Bollywood director R Balakrishnan, popularly known as R Balki, known for his works like "Paa," "Pad Man," and "Ki & Ka," has recently celebrated his 60th birthday by treating himself to the base variant of the Mercedes-Benz GLE, a luxury 5-seater SUV. A closer look at the features of this opulent SUV is provided here.
Powertrain Options
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is available with multiple engine options:
- 2-litre Diesel: Producing 269 PS and 550 Nm of torque.
- 3-litre Diesel: Delivering 367 PS and 750 Nm of torque.
- 3-litre Turbo-Petrol: Offering 381 PS and 500 Nm of torque.
All engines are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and feature an all-wheel-drive system to ensure robust performance across various driving conditions. R Balki chose the 2-litre diesel variant for its blend of performance and efficiency.
Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe
For those seeking higher performance, Mercedes-Benz also offers the GLE in the AMG 53 Coupe variant. This model is equipped with a 3-litre twin-turbo petrol engine integrated with a 48V mild-hybrid system, producing 435 PS and 560 Nm, supplemented by an additional 20 PS and 200 Nm boost.
Features & Safety
The GLE is well-equipped with luxury amenities including:
- Infotainment: A 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display.
- Comfort: Four-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats.
- Audio: A high-end 590W 13-speaker Burmester sound system enhances the auditory experience.
Comprehensive safety features provide comfort and include:
- Protection: 9 airbags, traction control, electronic stability control.
- Assistance: Park assist, a 360-degree camera.
- ADAS Features: Blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking.
Pricing and Rivals
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is priced from Rs 96.4 lakh to Rs 1.15 crore (ex-showroom), positioning it as a formidable competitor to the likes of the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Volvo XC90 in the luxury SUV segment.
R Balakrishnan's choice of the Mercedes-Benz GLE highlights a preference for sophisticated luxury and capable performance aligning well with his distinguished status in the cinematic world.