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    Mercedes revamps M-Class

    Synopsis

    Mercedes has renamed the M-Class as the GLE, and along with the refresh comes a sporty version of the big SUV.

    Pics and text: BBC TopGear India; www.topgear.com/india

    By Murali K Menon

    With that forward-sloping bonnet, upright grille and short overhang, the GLE 450 AMG Coupe is a face that you wouldn't want to see in your rear-view mirror. And, that's probably one reason why a lot of cars gave way as I gunned it on the autobahn.

    The second reason is that the Coupe is primed for pace. The twin turbos start shovelling air into the engine; in Sport, the suspension tautens; and downshifts from the slick nine-speed transmission are acoustically enhanced. Each time you aim for a corner, you realise two things: this Coupe can handle, and that the transmission keeps the engine in just the right rpm window. Mercedes calls the 450 AMG Coupe "an entry into the world of AMG" and so, yes, this 362bhp V6-engined beast is not a true-blue AMG.

    The GLE range should be out in India by the middle of next year, but coming up in November is the fastback's more sedate, non-coupe brother, the GLE. The GLE, of course, is the M-Class, which is Mercedes-Benz India's highest-sel ling SUV. And, the latest iteration looks set to consolidate Mercedes's position as one of the world's top luxury SUV makers.

    Image article boday


    The new GLE looks sharper and sprightlier than the M-Class. There are familiar ML design elements all around, but the real deal is the cabin that shares lots of bits with the Coupe. Folks who can afford to spend over Rs 50 lakh will be treated to interior trim in various types of wood, a COMAND controller with a touchpad and large, snug seats.

    On the road, our GLE 250 D pleasantly reminded us of the M-Class. The 2.0-litre, 204bhp engine, also found in the outgoing model, pulled cleanly and strongly, while the new ninespeed transmission works efficiently in the background. The SUV will also be available with a V6 (both units have been tweaked for better fuel efficiency and lesser emissions) and there will also be a hybrid model. And a 577bhp GLE 63 S, of course.

    As is to be expected of a Merc SUV, the all-wheel drive GLE offers a supple ride and will come with a suite of features. We expect it, especially the diesel model, to do the job of mopping up sales figures for Mercedes even as its Coupe brother steals the spotlight.

    Specifications:
    GLE 450 AMG Coupe

    Engine: 2996cc V6 petrol

    Power: 367bhp

    Torque: 520Nm

    Transmission: 9-speed auto

    0-100kph: 5.7seconds (claimed)

    Top speed: 250kph

    GLE 250d

    Engine: 2143cc 4cyl diesel

    Power: 204bhp

    Torque: 480Nm

    Transmission: 9-speed auto

    0-100kph: 8.6seconds (claimed)

    Top speed: 210kph

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