2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class specs, features leaked ahead of January 2020 launch

Mercedes-Benz India is set to launch the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLE in India by early next year, having depleted its stock of the last-gen car before schedule. The firm seems to have already decided on the final specifications of the India-spec car, given that images have been leaked of the engine and feature options that will be available to buyers. The SUV seems to been shown at a dealer event where this information was made available, ahead of a market launch in January 2020.

The GLE-Class SUV will come with two BSVI diesel and one BSVI petrol engine options. One of the launch variants will be the GLE 300d 4Matic. This will be powered by the same OM 654 diesel engine as seen on the CLS 300d and on the top-spec C 300d. Like in those cars, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine will make 245PS and 500 Nm. Mercedes claims this will get the GLE from 0 to 100 kmph in 7.2s and on to a 225 kmph top speed. Also available at launch will be the petrol version, the GLE 450 4Matic. This will get the M 256 in-line six 3.0-litre petrol motor paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. Outputs will be 367PS and 500 Nm with the EQ-Boost mild-hybrid system adding a further 22PS and 250 Nm. This system can control the start/stop function, fill in gaps in the engine's powerband and recuperate energy to charge an onboard battery. This version can get from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.7s and on to a 250 kmph top-speed. Later on in April 2020, the GLE 400d will be launched. This will get the OM 656 diesel engine recently seen on the G 350d. But here, the in-line six 3.0-litre motor will be in a higher state of tune, making 330PS and 700 Nm. All three engine will be paired with the nine-speed torque convertor automatic and come with 4Matic permanent AWD system.

The GLE will get two variants. The GLE 300d 4Matic will be available in the Exclusive trim which adds all-round LED lighting, 19-inch alloy wheels, new off-road modes, hill-descent control, panoramic sunroof, four-zone climate control, the two 13.3 inch widescreen cockpit displays with the MBUX voice assistant, wireless charging, Mercedes Me connected car tech, a self parking feature with a reversing camera, blind-spot monitoring, seven airbags and the active brake assist system.

The GLE 400d 4Matic and the GLE 450 4Matic will be available in the higher Elite grade. This will add MultiBeam headlamps with intelligent lighting functions, variable torque vectoring in the AWD system, air suspension, 20-inch alloys, 360 camera, gesture control with the MBUX assistant, memory function seats in the front, electrically adjustable rear seats and open-pore wood trim.

Prices of the GLE are expected to start at around the Rs 75 lakh, ex-showroom, for the GLE 300d 4Matic.

Read our Mercedes GLE-Class Review here,

Also see: 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE | First Drive Review