Mercedes-Benz GLE 3.0 Diesel 450d 4Matic

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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

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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

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•8w

Given your experience with the E250 CDI and your clear priority for reliability and lower servicing costs, the Lexus RX is the recommendation. The RX has a strong reputation for long-term reliability, lower maintenance costs and a very refined ownership experience. Lexus’ hybrid powertrain is proven, efficient and well-suited to Indian conditions, and the brand’s focus on durability and customer service is a key advantage over the German rivals.The Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5 are both excellent SUVs, but they are more complex vehicles with higher long-term maintenance costs and a greater reliance on electronics and software. The Lexus car may not have the same outright performance or brand cachet as the German options, but it is the most sensible choice for an owner looking for a premium SUV that will deliver a hassle-free ownership experience over the long term.

Lexus RX

Mercedes-Benz GLE

BMW X5

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Given your usage pattern of mainly city driving with occasional long runs, the Lexus RX 350h would be our recommendation. The hybrid powertrain is particularly well-suited to your needs, offering excellent refinement and efficiency in urban conditions while still being capable and comfortable on longer journeys. Lexus cars also have a strong reputation for reliability and lower long-term maintenance costs, which addresses your concerns with the E 250 CDI.The Mercedes GLE and BMW X5 are both excellent SUVs, but they are more performance-oriented and can be more expensive to maintain over time. The GLE 300d is a strong diesel option, but with your limited usage, the benefits of a diesel are less compelling. The X5 xDrive30d is similarly impressive, but again, the Lexus hybrid makes more sense for your driving pattern. There are also these cars' respective petrol versions, but coming from a diesel, you might find their respective running costs much higher.The RX 350h strikes the right balance between luxury, efficiency and long-term ownership peace of mind. The only downsides are that it's not that exciting to drive, and that Lexus' network isn't anywhere near as big as Mercedes or BMW cars. But if you have a dealer close to you, and don't mind a more relaxed drive, it is a genuinely premium SUV that should prove to be a more satisfying ownership experience over the long term.

Lexus RX

Mercedes-Benz GLE

BMW X5

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•16w

If you want the car in the next few months, buy the current Mercedes-Benz GLE. The India launch date for the new version hasn’t been announced, and going by how Mercedes usually staggers its new launches, you could be waiting around half a year to a year. We don't expect it to be launched before early to mid-2027. Part of the reason is that this Mercedes-Benz car is locally assembled in India, so Mercedes-Benz’s Chakan plant in Maharashtra will first need to prepare for right-hand-drive kits of the updated version.Wait only if you specifically want the fresh look and updated tech, and you are fine holding off at least 6-9 months. The biggest update is the new dashboard with the three-screen 'Superscreen' setup. This includes the new MB.OS software with many new AI-based features packed in, and a generally slicker interface.The updated GLE will, however, likely be mechanically unchanged from the GLE currently on sale. Expect the same engines and suspension setups, which are well-sorted for our roads, and you’re likely to get faster delivery of the current model. Also, expect the new version to be priced higher and come with an initial waiting period.

Mercedes-Benz GLE