Mercedes-Benz has had a very successful 2015, having reportedly sold 13,502 units in the calendar year. And now at the very beginning of 2016, the brand has launched its cross between a Coupe and an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle), the GLE 450 AMG Coupe in India. It is one of the 12 launches planned by Mercedes in the calendar year of 2016, with the aim of introducing one new car model every month of this year. Roland Folger, Mercedes Benz India MD and CEO was upbeat regarding the launch. “We are glad to kick-start 2016 by introducing a thrilling and powerful product from our global portfolio, the GLE 450 AMG Coupe,” he said in a statement.
Imported via the CBU route, this beaut is a sportier version of the Mercedes-Benz GLE and is priced at Rs. 86.4 Lakhs (ex-showroom Mumbai). It boasts a 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine, which is capable of producing 367 hp and 520 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox, which comes with promise to make the drive more engaging with its wider range of gear ratios. It also comes equipped with five AMG Dynamic Select transmission modes – Individual, Comfort, Slippery, Sport and Sport Plus, as well as suspension designed for high driving force. As per the company claims, the GLE 450 AMG can rack up 0-100 kmph in 5.7 seconds, which is pretty impressive.
Coming to the interiors, it is blessed with premium leather, which is available in dual tone colours. Take a sigh of relief; the GLE 450 AMG is pretty safe to drive as well. Adaptive air bags and pre-safe system, crosswind assist and attention assist, adaptive high beam assist plus and adaptive brake lights are the some of the safety and assistance systems in GLE 450 AMG. For a complete infotainment experience, it packs ambient lighting and an 8.0 inch COMAND freestanding display. The cabin, however, remains mostly unchanged and can be immediately recognized as the one from basic GLE models.
On the outside, the GLE Coupe comprises big air inlets, single slat diamond grille pattern, Multibeam LED headlights, aggressive AMG Sport body kit with larger forged rims, 21-inch alloy wheels and LED tail lights. The multi-functional flat bottom steering wheel has controls for music and Bluetooth telephony. The premium SUV will be equipped with cruise control, three-zone climate control, rear-view camera with guidance, auto-dimming, adjustable and retractable ORVMs, and electronically adjustable seats and headrests.
The main rival for the GLE 450 AMG Coupe will be the BMW X6, which coincidentally, is also imported into the country via the CBU route. Mercedes has clearly launched this one with the aim of dominating the Indian market.The GLE Coupe fits into a unique sports-coupe segment that emphasizes on raw power and looks. Feasibility? Pfft! When you’ve got this baby in your garage, who gives a damn?
Image Source: Indian Autos Blog
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