Mercedes-Benz India has launched the GLE 300d 4Matic AMG Line at a base price of Rs 97.85 lakh (ex-showroom). The new AMG Line variant replaces the 300d entry-level diesel variant and brings a range of AMG-specific cosmetic updates.
The new GLE 300d 4Matic AMG Line sports 20-inch AMG alloy wheels finished in tremolite grey. It gets larger, perforated disc brakes at the front. Visual changes include an AMG front apron with chrome trim strip and an AMG rear apron with diffuser-look inserts in black and chrome trim strip.
It also gets the diamond-grille with Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star pattern in chrome, single louvre painted in matt dark grey with chrome insert and black surround, sportier air inlets at the front and AMG side skirts painted in vehicle colour. The changes come at an additional cost of Rs 1.2 lakh over the outgoing GLE 300d. The AMG Line variant is the new entry-point to the Mercedes GLE diesel line-up.
Powering the new 300d 4Matic AMG Line variant is the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 269hp and 550Nm of peak torque. There’s a 48V mild-hybrid integrated starter-generator (ISG), adding an additional 20hp and 200Nm to their peak outputs. The engine is mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox. Mercedes claims that the diesel GLE can sprint from 0-100kph in 6.9 seconds before hitting its 230kph top speed.
The GLE is now priced from Rs 97.85 lakh to Rs 1.15 crore (ex-showroom). It faces competition from the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Lexus RX and the Volvo XC90. If comfort is a priority and the rear seat is where you’ll spend most of your time, the GLE is a good fit.