Mercedes GLE Coupe to launch in India next year - IAB Report

Will rival the BMW X6.

In an interview with IndianAutosBlog, Mercedes-Benz India's CEO and Managing Director, Roland S. Folger, has confirmed that the Mercedes GLE Coupe will launch in India next year. When asked about the product's Indian launch, Mr. Folger said it would come "sometime next year". Unlike its more-practical cousin, the Mercedes GLE, the GLE Coupe is expected to launch as a CBU model.

Making its debut at the 2015 Detroit Motor Show, the Mercedes GLE Coupe is expected to be available in the GLE 350d 4MATIC Coupe variant, possibly with the AMG body kit. Power is sourced from a 3.0-liter V6 twin turbo diesel engine capable of 255 hp and 620 Nm of torque. It is paired to a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic gearbox, while a 4MATIC AWD system is standard.

The full-blown GLE 63 S could also be introduced to rival the BMW X6 M, which packs a 5.5-liter twin turbo V8 engine producing 576 hp and 760 Nm of torque. Power is sent through a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS gearbox to all four wheels.

Being a niche model, expect it to be upholstered in Nappa leather and loaded with equipment like a new COMAND infotainment display, LED headlamps, Dynamic Select, dual-zone Thermatic climate control and ambient lighting.

Aside from the GLE Coupe, the Mercedes GLC is also anticipated in India next year.