Mercedes-Benz GLE 3.0 Diesel 450d 4Matic

Autocar India

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After living with a Fortuner for so many years, you’re clearly used to a tough, dependable SUV and likely prefer diesel power. The best upgrade that fits your brief is the Mercedes-Benz GLE. It retains that solid SUV character you’re familiar with, offers generous space, and comes with a strong, refined diesel engine paired with a part-time all-wheel-drive system.While the GLE isn’t built to take quite the same rough-and-tumble punishment as the Fortuner, it delivers far higher levels of comfort, sophistication, and ease of driving, whether in city traffic or on long highway runs. The cabin feels genuinely premium, packed with features and excellent noise insulation, making every journey relaxing.In short, the GLE 300d combines the ruggedness you value with the luxury and refinement you now deserve. Compared to the Fortuner’s utilitarian nature, it feels like a quantum leap forward into the luxury SUV world.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Autocar India

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While there are a few interesting options in this price range, we feel you should pick the BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport. Apart from being excellent to drive and very luxurious, it will feel like a nice departure from your GLS and Volvo XC90. BMW's straight-six engines are superb when it comes to refinement, smoothness and performance, and given your intended heavy usage, some of which is on the highway, we'd recommend the diesel, which is strong and efficient. You can easily get more than 700km out of a tank of diesel in your mixed driving cycle.An alternative is the Mercedes-Benz GLE, which offers more rear-seat space and a slightly more comfortable ride, though we feel it will be too similar to your GLS, or the Lexus RX 500h, whose smooth and efficient hybrid powertrain is an excellent alternative to the established order.

BMW X5

Volvo XC90

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Lexus RX

Autocar India

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Both the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 and GLS 450 are very comfortable and stable at high speeds. However, if you do not need the extra row of seats, the GLE would be a better bet. The GLE is a five-seater and hence is lighter by around 210kg. The GLE is also shorter in length, and the wheelbase makes it a bit more stable on the highways, especially over expansion joints. Both SUVs get air suspension and feature an inherently soft ride. But between the two, the GLE would be a bit more comfortable on the highway. Both SUVs have similar and excellent NVH performance and feature impressive cabin insulation. So with either one, you won't be disappointed.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Autocar India

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Firstly, there is no Mercedes GLE 450d variant. There is a diesel 400d, but the variant you must be meaning is the Mercedes GLE 450 4MATIC petrol, which compares with the BMW X5 xDrive40i petrol. Both the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 and the BMW X5 are very closely matched in power, using 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engines with 48V mild-hybrid systems. The GLE 450 4MATIC produces 375-380hp whilst the BMW X5 xDrive40i produces a near identical 375-380hp. Top of FormThe BMW X5 has slightly higher torque at 520Nm to the GLE 450’s 500Nm, which contributes to a more sporty feel. In fact, the BMW X5 is known for a more sporty, engaging driving character, with quicker acceleration. Whilst the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 delivers power in a very linear, smooth manner, prioritising comfort and luxury.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

BMW X5

Autocar India

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Without knowing your specific requirements, it is hard to give you a definitive pick. Of the options on your mind, the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE make for the most well-rounded luxury SUVs. They are spacious, well-equipped, comfortable and good to drive. The Range Rover Velar is big on style but isn't as roomy as the other SUVs. The Volvo XC90's firm ride and lesser refinement mark it down.

BMW X5

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Land Rover Range Rover Velar

Volvo XC90

Autocar India

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While similarly priced as the entry-level versions of their respective model ranges, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d and BMW X5 xDrive30d xLine take two different approaches. The Mercedes-Benz uses a less powerful 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine, while the BMW retains the 3.0-litre 6-cylinder diesel engine.However, while the BMW sacrifices some features in this variant owing to the lesser xLine trim, the Mercedes comes in the fully loaded AMG Line trim. Thus, if you drive yourself even occasionally, the powerful 6-cylinder BMW will likely be the better choice for you, but if you're mainly chauffeur-driven, the Mercedes-Benz with its greater creature comforts and more spacious back seat is the better bet.

BMW X5

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Autocar India

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There are plenty of options to choose from - including your Range Rover Sport - which is good to drive and be driven in. However, since you already have one of those in the household, why not consider something different? Cars like the Mercedes GLE and BMW X5 are good options, but since her travel is primarily in the city, an interesting and often overlooked option is the Lexus RX. Unlike her Volvo, this is a strong hybrid, not a PHEV, so there's no need to plug it in to keep the battery topped up. It's also quite enjoyable to drive, offering a serene rear-seat experience when she is chauffeur-driven. Plus, Lexus's uniquely Japanese take on luxury is unlike any other in the segment and would feel like a meaningful change from the Volvo. As a strong hybrid, running costs will be very low, which is a bonus.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Mercedes-Benz GLE

BMW X5