Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has announced today that it will be launching a locally-assembled (CKD) variant of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic AMG Line, priced from RM 475,501, without SST, valid until 30-June 2021.

The model will supersede the previous USA-made (CBU) GLE 450, which was priced at RM 584,720 with SST discount (RM 608,888 with full 10 percent SST).

For reference, the BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport, which is locally-assembled in Kulim, is priced from RM 439,443, without SST. With SST, it is priced at RM 448,800.

Since this is a GLE 450 4Matic, it will be powered by a 48V (ISG) EQ Boost mild hybrid 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder M256 engine paired. As such, it is not a plug-in hybrid like BMW Group Malaysia’s X5 45e.

The engine makes 367 PS and 500 Nm but the integrated starter-generator (ISG) mild hybrid motor adds 22 PS and 250 Nm of boost for a short period of time.

Drive is transferred to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. 

Why didn't Mercedes-Benz Malaysia introduce a plug-in hybrid variant? Simple, because there is no petrol-electric plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the GLE.

The only PHEV variant in the GLE range is the diesel-electric GLE 350de and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia have elected to favour 7 seats over a diesel-electric PHEV. 

Since it is not a plug-in hybrid, the GLE 450 does not have to accommodate a big high-voltage battery, thus allowing it to fit a third-row seat. The added utility offers the GLE 450 an added advantage over the 5-seater X5 45e, but minus the added performance of plug-in hybrid motor of course.

Specifications for the CKD model is almost identical to the CBU variant, except for the smaller 21-inch wheels (CBU ones had 22-inch wheels), and removal of Nappa leather seats, replacing it with synthetic Artico leather and Dinamica microfibre combo seat materials.

The display vehicle seen here is imported from USA so the actual CKD car may differ slightly.

Otherwise, the CKD GLE carries over the same features as the CBU model - Multibeam LED headlights Burmester Surround Sound System, dual 12.3-inch MBUX infotainment (NTG 6), panoramic sliding moonroof, adaptive cruise control with stop & go, Lane Tracking Package, blind spot monitor, Lane Keeping Assist, 360-degree parking camera.

The first batch of the CBU GLE 450 (about RM 634k) also came with E-Active Body Control but subsequent CBU models had regular Airmatic air suspension (and lower RM 608,888 price). The CKD model will also feature Airmatic suspension.

The difference between the two suspensions? E-Active Body Control has a superior, active control for roll stabilization. Instead of merely suppressing body roll, the E-Active Body Control can in some cases, allows the car to actively pitch into a corner, just like a motorcycle.

But you might understand E-Active Body Control more as the famous ‘dancing car’ feature.

The third row seats are good enough for adults, depending on what's your definition of an adult. It's not really fair to call it a 5+2 seater because it's definitely way better than a GLB (and that's a 5+2 seater) but still, taller (170 cm plus) individuals will struggle to sit behind.

The middle row seats are electrically adjustable to slide fore and aft for more legroom.

On the upside, the third row seats fold flat into the boot floor and since it's equipped with Airmatic, there's a button in the boot area to lower the rear suspension for easier cargo loading.

The GLE 450 will be locally-assembled in Pekan, joining the C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, GLC-Class, and GLC Coupe.

The CKD GLE 450 will be the first of several new CKD models that Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will be launching in 2021.

Also read: Malaysia to launch CKD 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan, GLA, GLE - 5 new CKD models coming

The company has previously announced that it will be launching several SUV and compact car models this year, the latter will most likely refer to the A-Class Sedan, while the former refers to this GLE, and as well as the GLA.