Mercedes-Benz Thailand has introduced the GLE 500e 4Matic at 4.49 million baht (Rs 85.79 lakh) for the ‘Exclusive’ variant and 4.99 million baht (Rs 95.35 lakh) for the ‘AMG Dynamic’ version.
Under the hood of the GLE 500e is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine which is capable of producing 333bhp and 480Nm of torque. This motor is coupled to an 116bhp electric motor that makes another 340Nm of torque. So, we’re looking at a total of 449bhp, and an impressive combined torque output of up to 820Nm.
Mercedes-Benz claims that the GLE 500e consumes only 3.3 litres of petrol every 100km, and also has a range of 30km purely on electric power for speeds of up to 130kmph. What adds to the GLE’s advantage is that the mentioned prices undercut the BMW X5 xDrive40e and the Volvo XC90 T8, both of which start at 5.39 million baht (Rs 1.02 crore). Mercedes was able to price this vehicle effectively thanks to the low emissions that help it bag the lowest rate in the country’s excise tax structure.
Considering the Indian market’s dynamics, it is unlikely that the GLE 500e could make it our shores in the near future.