Imagine the comfort being driven in S-Class coupe, but deployed on the wheels of SUV. And that’s what the Mercedes wants to display with the new GLE class.
Must admit, the rival, BMW X6 remained the inspirer throughout the development process.
On the front fascia, signature grille now gets a single slat with huge logo stamped at the center. Ranging from headlamps to the roofline all resembles S-Class. Dual exhausts and 20-inch standard wheels make some distinctive statement, but certainly the options of 21 and 22 inch alloys can definitely lift up that SUV factor to the mark.
Inside the cabin, a flat-bottomed steering wheel was obvious, but the sports seats and new infotainment system will wow buyers. The theme of wood or aluminum can be selected from the list of extras.
Under the hoods, a 3.0-litre diesel takes the charge for producing 254bhp, whereas the 3.0-litre V6 petrol makes 328.5bhp in the standard version. All the four wheels get the dose of power after being passed through the 9-speed auto gearbox. Four modes of driving makes this chap eases on handling: Sport+, Sport Slippery and Comfort.
GLE AMG
Yes, the GLE AMG is also revealed alongside dubbed as GLE 450 AMG. An aggressive body like any other AMG version differentiates it from the standard model. Adjustable ride height, adaptive damping system and an air suspension makes to the list of most powerful GLE. Inside the cabin, excitement cannot remain hidden from carbon-fibre trims, nappa leather draped sports steering-wheel and stainless steel pedals.
Under the bonnet, GLE 450 AMG holds a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine for the maximum power of 362bhp. But in this most powerful trim, when changing driving modes, apart from modulating chassis, changing steering-wheel, suspension and drivetrain settings the car also refines the engine sounds and driving lights for that gutsy racy feel.
Hopefully, it will be interesting to see how this will perform when the existing BMW X6 will pit a competition against it.