Order books are now open for the new Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV, which is now available as a seven-seater for the first time and also debuts new technologies.

New Mercedes-Benz GLE

The Audi Q7 and BMW X5 rival is offered in two versions from launch – the GLE 300 d 4MATIC diesel, which replaces the GLE 250 d and is available from £55,685 OTR, and the GLE 450 4MATIC petrol, priced from £62,300.

The GLE 300 d 4MATIC features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which produces 242bhp and 369lb.ft of torque.  It can travel from 0 to 62mph in 7.2 seconds and has a top speed of 140mph.  Official fuel economy is 46.3mpg on the combined cycle with 162g/km of CO2 (depending on wheel size).

The GLE 450 4MATIC is powered by a 362bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine plus a 22bhp mild hybrid system. 0-62mph time is 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 155mph. Official combined cycle fuel economy is 33.6mpg with 191g/km of CO2 (again, depending on wheel size).

Other engines including diesels and a plug-in hybrid “with a particularly long range” will follow.

Standard equipment includes MBUX multimedia system with voice activation, 12.3-inch widescreen cockpit display and 12.3-inch touchscreen media display, blind spot assist, 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, wood trim with Nappa leather upholstery, automatically dimming driver’s exterior mirror and rear-view mirror, heated front seats, parking package including active parking assist, automatic two-zone climate control and traffic sign assist.

The GLE 450 4MATIC adds air suspension system and gets seven seats as standard (these are available for £1,995 for the diesel).

A range of option packages are also available, including an Off Road pack with special driving modes, and the Driving Assistance package.

First deliveries arrive in spring 2019.