The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 300D Is Cleaner In Europe

• Mercedes GLE 300D will be a mild-hybrid offering in Europe.
• Its 2-litre diesel engine develops 272PS/550Nm, 27PS/50Nm more than before.
• The 48v mild-hybrid system gives a boost of 20PS and 200Nm.
• New electronically controlled multi-plate clutch allows transfer of 100 percent power to either axle.
• The SUV is now quicker in the 0-100kmph run.

Mercedes-Benz will offer the GLE 300D with a mild-hybrid system from November in the European market. The German carmaker has made minor improvements to the powertrain, the result of which is an SUV that’s cleaner and more powerful on paper.  

The 2-litre diesel engine has been tweaked to develop 272PS and 550Nm, which is 27PS and 50Nm more than the outgoing motor. It comes paired to a 48v mild hybrid system which further gives a boost of 20PS and 200Nm. This tech gives you torque boost under hard acceleration or glides the vehicle with the engine off to improve fuel economy. 

Mercedes has also introduced an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case, allowing it to direct 100 percent of its power either to the front or rear axle depending on the situation. Earlier, the SUV’s transfer case had a fixed 50:50 power distribution between the front and rear axle.  

All of these updates have resulted in a SUV that does the 0-100kmph run in 6.8 seconds, 0.4 seconds quicker than before. Top speed is now capped at 230kmph, 5kmph more than before as well. 

The GLE is one of the best selling models for Mercedes-Benz in India. Considering that the German carmaker assembles the SUV using parts from Europe, we expect the GLE 300D, which makes up the bulk of the sales, to get this update sooner. Currently, the GLE is priced from Rs 79.9 lakh (ex-showroom), putting it in the same league as the BMW X5 and upcoming Audi Q7.