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CKD Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG Line Launched Locally

This locally-assembled Mercedes 7-seat SUV is currently priced at RM 475,501.23. 

Good news to prospective GLE 450 buyers, as you can now get your preferred Mercedes-Benz for 20% off its original price. Most of which is thanks to the fact that this particular 7-seat SUV is now to be assembled in Malaysia, instead of coming in fully imported as per before. 

Currently retailing for RM 475,501.23 (inclusive of sales tax exemption), the new GLE 450 4MATIC AMG Line is some RM 110,000 cheaper than its fully-imported counterpart. Having said that however, there are nevertheless a few inevitable revisions to the spec list of this Mercedes-Benz in its transition towards CKD production over here. 

Starting from the outside first, the locally-assembled cars still comes with nearly all the same kit of its CBU brethren. Coming as standard with the AMG Line appearance package, the CKD GLE 450 brings with it a sportier front end design courtesy of a diamond front grille flanked on either side by MULTIBEAM LED headlights. 

A more aggressive front apron with larger air inlets are also to be seen, which neatly transition to the 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels and aluminium-look running boards down the side of the GLE 450. All of which is then capped off with a chrome garnish on the rear quarter surrounding the twin (fake) exhaust tips round the rear. 

Moving along inside, the main difference between the fully-imported cars and the one assembled locally will be the eschewing of Nappa leather in favour of a blend of Artico faux leather and Dinamica microfibre upholstery. All the toys however remain intact throughout this local assembly transition, with the CKD GLE 450 retaining its twin 12.3-inch MBUX digital instrument cluster and central infotainment touchscreen, Burmester Surround Sound System and 64-colour ambient lighting. 

The locally assembled GLE 450 retains its anthracite open-pore oak wood trim elements too, as well as other luxury accoutrements like its four-zone automatic climate control, keyless go, heated and cooled cupholders, auto-dimming mirrors, panoramic sunroof, powered rear sunshades, a Qi wireless charger and a hands free electronic tailgate. Missing though is the fully-imported unit’s Level 2 Driving Assistance package with lane centring assist, but at least Active Distance DISTRONIC, Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and a 360º surround view camera system are still among the standard active safety features available. 

Now as per its CBU counterpart, the same 3.0 litre turbocharged straight-six that outputs 367 hp and 500 Nm of torque lies under the hood of the locally-assembled GLE 450. Going by the 4MATIC in its name too, this particular Mercedes-Benz SUV naturally proportions power to all four wheels once it has passed through its 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission. 

Continuing on the technical side of things for a bit more, the GLE 450 4MATIC AMG Line maintains its 5.7 second 0-100 km/h sprint time and 250 km/h top speed. What is missing now however is the E-Active Body Control roll stabilisation system that was to be found on the initial batch of CBU cars, with it instead only featuring an AIRMATIC air suspension system with standard adaptive damping. 

Priced currently at RM 475k with the sales tax exemption currently in place, this locally assembled GLE is aimed squarely against the likes of the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge (RM 390,150) and BMW X5 xDrive45e (RM 440,745). For those who are adamant for the three-pointed star though, Mercedes-Benz Financial is currently offering this very model with its Step Up Agility Financing Plan that provides a monthly instalment plan starting from just RM 3,888 a month. 

PRESS RELEASE: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today announces the availability of a new locally-assembled premium SUV variant, the GLE 450 4MATIC AMG Line. Priced at RM 475,501.23, the full-sized seven-seater is a true luxury SUV, equipped with a wealth of innovations. 

“We are proud to introduce the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC AMG Line as a locally-assembled variant in Malaysia. It portrays the iconic design of the brand while remaining true to its character as a full-sized 7-seater SUV. From its luxurious appeal to best-in-class driver assists, the SUV is at the forefront of innovation. The interior derives its fascination from the contrast between its design and the superior technological features, such as the MBUX NTG 6 infotainment system, touch-screen media display and Burmester Surround Sound System,” said Michael Jopp, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

With a turbocharged six-cylinder engine generating a thunderous 367hp, the GLE 450 4MATIC AMG Line is powered by a 3.0-litre engine with the extended DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes. Also, the new SUV is built with the latest developments in the air suspension system AIRMATIC with enhanced damping system ADS, a 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission, state-of-the-art driver assistance systems and the new MBUX.

Featuring an AMG Line exterior, the GLE 450 4MATIC AMG Line dials up its expressive and sporty character to the highest level. Its body styling features the iconic diamond radiator grille with chrome pins, sporty aprons all-round with large air inlets, MULTIBEAM LED headlamps and 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels. 

The full-sized luxury SUV features the AIRMATIC package, an adaptive damping system that meets modern air suspension resulting to an intelligent comfort suspension which is able to adjust automatically to the driving conditions, speed and load. 

The interior blends luxuriously elegant aesthetics with a progressive character. With the generous amount of space, free-standing elements and the excellent attention to detail the interior conveys exclusivity and wellbeing. Fully digital instruments visually float on a linear-themed dash. Flowing door-to-door and into a console integrating prominent twin grab handles and anthracite open-pore oak wood trim elements. 

The GLE features the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) NTG 6 with two 12.3 widescreen displays that includes a digital touch screen media display. Other class-leading highlights and innovation includes the Burmester Surround Sound System and the well-known favourites like the 64-colour ambient lighting. Third row seating raises the GLE to a seven-seater.

The GLE 450 4MATIC AMG Line is also equipped with best-in-class safety and driving assistance systems including Active Distance DISTRONIC, Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and a 360-degree camera for all-round visibility.

Step Up Agility Financing Plan by Mercedes-Benz Financial 

The Step Up Agility Financing Plan is designed with your ultimate driving needs in mind. Enjoy your new Mercedes-Benz while we ensure you are being taken care of with unrivalled benefits such as lower monthly instalment, flexible end of agreement options, MobilityPlus* programme and most importantly, we guarantee the future value of your car no matter what happens. 

Perfectly tailored for individual who seeks performance, value, unrivalled benefits and peace of mind at the wheel. The Step Up Agility Financing Plan starts from RM3,888** per month for a limited time only. 

Joshua Chin

Automotive journalist. Professional work on dsf.my and automacha.com. Personal writing found at driveeveryday.me. Instagram: @driveeveryday

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