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The rumble of a T-Rex wasn’t the only thing that sent chills down my spine during Jurassic Park. The Mercedes-Benz ML, kitted out for capturing prehistoric beasts, left an undeniable mark on my car culture memories. While that cinematic legend met a T-Rex’s wrath, the real-world ML, and its successor, the GLE, have become a dominant force in the luxury SUV arena.

For Mercedes-Benz India, the GLE, formerly known as the ML-Class, has been a consistent bestseller. It’s been popular for its power, comfort, and off-road capability – a true embodiment of the Mercedes-Benz ethos. The new GLE 450 isn’t just about reliving past glories. It’s a statement piece, designed to turn heads and conquer any terrain. Join us as we delve deeper into the details of this magnificent SUV, exploring its captivating design, innovative features, and the exhilarating power that lies beneath the hood. We’ll discover how the GLE 450 continues the legacy of its predecessors while forging a path towards a future of refined luxury and unparalleled driving dynamics.

The overall silhouette retains the powerful and commanding presence that has become synonymous with the GLE, a closer look reveals a series of subtle yet impactful design changes. At the front, the signature grille undergoes a transformation. It remains undeniably a Mercedes grille, but the horizontal slats are restyled for a more contemporary look. The most significant change comes in the form of the headlights. Gone are the previous iteration’s dual projector lamps; the GLE 450 facelift boasts sleek, all-LED units with a new eyebrow-like daytime running light signature. These new headlights not only enhance the car’s visual appeal but also provide superior illumination.

Moving to the profile, the familiar long wheelbase and muscular stance remain. Keen observers might notice newly designed alloy wheels, particularly for AMG Line trims, which add a touch of sportiness. The chrome window line continues to elegantly accentuate the GLE’s proportions, while the updated side mirrors with integrated turn signals offer a touch of modern flair.

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The rear of the GLE 450 facelift sees a more subtle refresh. The taillights receive a minor redesign, adopting a sharper aesthetic that complements the overall modernised look. The rear bumper might also see some tweaks, potentially incorporating new reflectors or exhaust tip designs depending on the chosen trim level.

Inside the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 facelift, you’re greeted by a cabin that feels premium. The use of premium materials — think soft-touch leather, elegant woodgrain accents, and gleaming chrome finishes – creates an immediate sense of sophistication. Every touchpoint feels premium in line with what you would come to expect from this German luxury carmaker.

Dominating the dashboard is a pair of 12.3-inch high-resolution screens. The first, a large widescreen display, serves as the infotainment system’s central hub.  Mercedes-Benz’s latest MBUX interface takes centre stage here, offering intuitive control over navigation, music, vehicle settings, and more. The seamless responsiveness and stunning visuals ensure a truly delightful user experience. A second, digital instrument cluster sits directly behind the steering wheel, providing all the essential driving information in a crisp and clear format. Also new in the GLE, a convenient head-up display that projects vital information directly onto the windshield within your line of sight.

But the GLE 450 isn’t just about flashy displays; it prioritises passenger comfort as well. The long wheelbase, a signature feature of this particular version, translates into ample legroom for rear passengers. This makes the GLE 450 an ideal choice for Indian buyers, where spacious interiors are highly valued. Even on long journeys, passengers can stretch out and relax in absolute comfort.

Adding to the in-cabin entertainment is a premium sound system, likely boasting around 12 high-performance speakers. This surround-sound setup, coupled with seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Additionally, new additions include an onboard air purifier, a fragrance dispenser, and enhanced comfort features such as heating and ventilation for the front seats.

The GLE 450 gets a 3.0-litre, in-line six-cylinder petrol engine which is paired with a 9-speed automated transmission. Power is sent to all four wheels via the Mercedes 4Matic all-wheel drive system. This engine produces a robust 376 bhp and 50.98 kgm of torque. The mildly hybrid system adds 20 bhp and 20.39 kgm of output. The potent in-line six-cylinder engine delivers exhilarating performance, effortlessly propelling the GLE to triple-digit speeds with ease. During our brief city and highway drive, we observed decent fuel efficiency figures, with the car indicating an average of 11 kpl which for a car of this size is commendable.

Adding a touch of electric excitement is the EQ Boost system. This seamless integration of electric power provides short bursts of additional acceleration, further enhancing the driving experience. The marriage of the refined six-cylinder engine with the innovative EQ Boost technology creates a powerful and impeccably balanced powertrain.

But the GLE 450 facelift isn’t just about power. It also delivers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension system expertly handles uneven roads, filtering out bumps and vibrations for a serene driving experience. The confident handling inspires driver confidence, allowing you to navigate corners and winding roads with precision. Whether cruising on highways or tackling city streets, the GLE 450 facelift delivers a balance of exhilarating performance and luxurious comfort, making it a true pleasure to drive.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 facelift emerges as a compelling choice for those seeking a luxury SUV that seamlessly blends power, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. The long wheelbase ensures ample legroom for rear passengers, making it ideal for the Indian market.

Under the hood, the potent in-line six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost technology offers exhilarating performance while promising decent fuel efficiency for a car of this size.

With a starting price of around ₹ 1.10 crore (ex-showroom), the GLE 450 facelift faces stiff competition from established rivals like the BMW X5 and the Audi Q7. Adding some more trivia as we started this review with a reference to the Jurassic Park movie, remember the iconic Mercedes-Benz ML that is the predecessor to the GLE that chased velociraptors in Jurassic Park? Actor Jeff Goldblum, who played Dr. Ian Malcolm in the movie, was actually gifted an ML by Mercedes-Benz. Fun fact — he reportedly still drives the car to this day! You simply can’t get a better real-world endorsement for the enduring appeal and quality of the Mercedes-Benz GLE’s predecessor, the ML.