It was in 2020 that Mercedes-Benz India introduced the new-generation versions of the GLE and GLS models in India. Both SUVs have been highly popular in the Indian car market, so much so that the company is currently facing a shortfall in supply, mainly caused due to the challenges imposed by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, recently speaking with carandbike, Santosh Iyer, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India told us that both SUVs currently come with a waiting period of up to three months, that is until September 2021.
Talking about the shortfall of vehicles, Iyer said, "Right now, our biggest challenge is the supply side, because we are not able to supply (enough). Frankly, there is a shortfall on diesel (models) right now." Adding about the GLE and GLS he said, "But when I look at GLE and GLS they always have had 3 months of waiting. Even now the GLS is sold out till September, the GLE is also sold out till September. So that's quite strong."
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Santosh Iyer, VP, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India says the GLE and GLS both have always had a 3 months of waiting
Right now, several Mercedes-Benz India cars like the A-Class Limousine, GLA, and the E-Class sedan are facing a waiting period of 4 weeks to 8 weeks depending on the model. In fact, the company is particularly seeing a shortfall of diesel E-Class in India, which is booked till the end of July. Having said that, seeing the silver lining in this, Iyer added, "I think it's a very good situation to be in, that's what gives us the confidence that we'll end up the year on a strong double-digit growth."
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The Mercedes-Benz GLS is offered in both petrol and diesel options, and both are priced at Rs. 1.05 crore (ex-showroom, India)
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The Mercedes-Benz GLE is right now offered in three variants - GLE 300d, GLE 400d, and GLE 450 - which include two diesel engines and one top-end petrol motor, all mated to a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The GLS, on the other hand, comes in two variants - GLS 400d and GLS 450, powered by a pair of 3.0-litre diesel and petrol engines respectively, and both get a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The GLE is currently priced between Rs. 77.25 lakh and Rs. 94.22 lakh, whereas both variants of the GLS are priced at Rs. 1.05 crore, (all prices ex-showroom, India).
