Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG Coupe launched in India

After reporting to have had its most successful year ever in India, by selling 13,502 units sold between January-December 2015, Mercedes-Benz India kicks starts the new year by launching the powerful new Mercedes GLE 450 AMG Coupe at Rs 86.4 lakh ex-showroom Mumbai.

The new luxury SUV is a sportier version of the Mercedes-Benz GLE (priced at Rs 58.9 lakh) which recently replaced the Mercedes-Benz M-Class in India. Brought to India via the CBU (Completely Built Unit) route, the new GLE 450 AMG Coupe will take on the likes of the BMW X6. Mercedes-Benz India is aiming at introducing one new car model every month in 2016, and the new Mercedes GLE 450 AMG Coupe is the first of the 12 new products to make it to our shores.

Following Mercedes-Benz’s new design language, the Mercedes GLE 450 AMG Coupe features a single-slat grille with a large Tri-Star at the centre and up-swept multi-beam headlamps on either sides of the front fascia. The strong lines on the bonnet and exaggerated air dam give the GLE 450 AMG Coupe an athletic stance.

And like the BMW X6, the new GLE 450 AMG Coupe looks distinct with its prominent coupe-like dropping roof-line, but does’t look as hunchbacked as the BMW. This is mainly because of the soft body lines on the rear of the SUV, which resemble the S-Class.

Also on offer are 21-inch AMG twin 5-spoke alloy wheels, stylish cladding on the wheel arches and chrome finished dual exhaust tips. The cabin, however, remains mostly unchanged and can be immediately recognised as the one from basic GLE models. The fit, finish and quality are top-class. Remaining true to its racing DNA, the GLE 450 AMG Coupe gets carbon fibre highlights, sportier steering wheel wrapped in leather, bucket-type seats and metal foot pedals.The COMAND online system has been provided in the SUV with the help of which the user can control navigation, telephone, audio, video and internet functions. 

The biggest change remains under the hood, which is the AMG tuned 3.0-litre biturbo V6 engine. The petrol motor now punches out 367PS at 5500-6000rpm, with a peak torque of 520Nm. The permanent four-wheel drive system is fed power through a new 9-speed automatic transmission, which comes with promise to make the drive more engaging with its wider range of gear ratios. The new Mercedes GLE 450 AMG Coupe claims to sprint from 0-100kmph in just 5.7 seconds. It also gets equipped with five AMG Dynamic Select transmission modes including "Sport Plus" and suspension designed for high driving force.