Mercedes-Benz has updated the ML-Class SUV for the year 2016. Along with many changes, they have also changed the name to Mercedes GLE which is in line with their new nomenclature.
Mercedes has been on a roll since the past few years and all the launches it has made have had striking designs. This has helped it gain an edge over the competition. In the SUV segment, the ML-Class offered the space which cars from a segment higher offered and hence it became an instant hit. But with time, it has started to look a bit dull and thus Mercedes has decided to give it a facelift. The name has also been updated and the facelifted ML-Class will be called the GLE. It will be officially unveiled at the New York Motor Show on April 1.
The front end of the Mercedes GLE receives a lot of noticeable changes. There is an option of LED headlamps now which would be standard in the higher variants. The design of the bumper, hood and grille also changes which makes the car look fresher. Rear end gets LED taillights, a new bumper and redesigned diffuser. New alloy designs and roof rails finish off the exteriors updates. The car also sports new badging now which will be seen in all future Mercedes launches.
The interiors of the Mercedes GLE also receive some updates. The most obvious and visible updates are the new steering wheel and a 7-inch screen for the infotainment system. The company has also added a host of colour combinations for the interiors like ginger beige, saddle brown and espresso brown. However, these options are unlikely to be available in India considering the SUV would be imported via the CKD route to the country which makes customization a bit difficult. The SUV will be launched globally by the end of this year and we expect Mercedes to launch it in India in the first half of 2016.
Globally, the Mercedes GLE will come with a hybrid configuration as well. The GLE500e would be powered by a 3-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine along with a 114 HP electric motor. Combined they would produce 436 HP of power and 650 Nm of torque. There is a possibility of Mercedes launching the GLE Hybrid in India considering that Volvo is launching the XC90 Hybrid here in 2016. The other engine options expected are 2.1-litre diesel engine producing 201 HP and a 3-litre V6 diesel engine producing 255 HP. The range topping GLE 63 AMG S would be powered by a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 engine which would put out 577 HP of power.
