About Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic

Choosing your next car in India is a big decision. You think about your budget, what safety features you need for your family, how much monthly maintenance will cost, the latest tech features, and of course, how good the company's service network is. In the luxury SUV segment, these questions become even more important. Today, we are taking a closer look at a strong contender that promises to tick many of these boxes: the new Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic. Is this the luxury SUV you have been waiting for? Let us find out.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic is powered by a sophisticated powertrain designed for both performance and efficiency.

• Engine Type: 3.0-litre Inline-six Turbo Petrol with 48V Mild-Hybrid System (EQ Boost)
• Maximum Power: Approximately 381 hp (horsepower)
• Maximum Torque: Approximately 500 Nm (Newton-meters)
• EQ Boost: Adds an extra 20 hp and 200 Nm of torque temporarily for quicker acceleration and smoother starts.
• Transmission: 9G-TRONIC Automatic
• Drive System: 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive

Design Overview

Exterior

The GLE 450 4Matic commands attention with its robust yet elegant design. It strikes a perfect balance between a powerful SUV stance and classic Mercedes-Benz luxury.

• Front: Features a large, prominent grille with the iconic three-pointed star, flanked by sleek LED headlamps with integrated DRLs. The muscular bonnet adds to its imposing presence.
• Side: Flowing lines, large alloy wheels, and chrome accents give it a sophisticated profile. The gently sloping roofline adds a touch of sportiness without compromising interior space.
• Rear: Equipped with stylish two-piece LED tail lamps, a wide stance, and twin exhaust outlets, giving it a premium and dynamic look.

Interior

Step inside, and you are greeted by a cabin that exudes luxury, comfort, and cutting-edge technology.

• Layout: A spacious and airy cabin with high-quality materials like leather, wood, and metal finishes. The dual-screen setup dominates the dashboard.
• Comfort: Ergonomically designed seats offer excellent support for long journeys, often with heating, ventilation, and massage functions available.
• Ambiance: Multi-color ambient lighting allows you to personalize the cabin mood.

Key Features

The GLE 450 4Matic is packed with a host of advanced features designed to enhance your driving experience and comfort.

• Infotainment System: MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment with two large 12.3-inch digital screens (one for the instrument cluster, one for infotainment).
• Connectivity: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Mercedes Me connect services, voice control (Hey Mercedes).
• Sunroof: Large Panoramic Sunroof for an open and airy feel.
• Camera: 360-degree camera system for easy parking and maneuvering in tight spots.
• Charging: Wireless charging for compatible smartphones.
• Climate Control: Multi-zone automatic climate control for personalized comfort for all passengers.
• Sound System: Premium Burmester Surround Sound System (optional).
• Seats: Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function.
• Headlamps: MULTIBEAM LED headlamps for superior illumination.

What is the Ground Clearance of the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic typically offers a ground clearance of approximately 200 mm. With the optional AIRMATIC air suspension, this can be adjusted higher for off-road excursions or lowered for highway driving.

What is the Boot Space of the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic?

The GLE 450 4Matic provides a generous boot space of approximately 690 liters with the rear seats up, which can be expanded significantly by folding down the rear seats.

What are the Dimensions of the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic?

The dimensions of the GLE 450 4Matic are designed to offer a commanding road presence and spacious interiors.

• Length: Approximately 4924 mm
• Width: Approximately 2157 mm (including mirrors)
• Height: Approximately 1797 mm
• Wheelbase: Approximately 2995 mm

Powertrain Options

While this post focuses on the GLE 450 4Matic, Mercedes-Benz generally offers the GLE with a range of powertrain options in India, including other petrol and diesel engines, often with mild-hybrid assistance to cater to diverse preferences. The 450 4Matic stands out as a powerful and refined petrol offering.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for Mercedes-Benz, and the GLE 450 4Matic comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features.

• Multiple Airbags (e.g., 7 or more, including front, side, curtain, and knee airbags)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Traction Control System
• Active Brake Assist (Collision prevention assist)
• PRE-SAFE system (pre-tensions seatbelts, adjusts seats, closes windows before an impending collision)
• Attention Assist (drowsiness detection)
• Blind Spot Assist
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• ISOFIX child seat mounts

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding a car's safety rating is crucial. Here is how the Mercedes-Benz GLE performs:

Rating Agency	Rating	Comments
Bharat NCAP	Not yet rated	As a globally developed luxury vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has not been specifically tested by Bharat NCAP yet.
Euro NCAP	5 Stars	The Mercedes-Benz GLE has received a top 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, reflecting its excellent occupant protection for adults and children, and robust safety assist systems.

Rivals of Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic

In the highly competitive luxury SUV segment in India, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic faces strong competition from other premium manufacturers.

• BMW X5
• Audi Q7
• Volvo XC90
• Land Rover Discovery

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Advantages

• Powerful and Refined Engine: The 3.0-litre mild-hybrid engine offers strong performance, smooth acceleration, and a surprisingly efficient drive for its size.
• Luxurious and Spacious Interior: High-quality materials, advanced technology, and ample space for five passengers make long journeys very comfortable.
• Feature-Rich: Loaded with cutting-edge tech like the dual MBUX screens, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, and advanced safety features.
• Comfortable Ride Quality: The air suspension (if equipped) provides an incredibly supple ride, soaking up road imperfections with ease.
• Strong Brand Image and Service Network: Mercedes-Benz enjoys a stellar reputation in India for luxury and offers an extensive service network.

Disadvantages

• Price: Being a premium Mercedes-Benz, the GLE 450 4Matic comes with a significant price tag, which can be a major barrier for some buyers.
• Running Costs: While fuel efficiency is decent for a large petrol SUV, it is still a large luxury vehicle, meaning higher fuel and maintenance costs compared to smaller cars.
• Road Presence in Crowded Cities: Its large dimensions can make it challenging to maneuver and park in very congested Indian city traffic.
• Third-row seating: While some GLE variants offer a third row, the 450 4Matic is primarily a comfortable five-seater, which might be a drawback for those needing regular seven-seater capacity.

Conclusion

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic stands as a compelling choice for anyone seeking a sophisticated, powerful, and feature-packed luxury SUV in India. It offers a perfect blend of performance, opulent comfort, cutting-edge technology, and robust safety, making it ideal for both city commutes and highway adventures. While it comes with a premium price and associated running costs, the experience it delivers truly justifies its position in the market. If your budget allows for a vehicle that truly pampers you and your family with luxury, safety, and performance, the GLE 450 4Matic is undoubtedly a car you should seriously consider. It is more than just a car; it is a statement, a sanctuary on wheels, and a testament to Mercedes-Benz engineering. Happy car hunting!