Leading luxury car maker
Mercedes-Benz India (http://www.mercedes-benz.co.in/
)has launched the luxury SUV – the GLE, in the country at a starting price of
Rs 58.90 lakh (ex showroom Delhi). The vehicle will be produced locally.
The GLE will be available in
two variants -- 250d with a 2143 cc diesel engine priced at Rs 58.90 lakh, and
350d which is powered by 2987cc diesel engine priced at Rs 69.90 lakh
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 fast growing luxury SUV segment in India. The SUV was launched
by Roland Folger, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India in New
Delhi.
“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,” said
Folger at the launch.
He added that Mercedes-Benz
has a formidable SUV portfolio ranging from the GLA to the AMG G 63 in India.
This, he noted, gives the company a strong competitive advantage, “resulting in
our SUV segment to grow the fastest in the entire portfolio, by 70pc 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.
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
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. The 6-cylinder
turbocharged diesel engine of the GLE 350 d has a displacement of 2987 cc
produces 258 hp and a maximum torque of 620 Nm. The 2143 cc Inline 4-cylinder
diesel engine of the GLE 250 d produces 204 hp of power and a torque of 500 Nm.
The engines are mated to a 9G-TRONIC transmission 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.
The Dynamic Select dynamic
handling control system of the GLE offers up to five driving modes. 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’.
Other exciting features
include Comand Online with New Generation Telematics, Airmatic suspension, etc.