Mercedes-Benz India ended 2015 with a record setting sales of 13,502 cars, making them new No 1 luxury car brand in the country. Not resting on its laurels, the company has planned a fresh product onslaught for 2016 and the Mercedes GLE Coupe is the first of 12 new launches in the pipeline for India. The stylish coupe crossover is priced at INR 86.40 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai).
The new model is a Coupe derivative of the recently launched GLE (facelifted ML Class), which was launched last year in India. The luxury coupe crossover will go head on against the BMW X6.
India-spec model is available only in the GLE 450 AMG Coupe trim which is powered by an AMG-enhanced 3.0-litre Bi-Turbo V6 petrol engine which is tuned to deliver 362 PS and 520 Nm of torque. A 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission drives all the four wheels via the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. 0-100 kmph is claimed to be dispatched in just 5.7 seconds.
Internationally, the GLE 450 AMG Coupe bridges the gap between regular variants and the range-topping AMG GLE 63 which packs a massive 577 PS.
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The lengthy equipment list includes an array of safety equipment, assistance systems and comfort features. Highlights include Airmatic suspension with adaptive damping, and Dynamic Select with 5 drive modes.
The GLE 450 AMG Coupe’s imposing stance, swooping roofline, AMG body kits and a new rear fascia with narrow taillights make for a dynamic appeal. Inside, the richly appointed interior is identical to that of the regular GLE SUV.
The Mercedes GLE Coupe is a CBU import from the US and will be more of a brand shaper than a volume spinner.