Mercedes-Benz GLE Facelift Launched in India, Price Starts at Rs 96.40 Lakh

Mercedes-Benz, the German luxury car giant, has announced the launch of its GLE facelift in India. The SUV has been rolled out in the domestic market for an ex-showroom starting price of Rs 96.40 lakh for the base 300 d 4Matic variant. Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line 450d 4Matic variant retails for Rs 1.15 crore (ex-showroom). This long-awaited launch, aligned with the festive season can prove to be an ideal time for the auto major to attract more customers. A new mild-hybrid diesel engine, slight interior tweaks, a new plug-in hybrid version, several fresh features, and minor cosmetic revisions are all part of the mid-cycle update given to the GLE. Notably, the bookings for all three variants are now open, and deliveries for the GLE 300 d and GLE 450 will begin in November. Although, the GLE 450 d deliveries are scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2024.

In addition to the facelifted SUV, the manufacturer has also debuted the brand-new AMG C 43 4Matic sedan in the domestic market. This model is a bolder and sportier version of the standard C-Class. Customers interested in purchasing the AMG C 43 will have to shell out Rs 98 lakh (ex-showroom). Let's now take a closer look at the top highlights of the GLE in its new avatar.   

Also Read: New-gen Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB Globally Unveiled Ahead of India Launch Next Year

Mercedes-Benz GLE Facelift: Multiple Powertrain Options

Three versions of the updated GLE SUV will be available: the 300 d, GLE 450 d, and the GLE 450. A 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission will provide the car with 265bhp of maximum power and 550Nm of peak torque. Another option, a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder diesel mill mated to the same gearbox will produce about 362bhp and 750Nm. The sole petrol unit will be a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder engine with 375bhp of peak power and 500Nm of maximum torque. It is important to note that all engines will work in tandem with a 48V mild hybrid system. 

Mercedes-Benz GLE Facelift: Interior Layout and Feature Set

Among the interior highlights are the touch-capacitive controls on the steering wheel, galvanised metal air conditioning vents that resemble those seen on the Maybach GLS, and new upholstery options. Exclusive to the GLE, the new colourways for the model are Bahia Brown/Black and Catalana Beige/Black. Its striking dual-tone Black and Classic Red combination goes well with its sporty AMG Line package. It will also have the Maybach GLS's "Manufaktur Piano Lacquer Black Flowing Lines" trim. Additionally, Dolby Atmos and personal sound setup are now accessible on the Burmester surround sound system, which comprises 13 speakers and 590 watts of power.

Two 100W USB ports in the rear armrest and energised air control are optional extras. Unlike recent models like the C-Class and the GLC, which have split screens, the GLE retains the same single-piece panel system from its predecessor, which features two 12.3-inch screens. However, the company updated MBUX with the newest version, adding wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto users. A new MBUX Smart Home Function, an electric tailgate ambient lighting, four-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and electrically adjustable front seats with memory function are also included in the feature set of the newly launched model.

Nine airbags, traction control, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and other Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technologies, including blind spot monitoring, are all part of the safety package.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Facelift: Exterior Design

Instead of undergoing a major overhaul, the GLE has received minor improvements. It has new headlamps and improved daytime driving lights that are modelled after the recently redesigned GLC. With optional multibeam LED headlamps, there are four light points connecting the flare-style light elements that make up the daytime running lights. Updates have also been made to the taillight cluster; the GLE Coupe now has two bars and the GLE has two horizontal blocks. New grilles and front and back bumpers are present on the vehicle. The AMG Line exterior package is now standard on the GLE Coupe, which is noteworthy.

Also Read: Upcoming Car Launches in November 2023: All-new Mercedes-Benz GLE, Tata Punch EV, and More

Mercedes-Benz GLE Facelift: Price Range and Rivals

As far as the cost factor is concerned, the facelifted GLE has a price range starting from Rs 96.40 lakh (300 d 4MATIC) and going up to Rs 1.15 crore (450 d 4MATIC). The petrol-powered 450 4MATIC version costs Rs 1.10 crore. In comparison, the previous generation of the model was priced from Rs 91.20 lakh to Rs 1.08 crore (for the diesel variant). All mentioned figures are ex-showroom. In terms of market rivals, the all-new GLE is set to lock horns with several other premium models such as the BMW X5, the Volvo XC90, and the Audi Q7.