Mercedes-Benz has introduced the updated GLE with a starting price of Rs 96.4 lakh. One petrol engine and two diesel engines from which to choose when purchasing the SUV. In the financial year 2023, this model was the German manufacturer’s second best-seller, falling just behind the GLS in sales volume. The newly redesigned GLE LWB is offered in three trim levels: the 2.0-litre diesel Professional Line, the 3.0-litre diesel AMG Line, and the 3.0-litre petrol AMG Line. 

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 300 d 4MATIC and the GLE 450 4MATIC will be available immediately following the official launch of the vehicle, whereas the GLE 450 d, which is more expensive, will be delivered in January 2024. Mercedes-Benz India is also taking advantage of this occasion to introduce the brand-new C 43 AMG.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Facelift: Exterior Design

The GLE has yet to be subjected to a comprehensive redesign; instead, it has undergone a series of incremental upgrades. The recently redesigned GLC inspired the new headlamps and the upgraded daytime driving lights that come standard on this model. The daytime running lights have four light points that connect the flare-style light elements when the optional multibeam LED headlights are installed. These light elements make up the daytime running lights. 

The taillight cluster on the GLE and the GLE Coupe has been updated; the GLE now has two horizontal blocks, while the GLE Coupe has two vertical bars. The vehicle has been updated with all-new bumpers, grilles, and trim on both the front and back. Notable is the fact that the GLE Coupe now comes with the AMG Line exterior kit as standard equipment.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Facelift: Interior and Features

The touch-capacitive controls on the steering wheel, galvanised metal air conditioner vents that are similar to those seen on the Maybach GLS, and new upholstery options are some of the highlights of the interior. Bahia Brown/Black and Catalana Beige/Black are the two new colours that are available for the GLE model, both of which are exclusive to the GLE. Its dynamic AMG Line package works well with the outstanding dual-tone colour combination of black and classic red that it features.

 Additionally, it will sport the “Manufaktur Piano Lacquer Black Flowing Lines” trim found on the Maybach GLS. The Burmester surround sound system consists of 13 speakers and has a power output of 590 watts. Additionally, Dolby Atmos and a personalised sound setup are now also accessible on the system.

Available options include electrified air control and two 100W USB ports that are located in the back armrest. The GLE maintains the same single-piece panel system as its predecessor, which has two 12.3-inch screens. Recent models such as the C-Class and the GLC have split screens, while the GLE continues to use the single-piece panel system. Despite this, the company has released an upgraded version of MBUX, which brings with it support for wireless connectivity for users of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition to these features, the newly introduced model comes standard with the MBUX Smart Home Function, an electric tailboard with ambient lighting, climate control in four separate zones, a panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable front seats, and a memory function for the driver’s seat.

The safety package includes a total of nine airbags, traction control, {ABS} with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), and many other (ADAS) technologies, such as blind spot monitoring.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Facelift: Powertrains

All of the powertrain options that are now available for the GLE LWB facelift are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission that distributes torque to each of the vehicle’s four axles using Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The peak outputs of all three engines are increased by an additional 20 hp and 200 Nm of torque thanks to a mild-hybrid 48V integrated starter-generator (ISG) system.

This SUV can reach the one-ton mark in 6.9 seconds thanks to its 2.0-litre diesel engine, a four-cylinder unit that generates 269 hp and 550 Nm of torque. The GLE 300d is equipped with this engine. This behemoth can run from 0 to 100kph in 5.6 seconds thanks to the GLE 450d’s six-cylinder diesel engine, which generates 367 hp and 750 Nm of torque.

The petrol-powered GLE 450 has the same 0-100kph acceleration time as the diesel-powered 450d, which is 5.6 seconds. Its 381 hp and 500 Nm of torque come from a six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Facelift: Rivals

Regarding pricing, the facelifted GLE starts at Rs 96.40 lakh (300 d 4MATIC) and goes up to Rs 1.15 crore (450 d 4MATIC). The 450 4MATIC petrol variant costs Rs 1.10 crore. The previous edition of the vehicle was priced between Rs 91.20 lakh to Rs 1.08 crore (for the diesel variant). All values quoted are ex-showroom. The new GLE will compete with numerous other luxury models, including the BMW X5, the Volvo XC90, and the Audi Q7.