Refreshed second-gen GLE 53 Coupe gets some cosmetic changes but is mechanically mostly unchanged; Concept EQG makes India debut.
Mercedes-Benz India has launched the facelift for the GLE Coupe – priced from Rs 1.85 crore (before options), the SUV-coupe version of the GLE is only available in AMG 53 form. With the options ticked, Mercedes says prices can go up to Rs 2.25 crore. The second-gen GLE Coupe had been brought to India in 2020, but was discontinued silently before the GLE facelift made its way to the Indian market. The German luxury brand has also taken this opportunity to bring in the GLA facelift at Rs 50.50 lakh.
- GLE 53 Coupe facelift gets 435hp mild-hybrid turbo-petrol
- Gets a mildly redesigned exterior
- New steering only change on the inside
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe: what’s new
Mechanically, the facelift seems to be identical to the previous model – a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine powers all four wheels with 435hp and 560Nm via a 9-speed automatic and 4Matic AWD system. However, there’s a new 48V mild-hybrid system that adds 20hp and 200Nm when required, which has seen the 0-100kph sprint time reduce by 0.3 seconds over its predecessor, to 5 seconds. Top speed is limited to to 250kph.
At first glance, the GLE 53 Coupe facelift doesn’t look all that different from the pre-facelift model, but a closer look will reveal the redesigned headlights and tail-lights, along with a front bumper that gets subtle tweaks. Even the interior gets mild changes, such as the new part-leather part-Alcantara steering wheel.
The rest of the cabin, including the equipment list, is quite similar to what we’ve seen on the refreshed GLE that had arrived late last year. feature highlights include a customisable head-up display, additional control buttons on the steering wheel, and heated and ventilated lumbar supported front seats. Optional extras include the AMG Track Pace (for your track days) software, the Acoustic Comfort Package which improves sound insulation among other things, and AMG’s high performance braking system. Safety features such as nine airbags, blind spot assist, 360-degree cameras, a ‘transparent bonnet’, among others, are standard.
For now, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe does not have any direct rivals in the market; the closest model is Porsche’s Cayenne Coupe, which is priced at Rs 1.42 crore and comes with a 353hp, 3.0-litre V6 turbo-petrol engine.
Mercedes-Benz EQG concept in India
Mercedes-Benz India has also brought its all-electric Concept EQG to the country for the first time. The production-spec EQG is expected to go on sale in India later this year. Although it will retain the concept’s, and the original model’s, iconic boxy look, there willl be design changes that bring it in line with Mercedes-Benz’s new EQ range of all electric cars and SUVs. The styling tweaks will also help to make it more aerodynamic than it’s slab-faced ICE cxounterpart, the G-Wagon, which is essential for an EV’s range.
The EQG concept gets four individually controllable wheel-mounted motors, while a 2-speed gearbox offers low-range and high-range gearing. Mercedes-Benz has hinted that this quad-motor powertrain will be carried over into the production model. The battery is integrated into the ladder-frame to ensure a low centre of gravity. Merc claims the EQG will eclipse the current V8-powered AMG G63’s 0-100kph timing of 4.5 seconds, making it the most powerful and fastest G-Class when it goes into series production.
The all-electric G-class will also get a unique G-Turn function, which is activated by a dashboard-mounted button that makes the electric motors on either side turn the wheels in opposing directions. This allows the EQG to perform an on-the-spot 360-degree tank turn. The driver can select whether to turn left or right via paddleshifters on the steering wheel.
All prices, ex-showroom, India
Also see:
Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe facelift video review
Mercedes EQG concept India debut at Bharat Mobility Expo