Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes-Benz GLE Exterior

From the outside, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE new model looks very different from the model it replaces. Up-front, it boasts of swoopy LED headlamps, a massive two slat grille that juts out a bit and a sportier, front bumper. The bonnet gets bold creases on it, giving it a muscular stance from the front. Along the side, there's a faintly visible beltline and mildly protruding rear wheel arches housing massive 19-inch wheels. Even at the rear, it gets slender LED tail lamps in the shape of razor-blades, with the number-plate holder placed on the tailgate, just like in the previous car. It also gets a skid plate on the lower half of the rear bumper with two chrome-outlined exhaust tips. 

Mercedes-Benz GLE Variants

The Mercedes-Benz GLE variants are as follows: GLE 300d and GLE 400d. Features include dual 12.3-inch displays for the infotainment and instrumentation with What3words smart navigation system and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, LED headlamps, powered tailgate, 360-degree camera, six-way adjustable powered rear seat, adaptive air suspension, a head-up display, panoramic sunroof, electric adjustable front seats, hands-free parking, and four-zone climate control. On the safety front, it is equipped with 9 airbags, a blind-spot monitor and autonomous emergency braking, traction control, brake assist, ABS, EBD and ESP. 

Mercedes-Benz GLE Interior Review

Inside, the white leather cabin looks great with a lot of chrome around. First up, it gets two huge digital screens mounted on the dashboard. Even those metal AC vents look lovely in chrome. There's also a bar of matte wood that runs across the dashboard. The screens can be used to stream music, browse websites and connect to pre-loaded apps. They also double up as a display for navigation maps, tilt and steering angle, car settings, etc. You can scroll through the menus with the help of a rotary dial, and there's a keypad on the central console that lets you type in numbers and alphabets. A touch panel is part and parcel of the goodies on offer. The driver has sporty, three-spoke steering to grip and it sports thumb-controlled touchpads, and the un-lacquered wood looks lovely on the doors and dashboard. The levels of quality in the cabin are top-notch, and the huge front seats offer great comfort and adjustability. Space at the rear is aplenty, with ample support provided. 

Mercedes-Benz GLE Engine Specifications & Performance

The GLE is powered by two engine options: a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine that produces 241bhp and 500Nm of torque and a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder diesel engine that makes 326bhp and 700Nm of torque. Both engines are paired to a 9-speed automatic gearbox. We drove the 2.0-litre diesel-powered version. There's a lot of power on offer, right through the rev range. Power is delivered in a linear manner, and the motor is very refined. The 9-speed gearbox is responsive to throttle inputs and makes overtaking on highways a breeze. Also, there are five driving modes: Sport, Comfort, Individual, Slippery, and Off-road. In Comfort mode, the air suspension helps in dealing with rough patches of road, while Sport mode results in slightly firmer ride quality. The steering feels light – something suitable for convenient city driving. In Slippery and Off-road modes, the GLE's suspension is raised to the maximum and alters the all-wheel-drive system for good traction. If you want the ‘Hip-Hop’ edition, the Mercedes-Benz GLE on-road price will set you back by almost a crore and a half. 

Mercedes-Benz GLE Mileage Review

The Mercedes-Benz GLE's ARAI-certified fuel efficiency figure is rated at 14-16 km/l.