Mercedes-Benz Will Launch 2 New Models In India On August 8: A Drop-top And An SUV

Quick Highlights 

• Mercedes-Benz to launch the CLE Cabriolet and the AMG GLC 43 Coupe on August 8, 2024. 

• Both will likely be brought in as CBU units.

• Both are expected to be priced around Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom). 

Mercedes-Benz recently launched its all-electric EQA and the facelifted EQB, and just after a month, is all set to launch the CLE Cabriolet and the second-generation AMG GLC 43 Coupe on August 8 in India. The AMG GLC 43 will be the top-spec variant in the GLC line-up, while the CLE will be the German carmaker’s third convertible offered on our shores. 

Let’s take a look at what the two upcoming cars from Mercedes-Benz have to offer: 

Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet 

The CLE Cabriolet was internationally revealed in 2023, and is available as a coupe and convertible abroad. However, Mercedes will only bring the convertible model in India. We expect it to be priced around Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom). 

Design-wise, the CLE Cabriolet takes some inspiration from other Mercedes-Benz cars, especially the C-Class sedan, but it still has its own unique styling. It sports a horizontal grille, sleek LED DRLs and a long bonnet, which makes it longer. What really stands out is its low stance and the sleek silhouette and if that doesn’t catch your attention, its open roof definitely will. Being a convertible, it gets a 2+2 seating layout. 

Inside, the cabin, the overseas model gets features such as a vertically-oriented 11.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a fully digital 12.3-inch driver’s display, 64-colour ambient lighting, a Burmester sound system, a heads-up display, and wireless phone charging.

Though the powertrain specifications for the upcoming Indian version has not been revealed yet, the CLE Cabriolet sold globally gets a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 204 PS and the same engine is also available in a more powerful producing 258 PS. It also comes with a 200 PS 2.0-litre diesel engine. For enthusiasts, the CLE can be had with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine as well, which makes up to 381 PS and an AMG version which generates an impressive 455 PS. 

But we reckon the 204PS or 258PS version of the CLE could be offered in India.

Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe

The GLC 43 Coupe features AMG-specific design elements, which makes it look sporty. It sports a large vertical-slatted grille upfront housing the Merc logo and is flanked by sleek LED DRLs. It sits on 21-inch alloy wheels, which look stealthy in the black hue and its sloping roofline adds to the sportiness of the SUV. The rear gets quad exhaust and an aggressive rear diffuser which completes the look. It’s safe to say, nobody will confuse the GLC 43 Coupe for a standard GLC coupe. 

The cabin of the AMG GLC 43 has an identical layout to the standard GLC Coupe. However, you get an AMG-specific steering wheel, and seats which set it apart from the standard version. Taking the centre spot is the 11.9-inch portrait styled infotainment system, which gets AMG-specific graphics. It also comes with a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display to complement the large touchscreen unit. So the usual AMG-treatment inside as well.

Underneath the hood, is the new 2-litre four-cylinder engine from the AMG C-Class, which has plenty of performance on offer and does not fall short on any parameters. That being said, it produces 421 PS and 500 Nm, and is paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission. With such numbers, the GLC 43 is capable of doing a naught to 100 kmph run in 4.8 seconds and has a restricted top speed of 250kmph. 

Rivals 

The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 will take on the Porsche Macan, while the CLE Cabriolet will lock horns with the BMW Z4.