The second SUV offering to be launched today by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is the facelifted W166 M-Class, now officially known as the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, which made its debut last year in New York. The sibling to the GLE Coupe, which was also launched today alongside the X205 GLC, features a revised exterior and interior, the addition of new tech as well as updated powertrains.
Two GLE variants are available for the Malaysian market, a petrol and a diesel. The benzine option comes in the form of the GLE 400 4Matic, while the solitary oil burner model is the GLE 250 d 4Matic.
The twin-turbo 3.0 litre V6 seen in the GLE 400 is carried over from the ML (though previously not available here, because the local vehicle was a normally-aspirated ML 350), and remains virtually unchanged, save for the inclusion of new piezo injectors.
The mill puts out 333 PS at 5,250 to 6,000 rpm and 480 Nm at 1,600 to 4,000 rpm, and paired with a 7G-Tronic transmission, performance numbers include a 0-100 km/h time of 6.1 seconds, a 247 km/h top speed and a combined fuel efficiency figure of 8.8 litres per 100 km.
As for the diesel, a 2.1 litre bi-turbo four-pot is also a familiar offering, but has been updated to offer better fuel consumption numbers, in this case 5.4 litres per 100 km. Output figures for the unit are 204 PS at 3,800 rpm and 500 Nm from 1,600 to 1800 rpm, and mated to a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, the GLE 250 d 4Matic does the century sprint from standstill in 8.6 seconds and has a 212 km/h top whack.
Exterior-wise, the GLE’s front has been given a makeover to bring it in line with the rest of the current Mercedes range visually, and the new front end is pretty much borrowed from the GLE Coupe, with the only significant difference being with the grille – the GLE’s features an additional slat.
Meanwhile, rear revisions are minor, with new tail light graphics and a redesigned rear valance integrating visible tail pipes being the extent of the rework.
Both variants are kitted out with an AMG Line exterior, which adds a body-styling package and 20-inch five-spoke alloys on the GLE 250 d and 21-inch five twin-spoke alloys in the case of the GLE 400. The GLEs also feature sunroofs, and in the case of the GLE 400, the unit is of the panoramic variety.
Inside, new elements on call are again borrowed from the GLE Coupe, with changes led by a new three-spoke steering wheel. Elsewhere, the centre air vents have been redesigned to accommodate a new tablet-like COMAND Online infotainment system screen.
On both variants, this is an 8.0-inch unit, and as for the COMAND system itself, kit includes a DVD player and traffic sign recognition, including wrong-way warning function. The GLE also comes with a Rear-Seat Entertainment System package as standard, and this one features two 20.3 cm displays and Kleer wireless headphones.
The GLE 400 gets an AMG Line trim for its interior, which kits out the model with sports seats dressed in Artico man-made leather upholstery, a black Nappa leather multi-function sports steering wheel, an instrument cluster with chequered-flag design dial imprints and brushed stainless-steel sports pedals with rubber studs.
New colour choices also abound for the interior, and the revised palette includes ginger beige, espresso brown, saddle brown and porcelain.
The GLE features a Dynamic Select system, which offers four operation modes (Individual, Comfort, Slippery and Sport), selectable via a new rotary controller on the centre console, and there’s an extra Offroad mode for the GLE 400 – the mode is not available for the GLE 250 d.
Standard equipment for both variants include LED Intelligent headlights, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and an Easy-Pack load compartment cover. The GLE 250d comes with an Agility Control steel suspension as standard, while the GLE 400 is specified with an Adaptive Damping System suspension. The variant also features the roll-stabilising Active Curve System.
In terms of safety kit, that on the GLE 250 d includes Collision Prevention Assist Plus and a Lane Tracking Package (Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist). The GLE 400 comes standard with a Driving Assistance Plus pack, which adds Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, pedestrian-detecting Pre-Safe Brake, BAS Plus with Cross Traffic Assist, Rear Impact Warning and Protection System, Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist.
Pricing for the fully-imported (CBU) Mercedes-Benz GLE variants are RM486,888 for the GLE 250 d 4Matic and RM568,888 for the GLE 400 4Matic, both on-the-road without insurance. Naturally, the GLE comes with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s four-year unlimited mileage warranty.
View the full specifications of the Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 4Matic and GLE 250 d 4Matic at CarBase.my.
GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 4Matic
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The ML400 was sold here. MBM didnt make a public launch.
Very reasonable price.
The rear look could have been better.
With XC90 T8 priced @454K makes every other company looks greedy. In Australia, the GLE 400 4matic is priced @ AUD119K while the XC90 T8 is priced @113K and both prices are for base features only. I was never a fan of Volvo but the Malaysian XC90 is really awesomely equipped and the new design is just wow. XC90 to me is the only SUV in Malaysian Market that’s worth buying right now, with volvo offering 5 years warranty & 5 years free service, XC90 is a no brainer.
Agreed. The XC90 receive praises from car journalists all over the world for its design, comfort and technology. The only thing going for the GLE is that three-pointed star on its bonnet.