Paris Motor Show 2018: Mercedes-Benz GLE is a second generation mid-size coming to India

-Second generation for the SUV
-First car to sport new Mercedes design philosophy
-Bigger dimensions than the outgoing model
-Expected to come to India by mid-2019

Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the second generation GLE SUV at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. The car was showcased with a web reveal last month and this unveil at Paris is its grand reveal ahead of the start of production at the end of the year.

The boxy lines of the previous generation car a.k.a the M-Class (till 2016) have given way to a more rounded appeal, in line with the Stuttgart-based automaker’s latest SUV language. Highlights of this comprise the two-slat grille, LED running lamps, crossover stance for the silhouette, chunky bumper at the rear and wedge like tail lamps.

The interiors are a mix of leather, chrome plastics and two massive displays on the dashboard that are the instrument cluster as well as the MBUX infotainment system. There’s quite a bit in terms of kit including multi-zone climate control and electrically adjustable seats. The package also includes optional driver assistance systems (similar to the ones seen on the S-Class facelift) and for the first there will also be a seven-seat variant of the GLE on offer.

At the time of the launch, the car will be offered in the 450 4MATIC variant but we expect that Mercedes will also offer the 2.0-litre Euro 6 compliant engine possibly in the 250d state of tune. There’s also expected to be a 350d variant with the 3.0-litre V6 diesel. This GLE is India-bound and will be locally assembled at their Chakan factory and should reach here by mid-2019.