After reclaiming its position as the leading luxury car maker in the country, and by some margin, Mercedes-Benz India started 2016 with the launch of the GLE 450 AMG Coupe. The GLE 450 AMG is the first performance oriented SUV coupe from the M-B stable, making it a product without a predecessor. The sports SUV coupe has been priced at INR 86.40 lakh ex-showroom Mumbai. The car was launched by Mr. Roland Folger, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes Benz India.
Engine, transmission and performance
The GLE 450 AMG Coupe is powered by an AMG enhanced 3-litre V6 bi-turbo engine with 367hp of peak power and 520 Nm of gut-wrenching torque. Those numbers enable the GLE 450 to sprint from a standstill to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. The engine is mated with the advanced 9G-tronic 9 speed transmission meant to offer a balance between sporty performance and great fuel efficiency.
Driver gets the choice to select from as many as five transmission modes of INDIVIDUAL, COMFORT, SLIPPERY, SPORT and SPORT Plus. Mercedes calls it DYNAMIC SELECT.
In addition to that firecracker of an engine, the GLE AMG also gets a sporty performance exhaust including backfire sound and braking System with optimized brake cooling system.
Exterior
On the outside, the new compact SUV coupe gets the iconic front AMG apron along with a single louvre front grille. On the bonnet, you have contoured powerdomes to exude performance. The car also gets a massive central air-dam with a satin silver finish underguard up front.
A contrasting aluminium footboard with rubber studs and a black ORVM lends the vehicle an aggressive look in profile too. AMG spoiler lip in vehicle colour, rear bumper with chrome-like underguard and 21-inch AMG-5 spoke light alloy wheels further add an air of aggression. AMG badges in front and black exterior mirrors clearly announce the pedigree of this powerful machine.
The SUV Coupe gets an automatic panoramic sliding sunroof. At the rear there are two chrome-plated AMG tailpipe trim elements with a four-pipe exhaust look.
Interior
On the inside, the GLE AMG gets a 3-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel in black nappa leather with a flat bottom. The car also gets sports seats for driver and front passenger with brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs and embroidered “AMG” lettering on the floor mats.
A nod to the vehicle’s sporty character is an instrument cluster with dials in chequered flag look. The car also gets an interior lighting package with 3 colors and 5-stage dimming options for the desired lighting mood. The interior also gets an infotainment system that is equipped with a high-resolution media display with a 20.3 cm (8 inch) screen.
The COMAND Online system enables the driver to control and display navigation, telephone, audio, video, and internet functions. The car also gets two USB ports and one SD card slot with M-B’s LINGUATRONIC voice control system and WLAN hotspot functionality. The intuitively controlled touchpad with multi-touch sensor system recognizes simple gestures, handwriting and even letters and numbers.
Safety
The SUV Coupe comes with a parking package with 360-degree camera including Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC. Six airbags and preventive occupant protection system come as standard.
The car also gets the Crosswind Assist, designed to reduce vehicle drift during strong crosswinds that is active from 80 km/h when driving straight ahead and on slight bends. Attention Assist generates an alert for the driver to take a break when drowsiness is detected. This is active in a speed range from 60 to 200 km/h.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus selectively obscures the light beam to avoid dazzling traffic ahead or oncoming traffic. Adaptive brake lights flashes red warning signal from the tail lamps when emergency braking is recognized.
Mr. Roland Folger, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes Benz India said, “The GLE 450 AMG Coupe is a valuable addition to our versatile SUV portfolio in India. This one of a kind performance SUV is sure to delight the customers with its raw power output level, exhaust system, a sleek design with multifarious features and an active sports light system. With this launch, we are committed to bring more such exciting products this year redefining luxurious mobility to our existing customer base and creating more such experiences for those who are yet to experience the opulence of Mercedes Benz.”
Check out an image gallery of the new GLE 450 AMG below
