It has been three years since the previous iteration of the GLE-Class was made available locally. Better known as the M-Class before Mercedes’ renaming nomenclature in 2014, the all-new fourth generation GLE-Class has been previewed in the form of the GLE 450 AMG Line.
What is new?
The new GLE has a list of innovations to make it one of the best SUVs in its class. This includes the exterior design that has been aerodynamically tested in a wind tunnel to provide the best in its segment from 0.29 Cd.
This includes optimising the wheel spoilers, wing mirrors, rear lights and tyres. But most of all, the E-Active Body Control on a 48-volt basis is a world’s first, allowing the spring and damping forces to be individually controlled at each wheel.
Exterior design
The brand’s current design language is easily noticeable from the face, the DRLs, and sloping rear beltline. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has gone all out to showcase the top of the current range GLE 450 AMG Line. It features an AMG Line exterior and Night Package for the boldest of looks. AMG body styling, diamond radiator grille with chrome pins, 22-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels and Multibeam LED headlights.
Power
Performance comes from a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six-cylinder outputting 367 hp with 500 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. Because it is an EQ Boost system, there’s a further 22 hp and 250 Nm of torque over short periods. The Integrated Starter Generator is the one that assists with the hybrid functions of EQ Boost or energy recuperation. The engine is mated to a 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission with power going to the 4Matic all-wheel drive system.
Spacious Cabin
Whether you’re getting in on the front or the rear, the elegance and spaciousness of the cabin is quite a wonder. Because of the size of the GLE, the dashboard is more commanding thanks to its size. The single widescreen display unit includes two large 12.3-inch displays as standard and sits on the upper dashboard with vents on each end, while the lower trim houses the four central air vents.
The raised centre console features grab handles as with typical off-roading vehicles and houses the new designed control units and separate vehicle dynamic switches. As for the MBUX infotainment unit, general operation has been improved with this version, with 40 or more new functions with the GLE. The highlighted intelligent voice control has been also improved with more complex commands and better anticipated answers.
As for flexibility and comfort, the GLE will be available with a five-seater and optional folding third row for two more seats. Easy entry function of the fully electric second row, the third row passengers can reach their seats conveniently.
Price
The estimated price on the road without insurance is RM 633,888 for the five-seater and RM 638,888 for the seven-seater option.
But there’s one more thing…
Alongside the GLE, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also introduced the new locally-assembled GLC 300 Coupé AMG Line to replace the current GLC 250 Coupé AMG Line. Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit that produces 245 hp with 370 Nm of torque from 1,300 to 4,000 rpm mated to the 9G-Tronic automatic. Power goes to the 4Matic all-wheel drive system.
Mercedes does love its AMG Line, so this one does come with the exterior kit that comes with the Night package, and the chrome pin diamond radiator grille. The GLC stands on 20-inch multi-spoke light-alloy wheels.
As for the interior, the layout is very much the same as seen on the current GLCs. Centre console is a black piano trim or light-grain aluminium trim, ambient lighting, Artico leather seats, illuminated door sills, AMG sports steering wheel and more.
Price for the GLC 300 Coupé AMG Line is estimated at RM 399,888 on the road without insurance.
Mercedes-Benz also updated the E-Class range in Malaysia recently. Click here to know more!
If you want to roll in something with a little more style, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 should do it.
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