Mercedes-Benz India has imported a single unit of the M Class (now named the Mercedes-Benz GLE) for homologation purpose. Unveiled at the 2015 New York Motor Show, the Mercedes-Benz GLE will be brought to India as CKD (completely knocked down) unit. It is expected to be launched during this year’s festive season.
For the Indian market, the Mercedes-Benz GLE will available with a 2.1-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that will offer a maximum power of 204PS and 408Nm of torque. A GLE 350d variant with 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine might also be on offer. This powertrain will be capable to produce 258PS of power and 620Nm of torque. Transmitting power to all four wheels will be a new 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The 4MATIC AWD system will come as a standard feature.
Coming to the design, the GLE will feature new Multibeam LED headlights, revised front grille, new LED taillight cluster and a sporty dual-exhaust system. Inside the cabin, it will get Merc’s new 3-spoke steering wheel design, updated center console buttons, a freestandaing COMAND infotainment display and HVAC vents next to the display. The new color palette include ginger beige, espresso brown, porcelain and saddle brown, while the brown burred walnut, carbon fiber, brown eucalyptus and brown ash come as options. Though, there is no clarity if these color palettes will be offered on the Indian-spec model or not.
