Mercedes-Benz has launched the GLE450 AMG Coupe in India which is the crossover-coupe version of the GLE and marks the first launch of the 12 products planned for this year.
Mercedes-Benz India has planned 12 new product launches for 2016 and has already started moving towards its goal with the launch of the GLE450 AMG Coupe priced at Rs. 86.4 lakhs (ex-showroom, Mumbai). The GLE450 is the crossover-coupe version of the full sized ‘GLE’ (previously called ML-Class) SUV. The front fascia of the crossover comes directly from the SUV sibling. The side profile gets a strong character line with the accentuated wheel arches accommodating the 21-inch AMG alloys. Optional 22-inch wheels are also on offer. The roofline slopes towards the back like a coupe, which makes the crossover look very impressive and is officially the Stuttgart giant’s answer to the BMW X6 M.
Mercedes-Benz as always is very keen at providing luxurious interiors on its cars and the GLE450 AMG comes with a high quality cabin with sporty upholstery. The multi-function steering wheel is covered by Nappa leather, the trademarked floating infotainment system can also be seen with the updated COMAND unit while carbon fibre finish can be seen in the cabin to shred weight. A Bang & Olufsen system keeps the acoustic needs at bay. Being a crossover, there is enough cabin space for passengers but the rear headroom does take a slight cut.
The Mercedes GLE450 AMG is powered by a 3.0-litre, Bi-Turbo, V6 petrol engine that produces 362 BHP of power between 5500-6000 RPM and peak torque of 520 Nm available between 1800-4000 RPM, mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox with 4MATIC AWD. The performance coupe comes with five driving modes – Sport, Sport+, Slippery, Comfort and Individual. The AMG treated engine enables the GLE450 AMG coupe to do the 0-100 km/hr run in just 5.6 seconds. It comes with a 40:60 torque split and the new AirMatic suspension system.
Like all AMG offerings, the Mercedes GLE450 AMG is coming to India via the CBU route and is being sold through the performance centres across the country. The performance crossover primarily rivals the BMW X6 M in the segment that recently went on sale via BMW’s new M Studio. An experimental product by Mercedes standards, it will be interesting to see if the GLE450 AMG finds more takers than the BMW X6 M with the latter having created this niche segment.
