Mercedes-Benz has scheduled the launch of the GLE SUV for October 14, 2015. The luxury SUV is the facelifted version of the current M-class, and will replace it in the company's India line-up.
Changes on the car include reworked front and rear ends; the front fascia gets styling akin to the C-class and S-class sedans.
Powering the car are more frugal versions of the the previous engine options which include the
203bhp, 2.1-litre 250 CDI, and the 255bhp, 3.0-litre V6 350 CDI. A major change seen on the GLE is the introduction of the nine-speed automatic gearbox which replaces the previous seven-speed that
did duty on the M-class.
The interiors of the GLE SUV borrow heavily from the S-lass luxury sedan. The Mercedes GLE will rival the likes of the BMW X5, Volvo XC90, and the Audi Q7. However, India is not expected to receive the coupè styling for the GLE, which, in foreign markets, goes against the BMW X6.
The SUV will be produced at the company's plant in Chakan, Pune. The GLE will be the German three-pointer’s 13th release in India for 2015, which means that there are just two more models left to roll out from the Mercedes stable this year.