Mercedes-Benz SUVs launched: GLC, GLE and GLE Coupe

By JAY WONG | 14 January 2016

KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia started today with a bang, launching several SUV models at one go.

The Mercedes line-up now expands to include the GLC, GLE, GLE Coupe and an AMG version of the GLE Coupe. Prices are as followed:

GLC 250 - RM328,888
GLE 250 d - RM486,888
GLE 400 - RM568,888
GLE 400 Coupe - RM630,888
GLE 450 AMG Coupe - RM699,888. All OTR without ins.

“The premium SUV line-up redefines the standard of the luxury SUV segment,” says Mark Raine, vice president, sales and marketing - passenger cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

All the SUVs have a nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, except for the standard GLE 400 4MATIC which has a seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission.

GLC 250 4MATIC

The mid-sized GLC 250 4MATIC is priced at RM328,888 and is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine, which delivers 211hp at 5,500rpm and 350Nm of torque at 1,200 to 4,000rpm.

The GLC 250 4MATIC has AMG bodystyling and 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, as well as safety and assistance systems such as LED intelligent light, Pre-Safe and Collision Prevention Assist Plus.

The GLC also has a Keyless-Go convenience package, and Hands Free Access which enables the tailgate to be opened automatically by performing a swiping movement with the foot under the bumper.

Besides a panoramic sliding sunroof, the GLC also features a high-end Burmester surround sound system with 13 speakers.

Its rear bench features a 40/20/40 split and the load capacity behind the rear bench increases by 80 to 110 litres, for a total of up to 580 litres.

In all, the GLC is able to transport up to 1,600 litres.

GLE 250 d 4MATIC and GLE 400 4MATIC

Meanwhile, the full-sized GLE is offered in two variants, namely the 2.2-litre diesel-powered GLE 250 d 4MATIC at RM486,888 and 3.0-litre petrol-powered GLE 400 4MATIC at RM568,888.

The 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine delivers 204hp at 3,800rpm and 500Nm of torque at 1,600rpm to 1,800rpm.

The 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine delivers 333hp at 5,250rpm to 6,000rpm and 480Nm of torque at 1,600rpm to 4,000rpm.

The GLE has a AMG Line exterior, with 21-inch AMG alloy wheels on the GLE 400 4MATIC and 20-inch alloy wheels on the GLE 250 d 4MATIC.

It is billed as having the largest load compartment in the segment, and three golf bags can be easily fitted in the rear.

The GLE also has Dynamic Select control system, and Airmatic air suspension with ADS variable damping for stable driving.

Besides a raft of safety and driving assistance technologis, the GLE has a Parking package with a 360-degree camera and Active Parking Assist.

Rear passengers in the GLE get an entertainment system with DVD player, as well as two 20.3cm displays and Kleer wireless headphones.

Two GLE coupes

Meanwhile, the GLE coupe is offered in 400 4MATIC (priced at RM630,888) and 450 AMG 4MATIC (priced from RM699,888) variants.

Both GLE coupe variants share the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine seen in the standard GLE 400 4MATIC.

However, in the 450 AMG 4MATIC coupe, this engine is tuned to be more powerful; delivering 367hp at 5,500rpm to 6,000rpm and 520Nm of torque at 1,800rpm to 4,000rpm.

The GLE coupe offers a sporty AMG exterior design including exhaust system with AMG tailpipe trim elements and 22-inch AMG alloy wheels.

The Dynamic Select transmission mode Sport+ is available in the top-of-the-range GLE coupe.