Having launched the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLE in January this year, the German luxury brand has now added two new variants to the SUV’s India line-up. The Mercedes GLE 450 petrol is priced at Rs 88.80 lakh, while the locally assembled GLE 400d is priced at Rs 89.90 lakh. The GLE range in India now consists of the GLE 300d (Rs 73.70 lakh), GLE 450 (Rs 88.80 lakh), GLE 400d (Rs 89.90 lakh) and the GLE 400d Hip Hop Edition (Rs 1.25 crore)
What’s the difference between the GLE 400d and the GLE 400d Hip Hop Edition?
Well, the most noticeable difference is the price – the GLE 400d is a whopping Rs 36 lakh more affordable than the Hip Hop Edition. Most of this price difference is because the GLE 400d Hip Hop is a CBU import, while the standard 400d is a locally assembled model.
A bit of that price difference also comes from the level of kit on offer. The Hip Hop Edition comes with features such as Merc's E-Active Body Control suspension, a 13-speaker, 590W Burmester sound system, a head-up display and 9 airbags, while the GLE 400d makes do with 7 airbags.
However, they do share the multi-beam LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, power adjustable rear seats, memory package for the front seats, four-zone climate control, the latest MBUX software for the dual 12.3-inch displays (for the infotainment and instrumentation), the active air suspension, a panoramic sunroof and wireless charging. Safety kit such as a 360-degree parking camera with a hands-free parking function, blind spot monitoring and active brake assist are also shared.
Both are powered by the same 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine, which churns out 330hp and 700Nm of torque. A 9-speed automatic is standard, as is Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. 0-100kph is demolished in a claimed 5.7sec.
What’s new on the GLE 450?
When the GLE had first arrived in India, it was a diesel-only model. Now, buyers have the option of choosing the GLE 450, which is powered by a 367hp/500Nm, 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system, which can add up to 22hp and 250Nm of torque when called upon. All this output is sent to all-four wheels via a 9-speed automatic. Mercedes claims a 0-100kph time of 5.7sec.
The GLE 450 and the GLE 400d share the same equipment, safety kit and creature comforts.
In the Indian market, the Mercedes-Benz GLE competes with the BMW X5 (Rs 82.90-84.40 lakh), which is available in petrol and diesel engine options. Other rivals include the now petrol-only Land Rovers like the Range Rover Sport (Rs 87.02 lakh-Rs 1.01 crore) and the Discovery (Rs 75.59-87.99 lakh), along with the Volvo XC90 (Rs 80.90 lakh-Rs 1.31 crore), which comes in petrol-electric and diesel options.
All prices, ex-showroom, pan-India
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
