The Mercedes M-Class now adopts a new name in the form of GLE and gets comprehensively revised front fascia in line with the new S-Class styling and adds new elements inside the cabin.
Mercedes-Benz India has officially launched the 2016 GLE or M-Class facelift in the country priced at Rs. 58.90 lakhs for the GLE 250d and Rs. 69.90 lakhs for the GLE 350d (ex-showroom, Delhi), featuring the new moniker as per the automaker’s revised nomenclature along with the comprehensively updated front fascia. With the festive spirit in full swing, the GLE is here to take on the likes of the BMW X3, Volvo XC60 as well as the Audi Q5. The mid-size luxury SUV continues to come as a CKD import in India and is assembled at the automaker’s Chakan based facility.
Starting with the exterior changes, the 2016 Mercedes GLE gets a revised front fascia in-line with the manufacturer’s new design language that started on the W222 S-Class. The twin-slat grille is sharper while the headlamps are sweptback and now feature LEDs as standard. The bumper gets revisions for a sportier appeal while the bonnet is contoured and adds to the tough yet premium looks. The side profile remains largely the same save for the new alloy wheels. Changes to the rear are subtle with the tweaked tail light cluster and new rectangular exhausts but are a healthy reminder of the SUV’s roots.
On the inside, the 2016 Mercedes GLE comes with the new flat-bottom steering wheel and a larger 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The all black dashboard looks good and gets silver inserts all across the cabin to break the monotony. The seats are upholstered in fine quality leather and come with a multitude of options. In terms of tech, the new GLE gets an updated COMMAND infotainment system, while safety features are in abundance including six airbags, Attention Assist, Pre-Safe System, Brake Assist, ABS, ESP and a lot more.
The new Mercedes GLE is available in two versions – 250d and 350d with power coming on the 250d from a 2.1-litre, four-cylinder, twin-turbo, diesel engine producing 204 PS of power and 500 Nm of torque. The GLE 350d will continue drawing power from a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel unit now producing 258 PS and 620 Nm of torque. Both versions come paired to the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission that replaces the 7-speed unit and promises quicker shifts and higher efficiency. Both variants also get Mercedes’ 4MATIC AWD system as standard.
