What we used to know as the M-Class, the first ever Mercedes-Benz SUV, has now received a new name, new looks, and new technologies for its 2016 modelyear. The new Mercedes GLE heralds a new era for utility vehicles in which “multi-talentedness” is the key to success.

As such, Mercedes GLE combines style with functionality, and maximum efficiency with outstanding performance. It comes with a wide range of powertrains, from small petrol and diesel units, to a plug-in hybrid, to a big fat AMG V8. The GLE also gets its fair share of new techie stuff with advanced assistance systems, a nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling control system.

The most impressive variants of the 2016 Mercedes GLE is without a doubt the hybrid model, boasting a BlueDIRECT V6 direct-injection petrol engine with 333 hp and a hybrid module with 116 hp of electric power. That results in a system output of 442 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque, and the ability to do up to 85.6 mpg with CO2 emissions of just 78 g/km. You even gets 18.5 miles of pure electric drive.

On the other side of the engine lineup for the GLE we have the 63 AMG V8 model which comes with the famous 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, rated in this model at 585 hp and 760 Nm of torque. This one does only 23.9 mpg, but it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, which is great for a car this size.

All Mercedes GLE models come with fresh new looks somewhat similar to the GLE Coupe – the AMG version also gets a body kit with the signature “A-wing” and twin-blade radiator grille – and a range of new 4MATIC off-road feature built into the car’s electronic systems. There is a lot of systems working in the background in this cars, including DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling control, ABS, 4ETS, ESP, AIRMATIC ADS and ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM.