When Mercedes-Benz Malaysia introduced the GLE 450 AMG Line here a couple years ago in 2019, the reactions were fairly unanimous – it was a little steep. It costs a whopping RM633k for the 5-seater and RM638k for the 7-seater.
The X5 then, in the form of the fully imported xDrive40i M Sport, was no better. It had a price tag of RM640k!
Now that it’s locally assembled for a more “attractive” price tag of RM475,501, the Volvo and BMW camps with their XC90 and X5 respectively, have a worthy contender to take note of.
The XC90 Recharge T8 is priced at RM393k while the X5 xDrive45e PHEV M Sport goes for RM440k.
PERFORMANCE
- Engine: M256 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six
- Transmission: 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
- Max Power: 367 hp @ 5,550 rpm – 6,100 rpm
- Max Torque: 500 Nm @ 1,600 rpm – 4,5000 rpm
- 0 to 100 km/h: 5.7 seconds
- Top Speed: 250 km/h
EXTERIOR
- AMG Line body kit
- 21-inch light alloy wheels with Continental Sport Contact 6 tyres
- Multibeam LED headlights
- AIRMATIC adaptive damping
- Hands-free tailgate
2019 GLE 450 2021 GLE 450
Inside, the architecture is similar to the GLE 450 previewed two years ago however it now features darker trims, and as a whole, it just looks a little… well, too dark.
It’s a good thing the panoramic sunroof has been retained, to shed some much needed light over the somber cabin. Apple Car Play and Android Auto are standard, with 13-speakers to serenade you.
INTERIOR
- MBUX Dual 12.3-inch display including a touchscreen infotainment
- Burmester Surround Sound System
- Open-pore oak wood trims
- Wireless charging
The second row seats offer 40:20:40 split folding while the 3rd row seats can be collapsed through the switches on the side of the boot area.
As for the safety and driver assistance systems, the GLE 450 AMG Line counts on the autonomous emergency braking feature, a 360-degree camera display, blindspot monitor, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and a parking assistant feature.
GALLERY
