Mercedes-Benz is on the verge of unveiling the highly-anticipated facelifted GLE in the vibrant Indian automotive market. The market of luxury SUVs is about to see a stir from this upcoming debut. As part of its strategic moves during the ongoing Indian festival season, Mercedes-Benz has not one but two remarkable vehicles up its sleeve. The spotlight, however, is initially reserved for the GLE facelift making its grand entrance on Indian shores. Here are five key things to know:
Design
In terms of design, the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLE exhibits a series of subtle yet elegant changes. The car's front end features an updated LED headlamp setup, a single-slat grille, and a revised bumper. The GLE looks more refined now that these changes have been made. Moving to the rear, you'll notice mildly revised bumpers and taillights, completing the aesthetic refinements in this facelift.
Cabin
Inside the GLE, the cabin retains its familiar layout, ensuring a sense of continuity with previous models. The air vents with chrome finishes and a redesigned steering wheel provide visual appeal to the cabin. Notably, the infotainment system has been upgraded to the latest Mercedes MBUX version, promising a more responsive and immersive in-car experience. Moreover, seat controls have been thoughtfully relocated to the door panel, improving accessibility.
Features
The Mercedes-Benz GLE doesn't compromise on features. A variety of comforts are included in the car to improve your driving experience. This includes a sophisticated 4-zone climate control system for personalized comfort, an electric tailgate for convenience, and seamless connectivity through wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. The electrically adjustable seats with memory features provide a customized and cozy experience. Safety is a top priority, with multiple airbags, ABS with EBD for enhanced braking control, traction control, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as blind spot monitoring and autonomous emergency braking.
Powertrains
Under the hood, the facelifted GLE offers a variety of powertrains to suit different preferences and needs. You have the option to choose from three variants: GLE 300d, GLE 450d, and GLE 450. This variety guarantees that alternatives for both petrol and diesel engines are provided. Power output ranges from 269PS to an impressive 381PS, making sure you have ample performance at your disposal. For a fluid and effective ride, every version has a 9-speed automatic gearbox. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which increases economy and makes driving more environmentally friendly, is also included with every GLE model.
Price and Rivals
The pricing for the facelifted GLE is anticipated to cater to various budgets and preferences. Prices are expected to start at approximately Rs 97 lakh, providing an accessible entry point to this luxury SUV. The range-topping model is projected to be priced at around Rs 1.16 crore (ex-showroom), offering a top-tier experience. The middle-spec GLE 450 is likely to fall within the range of Rs 1.13 crore (ex-showroom). For context, the current model's pricing spans from Rs 91.2 lakh to Rs 1.08 crore (ex-showroom). Competition for the redesigned Mercedes-Benz GLE will come from top cars on the market, including the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Volvo XC90.
Prepare to welcome the refreshed Mercedes-Benz GLE to India with these exciting updates across its design, cabin, features, powertrains, pricing, and competitive stance in the market.