Mercedes-Benz cars in India (22)

autocar.india

•3m

Yes, there will be a facelift for the Mercedes-Benz GLE coming sometime late this year or early next year. It brings revised front and rear ends, with larger grilles, new bumpers, and bigger headlamps with new three-pointed star DRL signatures. Inside, the dashboard is all new, made up of a new, continuous 'Superscreen' for driver, infotainment and passenger screens, as well as new chrome AC vents. It uses Merc's new AI-driven MB.OS software, which comes with powerful new computing power, and an entirely new E&E (electric & electronic) architecture. That said, however, the hardware will likely remain the same, with the same engines - including the 450 petrol - and suspension setups. As such, the luxury and performance quotient will not change, and so if that is a priority for your friend, they should stick with their current booking. However, if they are excited by the new tech on offer and are fans of the new look, then perhaps it is worth the wait. Do note that the new model will likely bring a price hike as well, as can be expected.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

autocar.india

•3d

The new Lexus ES 350h is looks quite different to the previous ES, but the proposition remains the same. It is now a much larger car, with a more imposing design and a significantly more powerful hybrid powertrain. It is no longer the understated luxury sedan the previous ES was, and this is Lexus's new, bolder approach that's unfolding across its model range. Inside too, the relatively old-school use of wood, metal and multiple layers has been traded for a cleaner, minimalist look that's more futuristic and somewhat generic. However, the luxury prospect hasn't changed too much, with high-quality materials, tactile surfaces and even more features. And since it is larger, cabin space has improved too. If you are looking for a more traditional luxury sedan experience, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB is the better choice. It offers a more refined and comfortable ride, a more understated design and a more traditional luxury car ownership experience. The E-Class LWB is also a better chauffeur-driven car, with a more spacious and comfortable rear seat. If you are looking for a more performance-oriented luxury sedan, the BMW 5 Series LWB is worth considering. It offers a more engaging driving experience and a more dynamic character. The Lexus ES may look very different now, but if you're interested, it's worth at least a test drive, because its proposition of refined, hassle-free, efficient Japanese luxury hasn't changed.

Lexus ES

BMW 5 Series LWB

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

autocar.india

•4d

For a mostly chauffeur-driven owner in Bangalore, the sedans you've shortlisted make the most sense. Between the two, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is undoubtedly the most popular car in its class, and for good reason, in your case, we think the Lexus ES 350h might be a better bet. The ES 350h is a hybrid, which makes it particularly well-suited to Bangalore's traffic conditions, offering excellent fuel efficiency and a very refined, quiet driving experience. The rear seat is spacious and comfortable, and Lexus' reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs adds to the long-term ownership appeal. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class 200 is also a strong contender, offering a slightly more luxurious and spacious cabin and, crucially, superb back seats that recline quite far, but it does not offer the same efficiency or refinement in stop-and-go traffic, and this will add up in the long run. The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, while a good SUV, is not the best fit for a chauffeur-driven owner as the rear seat is not as comfortable as the ES or E-Class, and the ride is firmer. The ES 350h strikes the best balance of comfort, efficiency and long-term peace of mind.

Lexus ES

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

autocar.india

•5d

If you are getting a Rs 4 lakh discount on the current Mercedes-Benz GLE, we would recommend going ahead with the purchase rather than waiting for the new model. The new GLE has indeed been revealed internationally, but there is no confirmed India launch timeline yet, and when it does arrive, it will almost certainly be significantly more expensive and unlikely to attract any meaningful discounts initially. The current Mercedes-Benz remains a very strong product with a well-appointed cabin, excellent ride comfort and a proven ownership experience, so you are not missing out on a major generational leap. The newer GLE is merely a facelift, and will come with the same mechanical setup, engines and cabin. The only real differences are the exterior design, which features a more prominent grille and headlamps, connected tail-lamps and on the inside a new screen-heavy dashboard with Mercedes' newest MB.OS hardware and software. If you are happy with the car as it stands today, the discount makes it a far more compelling proposition than waiting and paying a premium for the new model.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

autocar.india

•1w

We would wait for the upcoming Audi Q3, whose launch is just around the corner, before making this decision as it promises to be the most contemporary of its peers in the segment. Audi wants to make up for lost time with the new Q3 and we understand the brand is leaving no stone unturned with this new model, equipping it with the 2.0 TFSI engine and Quattro AWD. It also promises to have the brand's latest tech, as well as a long features list, to make it attractive in this competitive segment. While the A4 sedan is a good deal right now at the end of its life, it may feel a bit too dated, and the new A5 will arrive by the end of the year. As for the X1, unless you're chauffeur driven, it isn't the best choice here. As you're coming from a CLA, the new CLA EV might be a good option, as your usage could fit within the constraints of an EV, and the CLA EV has exceptional range. It will, however, push slightly past your Rs. 60 lakh (on road) budget. Either way, we would recommend waiting for the India-spec Q3 before making a call, as it could be the best fit for you.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric

Audi A4

Audi A5

Audi Q3

BMW X1 LWB