While retaining its signature look, the GLE now boasts a more aerodynamic and sleek design. The front fascia, seemingly inspired by the X-Class pick-up truck, showcases an octagonal radiator grille adorned with a chrome-plated under guard, while the bonnet proudly flaunts the power dome character line. Its multi-beam LED headlamps promise visibility for over 650 meters. The extended wheelbase, 80mm more than its predecessor, complements the novel design and looks proportionate as expected. Offered with diverse tire sizes ranging from 19 to 22 inches, its rear design exudes compactness with rounded contours and slender LED tail lamps.

The GLE’s cabin promises a spatial delight, thanks to the extended wheelbase providing an additional 69mm legroom for second-row passengers. Reflecting consumer preferences, Mercedes-Benz offers optional third-row seating. The interior design draws inspiration from the S-Class, with elongated 12.3-inch touchscreens reminiscent of those in the E-Class and G-Class. Grab handles seamlessly integrate into the central console design. The GLE’s full LED head-up display and advanced MBUX infotainment system runs NTG 7, the latest version of the MBUX system.

With the GLE, they have once again exemplified their commitment to ensuring every journey is as safe as possible. The air suspension is not just about optimizing comfort; it’s an advanced suspension system that reacts swiftly to different road conditions, offering optimum stability. The Active Stop-and-Go takes the stress out of driving in heavy traffic conditions, assisting the driver by semi-automatically following the vehicle ahead in stop-and-go traffic.

But it’s the Active Brake Assist that stands as a cornerstone of the GLE’s safety arsenal. This feature monitors the road and on detecting a potential collision scenario—especially with oncoming traffic on single-lane roads—it activates the brakes, thus mitigating risks. In addition to these, a host of other passive and active safety features ensure that passengers are cocooned in a protective shield, be it through advanced airbag systems, reinforced cabin structures, or electronic stability programs.

The GLE is available in three variants in India. The 300 d 4MATIC boasts of a four-cylinder diesel engine that delivers 266 bhp and 550 Nm of torque. The GLE 450 d 4MATIC with an in-line six-cylinder diesel engine churns out 364 bhp and 750Nm of peak torque. The GLE 450 4MATIC with an in-line six-cylinder petrol engine with EQ boost, offering an impressive 367bhp and 500Nm of peak torque. 
The 48V mild hybrid is standard and it offers an EQ boost is standard with an additional 22bhp and 250Nm. The engines are paired seamlessly with a 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox, supported by the 4MATIC four-wheel-drive system.