New Mercedes-Benz GLE capable of almost 85mpg

Mercedes-Benz has announced the engine range and equipment for its GLE-Class, which replaces the M-Class and is set to compete against the BMW X5 when it goes on sale in September 2015. Prices are to be confirmed but are expected to start at around £50,000.

The GLE-Class will be offered with a choice of four engines – two diesel, one petrol and one petrol hybrid.

All models get all-wheel drive as standard including the GLE 500e petrol-electric hybrid. This plug-in hybrid model can cover almost 20 miles on electric power, giving it an official economy figure of 85.6mpg, despite a high power output of 333PS. Emissions are low at 78g/km.

The entry-level GLE 250 diesel is impressively economical too, with an official fuel economy figure of 49.5mpg and emissions of 149g/km. This 2.1-litre four-cylinder produces 204PS and 500Nm of torque, albeit over a narrow band from 1600-1800rpm. Transmission is a nine-speed automatic as standard.

The GLE 350 gets a 3.0-litre V6 diesel with peak power of 258PS and peak torque of 620Nm. Emissions are 169g/km and fuel economy is 44.1mpg. As with the 250d, transmission is a nine-speed automatic linked to all four wheels.

The range topping Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 is powered by a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 585PS and a huge 760Nm of torque from 1750rpm right the way up to 5250rpm, giving a seriously swift 0-62mph sprint time of 4.2 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph and fuel economy is, officially, 23.9mpg.

The cabin is dominated by a large infotainment screen atop a familiar Mercedes-Benz centre stack. Standard equipment includes a generous level of safety kit, with Collision Prevention Assist Plus emergency braking fitted to all cars, along with a driving mode selector including an off-road setting.

There are numerous optional extras too including various styling options inside and out, plus larger alloy wheels and more safety gear. Buyers can buy packs of equipment which bundle an array of safety and convenience gear together.

Among the otional equipment is adaptive cruise control with steering assist and even power operated doors. There is also a more advanced infotainment system with rear seat entertainment, a higher-end audio system, air suspension, a pack for off-road driving and an LED headlight system.