Mercedes Benz India has extended its luxury SUV segment portfolio with the launch of the latest generation of GLE featuring a long-wheelbase. The German automaker has introduced two variants namely Mercedes GLE 300 d and Mercedes GLE d -‘Hip Hop Edition. Introductory price for GLE 400 d stands at Rs 73.70 lakhs(ex-showroom) and Rs 1.25 crore for GLE 400 d (ex-showroom) in India.
Compared to its predecessor, the new GLE SUV is much more aggressive and rugged looking. Its exterior design updates comprise of multi-beam LED lights, chrome-plated under guards in the front & rear and a muscular sculpted. Around the sides, it has bolder wheel-arches and an impressive stance. It comes equipped with large flush-fitted alloy wheels, features short overhangs with corresponding interior spaciousness. The rear end has redesigned sleek LED tail lamps along with a dual exhaust setup. The 400 D variant has an active suspension system based on a 48-volt system to handle bumps and ruts.
With 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE, the customer stands to benefit a whole lot of features. They include a panoramic sunroof that adjusts and tilts according to the vehicle speed, four-zone climate control, 13-speaker Burmester sound system, 360-degree camera, six-way electrically adjustable rear seats along with an adaptable air suspension system and 64-color ambient lighting system. Equipped with modern technology, it has a dual-tone dashboard with brushed aluminum trimmings blended right within, two massive 12.3-inch screens, MBUX infotainment system, multifunction steering wheel, intuitive heads-up display to adjust brightness according to the external light and wireless charging.
The new GLE comes standard with a number of advanced safety features like blind-spot assist, rear-view camera along with 9 airbags in GLE 400 d and 7 airbags in GLE 300 d respectively. Plus there is Active Braking Assist that helps avoid rear-end collisions and accidents.
Competing against the likes of the BMW X5 and Audi Q7, the new GLE is more powerful, it is equipped with two-diesel engine options. The GLE 300 d variant is powered by a BS6 compliant 2.0 liter, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that delivers 242 Bhp and 500 Nm of torque. The Hip Hop Edition 400 d variant comes fitted with a BS6 compliant 3.0 liter, six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that delivers 325 Bhp and 700 Nm of torque. Both these engines are paired to a 9-speed automatic gearbox with 4Matic all-wheel drive system.