Following the global reveal of the GLE Facelift in February 2023, Mercedes-Benz has now given us its launch date. Positioned as a rival to the Audi Q7 and the BMW X5, the updated GLE will go on sale on November 2, along with the new AMG C 43 sedan in the Indian market. On the other hand, the sedan will have rivals in the form of the Audi S5 Sportback and the BMW M340i. We bring you some key details we know about the GLE Facelift and the AMG C 43. Take a look.
Mercedes-Benz GLE Facelift: What We Know So Far
Let's start with the facelifted version of the Mercedes-Benz GLE. Expect mildly tweaked front and rear bumpers and a refreshed headlamp & taillamp setup, while new alloy wheels and body colours are also on the cards. Inside, the facelifted model will feature a multifunction steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls, new upholstery, an updated MBUX infotainment system with graphics, etc.
Also Read: Audi S5 Sportback Platinum Edition Launched at Rs 81.57 Lakh in India
Under the hood, the GLE facelift gets 3 engine options – 2 diesel and 1 petrol. The diesel engine options will be offered across two variants: 300d and 450d (which has replaced the pre-facelift GLE 400d), while the petrol-powered vehicle will be available in one variant, which is 450. In the diesel mode, the four-cylinder 300d churns out 265bhp and 550Nm of torque, while the six-cylinder 450d delivers 362bhp and 750Nm. When running on petrol, the six-cylinder 450 makes 376bhp and 500Nm. Additionally, a 48V integrated starter generator is also available with all variants. However, which of these versions will be available upon India launch remains to be seen.
Mercedes-AMG C 43: What We Know So Far
While the Mercedes-AMG C 43 is based on the current-generation W206 C-Class, the most important change comes in the form of a new powertrain. At its heart is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid engine (M139) with an electric turbocharger. Touted as the world's first series-production unit to host an electric exhaust gas turbocharger, this unit made its debut on the Mercedes-AMG SL 43. The turbocharger is operated via a 48V electrical system which also feeds the belt-driven starter-generator (RSG). In the C 43, the engine produces 402bhp at 6,750rpm and 500Nm of torque at 5,000rpm (the last-generation model was powered by a 385bhp/520Nm 3.0-litre V6 engine). Moreover, the RSG can provide an additional 13bhp via a boost function.
On offer is a nine-speed automatic gearbox with 'Race Start', sending power to all four wheels via the brand's 4MATIC all-wheel-drive. To ensure that the C 43 AMG is able to put all the power down, Mercedes has given it a reworked front axle, improved braking hardware, and AMG Ride Control suspension (with the Adaptive Damping System).
Similar to all AMG Mercs, the C 43 stands out with an AMG-specific Panamericana grille with vertical struts, adaptive LED headlamps with a daytime running light, quad tailpipes with a diffuser, newly designed bumpers (front and rear), black wing mirrors, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the passengers are greeted by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with AMG-specific graphics and an 11.9-inch MBUX touchscreen infotainment system. Other bits include a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, sports seats, etc.
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