Mercedes Benz GLE

The GLE is essentially a thoroughly revised version of the current M-Class SUV that is sold in India. The facelifted version gets a new front fascia which is in line with Mercedes’ current design language as seen on the S-Class and C-Class models. It also gets better emissions rating and a new designation as part of Mercedes Benz’s new nomenclature. The M-Class is already a very popular SUV all across the globe including India and the revised front end will further enhance its appeal. Read on to find out all the relevant details of the new Mercedes Benz GLE India including price, launch, specification, pics and details. The new GLE Class has gone on sale here in two variants. New front fascia in line with Mercedes-Benz’s current design language as seen on the C-Class, S-Class, CLA and other models. Improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. GLE 250D comes with a 2.1 litre 203 bhp diesel unit and the GLE 350D comes with a 3.0 litre 255 bhp V6. The LED detailing in the tail lights is new. At the back, there are new rectangular twin exhausts. The M-Class moniker has been dropped in favour of the new GLE moniker as part of Mercedes Benz’s new nomenclature. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is a very popular choice among luxury SUV buyers and the upcoming facelift in the form of the GLE-Class SUV will only enhance the car’s appeal. Internationally, the GLE will also get a coupe version called the GLE Coupe. Whether this model will make to India or not is a very grey area and we will keep you updated on all the developments taking place related to the GLE and GLE Coupe. In the coming months, Mercedes-Benz India will launch two more products. One of which will the Mercedes-AMG GT.

Problem is there will be more than a handful of enthusiasts who will contrast this to the BMW 325i Sports. That’s where the line of distinction between a good and a better drive starts to appear, not a bad versus an excellent one, mind you. I don’t intend make this article shootout themed so let’s not get into that. After all, I did not test the 325i or 325i Sports back to back. On motorway, I’d say the new C230 have enough power for that cool, serene and laid-back drive. However, you have to be much more aggressive with that throttle and throw out the notions of driving a C200K, an A4 (B7) 2.0 TFSI or that wicked little Golf GTI. Work with that V6 quickly up the 3500rpm rev range, keep it there or higher and things do get spiced up. The 7G-Tronic is best left to its own devices and never turn the ‘SPORT’ button off unless your mother-in-law is in your new C230! This little button determines the gear shifting response time, throttle response, firmer damping rate and steering agility too. Around bends, the C230 is pretty progressive in nature.

You can attack corners at fairly good speed until you sense that rear end starting to veer out just that wee bit. More than that, you get that ESP in -dash exclamation mark blinking away. That said, I still find the rear axle a little twitchy (read: less planted), more so during quick lane change or sudden veering input at the rack. While it is definitely more composed than the C200K, I dare say I have had more fun in the old W203 C230 V6 Avantgarde Sports. Strange. (Or perhaps I need more than 90 minutes in a new C230?) The W204 C230 feels just that bit light-footed still, with the steering yet somewhat EPS-ish. Mind you it’s accurate and sharp but it just not weighty or talkative enough. Rumbling over bad roads is definitely the new C230’s forte, no junior exec from Munich or Ingolstadt will ever match. Seats are comfy, well sized and supportive.

Even hitting uneven patches mid corner does not ruffle its chassis composure. Well, perhaps just that ocassional single rear wheel trampling for footing over that split second. Otherwise, it’s fine. NVH refinements at triple digit speed are very good while straight line cruising stability cannot be faulted. However, I found the tester not very willing to climb higher after crossing mid-point of my quest towards the 2nd rung of triple digits velocity. Then again most engines need to be run-in, more so the European ones. So there you have it the new C230 Avantgarde with Advanced Agility aka Dynamic Handling package. I have no major complaints with its ride, handling (you can definitely get accustomed to the chassis balance) and agility overall. But Mercedes-Benz, can we have a Kompressor in the C230 V6 for better low end torque? And if possible, a dual clutch 7-speed automated manual gearbox as say 7G-Tronic II? A little less hydraulic assistance for the power steering would be appreciated too.