Bookings open for Merc GLE 2015

Mercedes-Benz India is all set to bring in the facelifted version of the highly popular GLE SUV in the country later this year, with the official unveil expected in a few weeks. Currently known as the M-Class, dealerships across the country have started accepting bookings for the 2015 GLE facelift at a completely refundable amount of Rs. 1 lakh, while the official launch is said to be around Diwali this year.

The dealerships we spoke to in Mumbai further stated that the first 20 units of the GLE will be brought down via the CBU route while local assembly will commence later in the year. Mercedes-Benz adopted a similar strategy when it launched the new generation C-Class in the country in December last year with the first batch comprising of petrol variants coming in as CBU models and the diesel version was brought in early 2015, later followed by local assembly.

The Mercedes GLE facelift though will come with a diesel powertrain right from the start and will be available with two engine options namely the 2.1-litre 4-cylinder diesel with 203 BHP for the GLE 250d while the 350d will sport a 3.0-litre V6 diesel mill with 255 BHP of power. Coming to the changes, the 2015 Mercedes GLE facelift gets a revised front fascia taking inspiration from the S-Class and features the new sweptback headlights with LED DRLs, new twin-slat grille and larger air intakes.

The side profile remains largely the same with minimalistic changes, whereas the rear gets revised LED tail lights and new rectangular twin exhausts. On the inside, the GLE facelift gets a 7-inch free standing display unit along with a host of customisable options. Prices are likely to see an escalation on the facelifted model starting from around Rs. 58 lakhs (ex-showroom) in the country.