Mercedes-Benz India has launched the refreshed GLE starting at INR 96.4 lakh, ex-showroom, for the base 330d variant and the C43 AMG at INR 98 lakh.
With these launches the company has completed its target of launching 10 products including six AMG models in 2023.
The GLE gets powered with a 2-litre four cylinder diesel engine, producing 269hp and 550Nm of torque in the 300d form. In the 450d form, it gets a 3-L six cylinder diesel engine that produces 367hp and 750Nm. Meanwhile the GLE 450 gets a 3.0L six cylinder turbo petrol unit with 381hp and 500Nm of torque.
All the engine options get paired with a nine-speed automatic gearbox sending power to all four wheels along with a 48V mild-hybrid system. The 48V mild hybrid system is sourced from Germany and has been a cause of hindrance in production.
The GLE's updated appearance includes reworked headlights and taillights, as well as a single or double chrome bar running horizontally across the middle of the grille for the AMG and Professional lines.
The refreshed interiors for the GLE include elements borrowed from the S-Class, like the multi-function steering wheel with haptic feedback buttons. The AC vents get a chrome surround, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch digital driver display.
Additionally, it gets 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system, wireless charging and USB Type C ports, a 360-deg camera, and Mercedes' 'Transparent Bonnet' function.
The 10th product for Mercedes in 2023 is the C43 AMG powered by a 2-litre, four-cylinder unit with an electric turbocharger producing 408hp and 500Nm of torque. The C43 becomes the first series production vehicle to get the electric exhaust gas turbocharge derived from Mercedes Petronas F1 technology.
Mercedes-AMG claims that the chassis has been substantially overhauled, with a new front axle and AMG Ride Control suspension. This is accompanied by double wishbones at the front and variable dampers and multi-links at the back. It also gets rear wheel steering as standard.
The vehicle gets Panamericana grille with vertical slats along with adaptive LED headlights with a single DRL. There are large air intakes on the front bumper with black accents and gloss-black wing mirrors.
2023 In A Glance
The year 2023 has been a year of changes and many firsts for Mercedes-Benz India, starting with the appointment of Santosh Iyer as the first Indian MD.
The company has delivered 12,768 new cars from January to September’23, representing an 11% YoY growth. The GLS, S-Class, S-Class Maybach, GLS Maybach, AMGs and EQS saw top customer preference at a growth rate of 22% with the LWB E-Class remaining the highest-selling model.
The SUV family accounts for 55% share while the rest is taken up by the sedans. The recently launched GLC has had a good impact on SUVs overall while GLE constitutes about 15% of overall sales, said Iyer.
The company has also seen a huge jump in EV sales with over 1.45 lakh units sold till date. It has dedicated October as the ‘sustainability month’ with initiatives planned to raise awareness in this sphere.
For customers switching to EVs, Mercedes will offer them a sustainability loyalty bonus. In addition, it will support 50% of the road tax for any EQB, EQS and EQE SUV sold in October. This is for those States where road tax is applicable at the time of registration of electric vehicles.
However the sustainability efforts go beyond EVs. While all the new models launched now come with 48V mild hybrid system, the new GLE also constitutes 95% recoverable materials and 85% recyclable materials, Iyer added.
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