an estimated 625 horsepower and what GM is claiming to be 7400 pound-feet of torque. The EV3X and the Edition 1 have a trio of motors (one up front and two out back) with a claimed 830 ponies and 11,500 pound-feet. We expect maximum torque ratings to range between 1000 and 1100 pound-feet. The most powerful Hummer EV SUV also has a claimed zero-to-60-mph time of approximately 3.5 seconds, which is seriously quick for a machine this big and heavy. It'll also inherit our favorite off-road goodies from the truck version, including four-wheel steering with CrabWalk and an adjustable air suspension with Extract mode that can raise it 6 inches. There’s a full-size spare tire mounted on the rear gate. There’s also an optional Extreme Off-Road package that brings special hardware that includes 18-inch wheels on 35-inch all-terrain tires, extra underbody protection, low-mounted cameras for improved visibility while maneuvering, enhanced axles with heavy-duty components, a locking front differential, and rear motors that can electronically mimic a locked diff.
Every Hummer is equipped with a eco-friendly Ultium battery. The new model features a standard 400-volt electrical system, it's also offered with the 800-volt system that comes standard on every other trim. The Hummer EV will have a huge 200.0-kWh battery pack. Along with fast charging speeds of up to 300 kW, the electrified SUV has a claimed driving range of over 300 miles.
The interior of the Hummer EV SUV is part rugged and part Sci-Fi. Its three-dimensional dashboard boasts vertical and horizontal air vents and a pair of large displays that include a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The materials in the top-of-the-line Edition 1 are upscale, with leather-stitched surfaces and bronze accents. The Hummer's cabin is its removable roof panels. Called the Infinity Roof, the system allows users to lift off the four transparent Sky Panels and the I-bar above the front-seat passengers. The storage under the load floor and the SUV Hummer has expansive 82 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded.
The Hummer's cutting-edge electric technology will be complemented by a large 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system and extensive connectivity options. Content such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot is expected to come standard. We'd also expect available upgrades to include a powerful Bose stereo, built-in navigation, a rear-seat infotainment system, and wireless charging. The SUV Hummer is also available with a 6.0-kW onboard generator that can be used to power all sorts of equipment and even charge other EVs.