Mercedes-Benz India launches New GLE LWB SUV and AMG C 43 4MATIC

Mercedes-Benz India, today launched two new products, the new GLE luxury SUV and the AMG C 43 4MATIC performance sedan. While the GLE further strengthens Mercedes-Benz’s SUV portfolio, the new AMG C 43 4MATIC sets new standards for driving performance and exclusivity, as it directly derives its technology from Formula 1 and now features the ‘One Man One Engine’ philosophy.

The new GLE range introduces a host of upgrades with a refined interior and exterior, as well as an expanded technology and equipment list. The GLE will be offered in three powertrain options– GLE 300 d 4MATIC, GLE 450 d 4MATIC, and GLE 450 4MATIC. While the GLE 300 d 4MATIC and the GLE 450 4MATIC will be available immediately, while the GLE 450 d deliveries will start later from January 2024.

The new AMG C 43 4MATIC features the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, the world’s first series-production unit to feature an electric exhaust gas turbocharger. This new form of turbocharging guarantees particularly spontaneous response across the entire rev range, offering an even more dynamic driving experience. The new turbocharging system and the 48-volt onboard electrical system not only contribute to the outstanding driving dynamics of the C 43 4MATIC but also improve the car’s efficiency.

Top highlights of GLE 300d 4MATIC, GLE 450d 4MATIC & GLE 450 4MATIC 

• AMG body styling: The powerful AMG styling in the GLE 450 d and GLE 450 brings the vehicle visually close to the models from Mercedes-AMG.
• Exterior Design: The all-new design language of the GLE combines its best features: powerful, elegant, and sporty. Furthermore, it is one of the most impressive representatives of the “Sensual Clarity” design idiom. The model update emphasizes this character and creates modernized highlights.
• Powertrain: modern four and six-cylinder engines with ISG technology: Powerful ISG-assisted engines with 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard take the Mercedes-Benz driving experience to a new level.
• Latest generation of MBUX (NTG7): With the second generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system, the GLE is now also up to date. The vehicle interior becomes even more digital and intelligent, as both the hardware and software have made great strides: numerous vehicle and comfort functions can be controlled on the LCD screens in brilliant display views
• AIRMATIC Suspension: The GLE 450d and 450 is equipped with AIRMATIC suspension. In the AIRMATIC Package, an adaptive damping system meets modern air suspension. The result – an intelligent comfort suspension that can adjust automatically to the driving conditions, speed and load. This allows you to benefit from counterbalancing driving stability with first-class comfort.
• Burmester® surround sound: With 13 speakers and a system output of 590 watts for three variants, you can enjoy the legendary Burmester® sound. The high-performance speakers deliver first-class surround sound

Technical Specifications:

Top highlights of AMG C 43 4MATIC

• Engine technology derived directly from Formula 1™: At the heart of the new Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC is the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. The internally named M139l engine (l for longitudinal installation) is the world’s first series-production engine to be turbocharged with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger. The innovative system is a direct derivative of the technology that the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team has been using so successfully in the premier class of motorsport for many years.
• Powered by the 48-volt onboard electrical system, the electric exhaust gas turbocharger operates at speeds of up to 175,000 rpm, which enables a very high air flow rate. This significantly improves the response directly from idle speed and across the entire rev range. The combustion engine responds even more spontaneously to accelerator pedal input, while the entire driving feel is significantly more dynamic. In addition, the electrification of the turbocharger enables higher torque at low revs. This also increases agility and optimises acceleration from a standstill. The C 43 4MATIC accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds.
• Innovative technology helps the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC to achieve a rated output of 300 kW (408 hp) at 6750 rpm. Depending on the situation, the system also briefly provides an additional boost of 10 kW (14 hp) through the belt-driven starter generator (RSG). The great efficiency potential of the innovative turbo technology is revealed by the combined consumption figures according to WLTP of 9.1-8.7 l/100 km.
• Three-stage AMG parameter steering and Standard rear-axle steering: The steering layout of the C 43 4MATIC contributes to the improvement in both dynamics and comfort. The three-stage AMG parameter steering system, for example, features a variable steering geometry ratio that adapts to the selected drive program. At high speeds, the steering power assistance decreases; at low speeds, it is steadily increased. In the “Sport” and “Sport+” suspension settings, the driver also experiences significantly more feedback about the driving condition via the steering wheel.
• The new Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC brings rear-axle steering to the best-selling model series from Affalterbach. It operates with a maximum steering angle of 2.5 degrees. The rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels at speeds of up to 60 km/h leading to a virtual shortening of the wheelbase, which in turn results in significantly more agile turn-in, less steering effort, and improved maneuverability. At speeds above 60 km/h on the other hand, the rear wheels turn in parallel to the front wheels. This virtual extension of the wheelbase has a positive effect on driving stability, leads to a faster build-up of lateral force when changing direction, and thus to a more direct reaction of the vehicle to steering commands. The response of the rear-axle steering depends on the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive program.
• AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with Adaptive Damping System: The AMG RIDE CONTROL steel-spring suspension with Adaptive Damping System, combines decidedly sporty driving dynamics with long-distance comfort. The basis for this is provided by the front axle, with specially developed steering knuckles and suspension joints on the spring control arm, and by the rear axle, which also features elastokinematics designed for driving dynamics.

Complementing this, the Adaptive Damping System continuously adapts the damping at each individual wheel to the current demand – always taking into account the preselected suspension level, the driving style, and the condition of the road surface. In addition to an improvement in ride quality and comfort, these lead, above all, to an increase in driving safety. There is a choice of three different damping maps (“Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+”).

• The new GLE prices (All-India ex-showroom):
  • GLE 300D 4MATIC: INR 96,40,000
  • GLE 450 4MATIC: INR 1,10,00,000
  • GLE 450D 4MATIC: INR1,15,00,000
• AMG C 43 prices: Starting from INR 98,00,000 (All-India ex-showroom)