It’s no surprise to see them in India, one of the brand’s top markets for these two. The Night Edition is meant to be a bit of a show-stopper. You can have it in Obsidian Black or an Alpine Grey that you can’t get on the regular lineup.
What you get beyond the look
Step inside and you’ll notice the difference. The cabin has been reworked with black Nappa leather and some Anthracite open-pore oak. There’s also a head-up display as standard on both, so you don’t have to look away from the road to see what’s going on.
Here are the key additions at a glance:
– Exclusive Alpine Grey paint not offered on standard models
– Airmatic suspension fitted across Night Edition range
– Bespoke black Nappa leather and Anthracite trim
But there is more to it than looks. The Airmatic air suspension is now part of the package, and in the case of the GLE Night Edition, it’s an upgrade over the standard model for a ride that’s better suited to our roads.
Pricing and availability
The design does its job by toning down the chrome and adding a bit of drama with gloss black and other darkened bits. It’s a more assertive way to present the SUV. And while the form is there, so is the function. Both come with a 9G-TRONIC auto and 4MATIC, and the GLS even has rear entertainment screens for the back seat.
The Night Edition range is priced as follows, ex-showroom India:
– GLE 300d Night Edition: Rs 1.05 crore
– GLE 450 Night Edition: Rs 1.14 crore
– GLS 450 Night Edition: Rs 1.41 crore
– GLS 450d Night Edition: Rs 1.43 crore
Engines and performance
On the performance side, you have your pick of diesel or petrol. If you want to be the first off the line, the GLE 450 4MATIC will do 0-100 in 5.6 seconds with 381bhp on tap. For something with a bit more heft and torque, the GLS 450d 4MATIC is hard to beat at 750Nm, though it’s a hair slower to 100 at 6.1 sec.
Then there’s the GLE 300d 4MATIC for when you want to be efficient but still make some noise. It’s 269bhp, 550Nm and a 6.9 second run to 100, all with the Airmatic under you. Or, if you prefer a petrol flagship, the GLS 450 4MATIC has the same 381bhp as the GLE 450 but with the Night Edition’s edge to it.
Bottom line for shoppers
In the end, the Night Edition is a limited series with a ready-made spec that doesn’t require much thought. You get the high-contrast style, the better interior and the tech, and you’re set.
