Continuing its launch season, Mercedes Benz India has launched two new products, the GLE Facelift and C43 AMG sedan in the country. The new models complete the brand's plan to launch 10 products in the country before the end of 2023.
Mercedes Benz GLE Facelift and C43 AMG: Exterior Design
The new Mercedes Benz GLE Facelift features an evolutionary design provided with a reprofiled bumper, updated LED headlamp, reworked taillamp and new design alloy wheel. Overall, the new GLE is familiar with its overall design but refreshed for 2023. In addition to the above-mentioned changes, the top-of-the-line GLE 450 variants feature an integrated AMG body kit that enhances the sporty appeal of the SUV.
Moving away from the SUV, the newly launched Mercedes Benz C43 AMG sedan features a new design that is dominated by the large Pan Americana front grille. Other new elements of the sportier C-Class are the sweptback adaptive LED headlamps with integrated DRL, reprofiled sports bumper with large intakes and gloss-black highlights all around.
Moving to the sides, the car retains its sedan silhouette but gets new design 18-inch alloy wheels, while the rear features sporty quad tailpipe setup and diffuser design.
Mercedes Benz GLE Facelift and C43 AMG: Interior Layout
Moving inside, both models feature unique philosophies for their cabins. While the 2024 Mercedes Benz GLE Facelift talks all about luxury and functionality, the C43 AMG boasts of its sporty intent.
The new GLE features a Mercedes Maybach GLS inspired layout for its dashboard. The centre piece of the new cabin are the dual 12.3-inch MBUX screen for the drivers display and infotainment. These screens are flanked by angular AC vents with chrome lining. Other key elements on the inside include an all-new sporty steering wheel, 4-zone automatic climate control, panoramic sunroof and Burmester 3D sound system.
Talking about the new Mercedes Benz C43 AMG, there is not much that differentiates it from the regular C-Class sedan expect for the new AMG flat-bottom leather wrapped steering wheel, sports seats, sports pedals and red stitching across all upholstery. Excluding these, the cabin features familiar elements like a 11.9-inch tablet like MBUX touchscreen and 12.3-inch drivers display, ambient lighting package and Burmester sound system.
Mercedes Benz GLE Facelift and C43 AMG: Powertrain
In terms of engine options, the GLE is offered with two diesel and one petrol engine. The 300d diesel is provided with a 3.0-litre unit that produces around 267 bhp and 550 Nm while the top-spec 450d come equipped with a 3.0-litre V4 unit that makes 367 bhp and 750 Nm of peak torque. On the other hand, the flagship 450 petrol is offered with the same 3.0-litre turbo V6 that produces a higher 381 bhp and 500 nm. All engine options come equipped with mild-hybrid tech and 4MATIC system as standard along with a 9-speed automatic transmission option.
With the C43 sedan, the company has decided to ditch the 3.0-litre V6 in favour of a new F1 inspired 2.0-litre four-cylinder 408 bhp and 500 Nm. This system comes mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and a 4MATIC unit with ‘Race Start’ functionality.
Mercedes Benz GLE Facelift and C43 AMG: Pricing
The new Mercedes Benz GLE Facelift is offered in three trim levels starting at Rs 96.4 lakh (ex-showroom) and extending up to Rs 1.15 crore (ex-showroom). Here is a variant wise price list for the Mercedes Benz GLE Facelift:
GLE 300d Professional Line: Rs 96.4 Lakh
GLE 450 AMG Line: Rs 1.10 Crore
GLE 450d AMG Line: Rs 1.15 Crore
On the other hand, the performance-oriented Mercedes Benz C43 AMG is offered in a single variant priced at Rs 98 lakh (ex-showroom). This puts the performance C-Class at a premium over its rivals like BMW M340i (Rs 71.5 Lakh) and the Audi S5 Sportback (Rs 75.74 Lakh).
