The Mercedes GLE is one of the most popular luxury SUVs in India. It is large, premium, and full of modern technology. Mercedes offers the long-wheelbase (LWB) version in the Indian market, which means you get more space inside, especially for rear passengers. The GLE blends comfort, performance, and safety, making it a strong choice for families and executives who want a high-end SUV that looks stylish and feels luxurious on every drive.
Quick Specification Table (India Variants)
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.0L diesel (GLE 300d), 3.0L six-cylinder diesel (GLE 450d) |
| Power Output | 245–385 bhp (depending on engine) |
| Torque | 500–750 Nm |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drive System | 4MATIC all-wheel drive |
| 0–100 km/h | Around 5.6–7.0 seconds |
| Seating Capacity | 5 (long-wheelbase focus) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Price Range (Ex-showroom India) | ₹96 lakh – ₹1.16 crore approx. |
Price and Variants in India
The Mercedes GLE in India is sold in multiple trims. The most common versions are the GLE 300d and the GLE 450d, both powered by diesel engines. Prices start at around ₹96 lakh ex-showroom and go up to nearly ₹1.16 crore, depending on the variant and features you choose. The long-wheelbase version comes as standard in India, giving the car an imposing road presence and plenty of cabin space. While petrol and hybrid variants are available internationally, diesel remains the main choice for Indian buyers due to better fuel efficiency and long-distance driving suitability.
Exterior Design and Road Presence
The Mercedes GLE has a commanding design that reflects luxury and power. The front grille is bold, and the LED headlights look sharp and modern. The SUV has strong character lines along the sides, with muscular wheel arches that make it look tough yet elegant. The long-wheelbase model gives the car a stretched silhouette, making it look even more premium on Indian roads. The rear has sleek tail-lamps and a sporty bumper design, which add to its road presence. Overall, the GLE makes a strong impression, whether parked outside a hotel or cruising on highways.
Interior Comfort and Luxury Features
Step inside the Mercedes GLE and you will notice the quality immediately. The cabin uses high-grade materials such as leather, wood, and brushed metal. The dashboard design is dominated by two large digital displays — one for the instrument cluster and the other for infotainment. The seats are wide and very supportive, with multiple adjustments and memory functions. Rear-seat comfort is excellent thanks to the long-wheelbase layout, making it perfect for chauffeur-driven owners in India.
Features like a panoramic sunroof, multi-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and premium sound systems enhance the luxury experience. The cabin is also very quiet, keeping road and wind noise to a minimum. Long highway drives become effortless because of the comfort and refinement inside.
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Infotainment and Technology
The Mercedes GLE is equipped with the latest MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system. It has voice control, touchscreens, and even augmented reality navigation in higher trims. The digital driver display is fully customizable, showing maps, speed, and driving information in crisp detail. The infotainment system also supports smartphone connectivity, allowing easy access to apps, music, and calls.
On the safety and driver-assist side, the GLE includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree parking camera. These features are very useful on Indian highways and in crowded cities. Mercedes has made sure that technology in the GLE not only adds luxury but also improves safety and convenience.
Engine Options and Driving Performance
In India, the Mercedes GLE comes with diesel engines. The GLE 300d has a 2.0-litre diesel engine that produces strong power and decent efficiency. The higher GLE 450d gets a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine that delivers more performance and effortless acceleration. Both engines are paired with a 9-speed automatic gearbox and Mercedes’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
Performance is smooth and powerful. The GLE 450d, in particular, accelerates quickly and feels strong on open highways. The suspension is tuned for comfort, so the ride is soft and controlled over Indian roads, even on bad patches. Handling is stable, though this SUV is more focused on comfort than sporty driving. The overall experience is relaxed and premium, which is exactly what most buyers in this segment expect.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
Being a large luxury SUV, the Mercedes GLE is not very fuel efficient. Expect around 9–12 km/l in real-world driving, depending on traffic and driving style. The smaller diesel engine is more efficient, while the six-cylinder engine offers more performance at the cost of fuel economy. Running costs are higher compared to mainstream SUVs, mainly due to service charges and premium spare parts. Mercedes offers service packages in India, which can help reduce long-term costs. For buyers who travel long distances, the diesel engines still make sense as they provide a better range per tank compared to petrol options.
Practicality and Everyday Use
The GLE is a practical SUV despite its luxury status. The boot space is large and can carry luggage for family trips with ease. Rear seats can fold to expand cargo capacity further. There are multiple storage compartments, cup holders, and charging ports for passengers. In India, where comfort and rear-seat experience are major buying factors, the GLE stands out because of its extra legroom in the LWB version. Whether it is used for family outings or as an executive car, the GLE fits both roles well.
Safety Features
Safety is one of the strong points of the Mercedes GLE. It comes with multiple airbags, stability control, advanced driver-assist systems, and solid crash protection. Features like adaptive cruise control and lane assist make long highway drives safer. Parking in tight city spaces is easier with the 360-degree camera and sensors. For Indian buyers, where road conditions can be unpredictable, these safety features add a lot of peace of mind.
Recent Updates to the GLE
The Mercedes GLE has received updates in recent years to keep it competitive. The latest versions have minor styling changes, new touch-sensitive steering controls, and updated infotainment features. Internationally, Mercedes has added hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, though in India the focus remains on diesel-powered models. The refreshed design and added technology make the GLE even more appealing to buyers looking for modern luxury.
Strengths of the Mercedes GLE
- Very comfortable ride quality.
- Spacious and luxurious cabin.
- Strong diesel engines with excellent highway performance.
- Advanced infotainment and safety features.
- Stately design and road presence.
Weaknesses of the Mercedes GLE
- Expensive to buy and maintain.
- Fuel efficiency is modest.
- Infotainment system can feel complex at first.
- Some rivals are sportier to drive.
FAQs About the Mercedes GLE
Q: What is the starting price of the Mercedes GLE in India?
The Mercedes GLE starts at around ₹96 lakh ex-showroom and goes up to about ₹1.16 crore depending on the variant.
Q: Which engines are available in India?
In India, the GLE is offered mainly with diesel engines — a 2.0-litre (300d) and a 3.0-litre six-cylinder (450d).
Q: Is the GLE a good choice for families?
Yes. The long-wheelbase version provides excellent rear-seat comfort and lots of space, making it suitable for families and chauffeur-driven owners.
Q: How high are the running costs?
Maintenance and service costs are higher than regular SUVs. However, Mercedes offers service packages that can help reduce ownership expenses.
Q: Should I buy the GLE for city driving?
The GLE is large, so it may not be the easiest SUV for crowded cities. But for those who want comfort, luxury, and presence, it still works well.
Conclusion
The Mercedes GLE is one of the best luxury SUVs for India. It offers the perfect balance of comfort, technology, and strong diesel performance. The long-wheelbase version is a big advantage for Indian buyers, giving rear passengers more space and comfort than most rivals. While it is expensive to buy and maintain, the GLE delivers a luxury experience that few SUVs can match. If you are looking for a premium SUV for family use, chauffeur-driven travel, or long highway journeys, the Mercedes GLE is a solid choice.
Author- Ayush
