Updated Mercedes GLE launched at starting price of Rs. 96.40 lakh

The Mercedes-Benz GLE facelift was launched in India today. The SUV is priced from 96.4 lakh to 1.15 crore (ex-showroom) and now has a number of cosmetic updates on the outside as well as an updated feature list in the cabin.

The Mercedes GLE is a significant model for the German brand in India, as it is the second-best-selling model for the brand. It sits between the GLC and the GLS in the company's SUV product lineup. While the GLC was updated earlier this year, the GLE will now look to gain traction as well. The GLE, like almost every other Mercedes SUV here, is available with both petrol and diesel engines, and both engine options come with a 48V mild hybrid integrated starter generator setup.

What’s changed in the facelift?

Exterior

Mercedes unveiled the GLE facelift globally earlier this year with very minimalist and subtle changes in terms of exterior design. The headlights and taillights on all SUV trims have been redesigned, and a chrome strip runs horizontally across the center of the grille. It now has a new front bumper, single-slat grille, and LED headlights. The rear bumper has also been slightly modified, along with the tail lights. There are visual differences between the AMG line and the professional line.

Interior and Features

The interior of the facelifted GLE is refreshed, but the overall cabin layout is similar to the pre-facelift car. The multi-function steering wheel with haptic feedback buttons has been borrowed from the S-Class. The air conditioning vents are surrounded by chrome, and there is a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12.3-inch digital screen acts as an instrument cluster for the driver. The car features a 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system, wireless charging and USB Type C ports, a 360-degree camera, and four-zone climate control.

Customers can opt for the air suspension that is offered in the top-spec GLE 450 and 450d. The 2023 GLE comes standard with 20-inch alloy wheels that can be upgraded to 22-inches.

As far as safety equipment is concerned, it gets nine airbags, a 360-degree camera, traction control, park assist, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like autonomous emergency braking and blind spot monitoring to ensure the safety of the occupants.

Powertrain options

There are three engine options on offer: the GLE 300d gets a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 269 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque; the GLE 450d is powered by a six-cylinder diesel engine that generates 367 horsepower and 750 Nm; and at last, a six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 381 horsepower and 500 Nm powers the petrol-powered GLE 450. These engines can propel the SUV from 0-100 kmph in 6.9 seconds, 5.6 seconds, and 5.6 seconds, respectively. All three engines are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels via Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.

Pricing and Rivals

The Mercedes GLE facelift is a few lakhs more expensive than the outgoing model. Bookings for all three variants are now open, and deliveries for the GLE 300 d and GLE 450 will begin in November. Although deliveries of the GLE 450 d will begin in January 2024.The Mercedes GLE LWB facelift competes with high-end SUVs such as the Range Rover Velar (Rs 94.3 lakh), Audi Q7 (Rs 84.7 lakh), and BMW X5 (Rs 95.2 lakh) at this price range.