The GLE LWB Now Gets A Petrol Mill And An Additional Diesel Variant

• Both variants feature the same equipment.
• They only miss out on more airbags, a head-up display, and a 13-speaker Burmester sound system..
• The 400d uses the same 3.0-litre diesel engine from the Hip Hop Edition.
• The 450 utilises a 3.0-litre petrol engine paired with a 48v mild-hybrid system.
• Rivals the Range Rover Sport, Discovery and Volvo XC90.

Back in January this year, Mercedes-Benz had launched the 2020 GLE LWB SUV in India in two variants: GLE 300d and GLE 400d Hip Hop Edition. And now, the carmaker has added a petrol GLE 450 variant at Rs 88.80 lakh and a GLE 400d variant at 89.90 lakh (ex-showroom India). Here’s how the new variants stack up in the GLE’s lineup:

The two new GLE variants are positioned between the base 300 d and the top-spec 400 d Hip Hop Edition. The 450 comes at a premium of Rs 15.10 lakh over the base 300d, with the 400d being pricier by an additional Rs 1.10 lakh. It is still affordable than the top-spec 400d Hip Hop Edition by Rs 36 lakh. This huge price difference is because the two new GLE variants are CKD models, whereas the 400d Hip Hop Edition is a CBU unit.

The difference also comes down to the equipment on offer. The 450 and 400d share the same set of features such as multi-beam LED headlamps, the latest MBUX infotainment software, 20-inch alloy wheels, four-zone climate control, memory package front seats, panoramic sunroof, and wireless charging. Safety features consist of a 360-degree camera, seven airbags, blindspot assist, and active brake assist. The 400d Hip Hop Edition still has an advantage with nine airbags, a head-up display and a 13-speaker, 590W Burmester sound system.

Under the hood, the 400d variant retains the same BS6-compliant 3.0-litre, six cylinder diesel engine as the 400d Hip Hop Edition. It’s rated at 330PS and 700Nm with a 0-100kmph sprint time of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 245kmph. The 450 variant is powered by a BS6-compliant 3.0-litre, six-cylinder petrol mill that develops 367PS and 500Nm. Another 250Nm and 22PS boost is available via a 48v mild-hybrid system. All this gives the 450 a 0-100kmph sprint time of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 250kmph. Both variants feature the same 4MATIC all-wheel-drive technology and 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission as the other variants. 

Before the introduction of the 450 petrol variant, the GLE competed against the likes of the  Audi Q7 and BMW X5 in the Indian market. Now, it will also take on the likes of the Range Rover Sport, the Discovery, and the Volvo XC90.