Next-gen Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV bookings open, to launch before 2020 Auto Expo

Mercedes-Benz India has begun taking bookings of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV in India. This comes three months ahead of schedule as Mercedes has already sold out its stock of the current generation GLE SUV.  This happened alongside the over 600 vehicles that Mercedes delivered on the occasion of Dhanteras in Mumbai, Pune, Gujarat, Kolkata, Delhi NCR and Punjab. Over 250 of these cars were sold in Delhi-NCR.

The GLE remains one of the most important products for Mercedes-Benz and has close to 13,000 units on road since the time of its India debut. The new GLE made its international debut in September 2018.

The new GLE follows the design language seen on its latest offerings like the new A-Class and the new CLS-Class. This means that the design incorporates organic curves, rounded edges and a squat look. The front gets the new-shape angular headlamps and a prominent grille. The front bumpers also seem to have taken on a more aggressive look. The SUV gets a large glass area while the rear of the car is relatively simple but more cohesive now, with wide, angular tail lamps extending into the tailgate. The design of the C-pillar seen on previous generation cars is also carried over with a slight tweak to bring it up-to-date with the upcoming SUV's new design language. The new SUV has grown by 80mm in length and 20mm in width.

Two powertrain options have been unveiled so far with more being expected closer to the car's launch. The first is the GLE 350 with a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol which puts out 255PS and 370 Nm. The second engine option will come in the GLE 450 with its 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol which will put out 367PS and 500Nm. A further 22PS and 250 Nm will be avaialble via the EQ Boost 48-volt integrated/starter system. All engines will be mated to Mercedes' nine-speed automatic.

The diesel motor is expected to be a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel developing 285 PS in the GLE 350d4Matic and 340 PS in the GLE 400d 4Matic. The Indian market can expect the smaller four-cylinder diesels from the E-class and the updated C-Class.

In the interior, the biggest news is that the GLE can now be optioned with third row seating. The length increase has all gone to improve cabin space. The overall design of the cabin is in line with those found in Mercedes-Benz's latest offerings like the new CLS-Class, but with certain cues to accentuate this SUV's more outdoorsy positioning. This is seen in the squared off air vents, grab-handles on the centre console and the high dash which rises up behind the large integrated MBUX system with its two 12.3-inch screens for both the instrument cluster and infotainment. A unique feature of MBUX is its AI-enabled learning capacity. The system learns from how the driver uses the system and soon starts putting out suggestions to remind the driver of tasks they usually complete at a certain time. Other than this, the usual qualities of Mercedes-Benz interiors like good fit-finish and design are present.