Mercedes-Benz redefines the luxury SUV segment; drives in its global best-seller, the versatile and dynamic luxury SUV – the GLE in India

  • New nomenclature for the GLE (M-Class to GLE): carries the DNA of the G-Class
  • The GLE is the highest selling SUV for Mercedes-Benz globally as well in India with 1.6 million units of production run globally | 6,100 plus units sold in India till date
  • The GLE is launched in the 350 d and the 250 d variants, and owing to its overwhelming demand will be locally produced in India from its launch
  • GLE blends on-road with off-road performance: 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT lever | AIRMATIC package with air suspension | 4MATIC permanent All-Wheel-Drive System | Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR)
  • DYNAMIC SELECT: Driver can choose five different modes – Comfort, Sport, Slippery, Individual and Off-road
  • Convenience redefined: Memory Package, COMAND Online with New Generation Telematics | Touchpad, Parking Package with 360°Camera, Easy Pack Tailgate, Thermotronic (3 Zone) climate control, Keyless GO Start/Stop
  • Best in class safety assistance features: ESP® with Curve Dynamic Assist, Crosswind Assist, Brake Assistance System, Attention Assist, Active Parking Assist, PRE-SAFE®, 6 airbags
  • The GLE 250 d is priced at INR 58.90 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi)
  • The GLE 350 d is priced at INR 69.90 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi)

India’s leading luxury car brand Mercedes-Benz today launched one of the most awaited luxury SUVs – the GLE, in India today. The GLE combines the best of on-road driving with off-road performance and raises the benchmark for a luxury SUV to the next level. The launch of the GLE further cements Mercedes-Benz’s strong presence in the fastly growing luxury SUV segment in India. The SUV was launched by Roland Folger, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India in New Delhi.

Mr. Roland Folger, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said: “The GLE is a very special product for all of us at Mercedes-Benz. The M-Class which established the luxury SUV segment in 1997 has been one of the most successful models for Mercedes-Benz globally till date, with more than 1.6 million units sold. The GLE has all the attributes to be a worthy successor and continue the success story of the best-selling M-Class. With its sporty and serene appearance, clear and sensuous design idiom combined with typical attributes of a modern off-roader; the GLE will create new segment benchmark. We are launching yet another winning product for our discerning Indian customers, today”.

“Mercedes-Benz has a formidable SUV portfolio ranging from the GLA to the AMG G 63 in India. This gives us a strong competitive advantage, resulting in our SUV segment to grow the fastest in the entire portfolio, by 70% in the Jan-Sep 2015 period. The addition of the versatile GLE comes at the right time and will add to our brand’s winning SUV portfolio. To add to customer excitement, we are offering the GLE in the 250 d and 350 d variants from launch, both of which will be manufactured in our Pune facility. The start of local production of both the variants of the GLE simultaneously, is a key decision that will enable us to address the demand of the SUV in foreseeable future” added Mr. Folger.

Dynamic character through design: The exterior design of the GLE adds dynamism and makes the SUV appear wider. Key exterior design elements comprise an upright radiator trim with centrally positioned Mercedes star and two sculpted louvres. There is an accentuated front bumper with diamond grille and typical SUV chrome-look underguard, bonnet with powerdomes and LED daytime running lamps integrated in all  new full LED headlamps The strikingly sculpted front wings reinforce the sense of width of the vehicle and add even more dynamism to the SUV. The rear design is accentuated by an exhaust system with tailpipe trim elements, two-piece tail lights with all lighting functions in LED, including brake lights and reversing lights in LED.

Luxurious interiors: The GLE’s interior boasts of modern luxury with meticulous attention to detail that enhances the overall feeling of luxury. The GLE features a sporty 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel and the instrument cluster features newly designed pointers and dials for an enhanced sporty look. The seats are designed for a comfort ride for long journeys and optimal lateral support. The carefully selected materials and workmanship are highlight of the GLE’s interiors and spell high-quality appeal.

9G-TRONIC Transmission: The GLE’s gear changes are handled by the 9G-TRONIC developed in-house by Mercedes-Benz. It is the world’s first 9-speed automatic transmission in the luxury segment that can be used in conjunction with longitudinally mounted engines. The 9G-TRONIC ensures a sportier, more dynamic driving thanks to more closely spaced gears and multiple downshifts. 9G-TRONIC features automatic transmission with nine forward gears and one reverse gear. It ensures comfortable, fuel-efficient driving at low engine speeds. There can also be multiple downshifts for fast sprints if required. The 9G-TRONIC also weighs lesser despite two additional gears.

Power packed performance: The GLE’s 6-cylinder engine boasts of a powerful performance. The 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine of the GLE 350 d with a displacement of 2987 cc produces 190 kW (258 hp) of power and a maximum torque of 620 Nm. The 2143 cc Inline 4-cylinder diesel engine of the GLE 250 d produces 150 kW (204 hp) of power and a torque of 500 Nm.

DYNAMIC SELECT: The innovative DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling control system of the GLE offers up to five driving modes for an unparalleled driving experience. The DYNAMIC SELECT changes parameters such as the characteristics of  engine, transmission, steering and suspension. The five different driving modes are ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’, ‘Slippery’, ‘Individual’ and ‘Off-road’.

COMAND Online with New Generation Telematics: The infotainment system of the GLE offers COMAND Online with New Generation Telematics and features Mercedes-Benz Apps. Navigation, telephone, audio, video, internet, Wi-Fi hotspot – with the COMAND Online controler and display system enables the driver to keep these and many other functions in view and under control. Information is shown in high-resolution and in colour on the large 20.3 cm (8-inch) Media Display.

AIRMATIC Suspension: This unique suspension enables enhanced ride comfort, a higher driving dynamics and offers higher ground clearance. The GLE’s AIRMATIC air suspension combined with the Adaptive Damping System (ADS) guarantees extremely stable driving. The damping system changes its priorities depending on the preselected DYNAMIC SELECT mode. SPORT focuses on the greatest possible lateral dynamics with the best possible ride quality. Conversely, COMFORT mode enables maximum ride quality with the best possible dynamics. The AIRMATIC suspension ensures constant vehicle level irrespective of loading and raises the maximum ground clearance to 232 mm and also automatically lowers the suspension by 15 mm at high speeds.

Advanced safety and assistance systems: The GLE is one of the safest vehicles in the luxury SUV segment. GLE offers comprehensive safety features and advanced assistance systems. Numerous assistance systems have been coordinated in terms of function and packaged under the Intelligent Drive. The extensive safety equipment of the GLE is extended with assistance systems such as Crosswind Assist, Attention Assist, Active Parking Assist and Brake Assist Plus. The GLE is equipped with 6 airbags for driver and passenger protection i.e. adaptive front airbags, side bags for driver and front passenger and also window air bags between A, B and C-pillars.