Presented for the first time at the Deroit Auto Show, the GLE Coupe has been created to take on BMW’s X6. The model is, from a mechanical standpoint, nearly identical to the regular GLE. a A revised suspension, optimized driving modes and the standard 9-speed automatic transmission are pretty much all the changes made for the model.
What does set it apart from its more conventional brother is the arched-back body, ending in completely different LED taillights, bumper and exhaust tips.
Just as with most Mercedes models, the GLE Coupe received AMG versions as well. These are the only ones available in the United States, namely the AMG GLE 43 Coupe (considered the entry level) and the GLE 63 S Coupe.
The design of the GLE Coupe uses the new flowing surfaces design language created by the Germans for all the SUVs in the range. As per the design idea, the body of the car was meant to blend coupe and SUV elements into the same vehicle.
The model comes with muscular wings, large wheel arches, tires of up to 55.9 cm (22 inches) and high belt line that emphasizes the high ground clearance.
The front end of the SUV is distinguishable by means of a sports grille with single louvre, framed by three-dimensionally designed all-LED headlamps. At the rear, the coupe lines are emphasized by the shape of the rear window, is rounded off at the top.
For the interior, Mercedes-Benz had luxury in mind when designing the GLE Coupe. Ususally, the car comes in single-tone black interior appointments, which can be mated to with ginger beige, crystal grey, saddle brown or porcelain. Two-tone designo exclusive nappa leather in porcelain/black is also available.
The driver of a GLE will get a pilot’s feel thanks to the compact sports steering wheel and sport seats.
The information display of the model is no longer free standing, being integrated into the instrument panel, right next to the centre air vents. The COMAND Controller sits in center console with the touchpad fitted above.
Sound is provided via the Audio 20 CD system with eight loudspeakers and the Remote Online communication module.
The GLE Coupe, as does its GLE brother, is packed with gadgetry and tools meant to provide owners with the ultimate driving experience.
Most of the information for the driver is relayed via the onboard screen, which as an option can be 8-inches in size. The system also includes a DVD player and Traffic Sign Assist with traffic sign recognition including wrong-way warning function.
As standard, the model comes equipped with EASY-PACK tailgate electric opening and closing functions, a reversing camera with dynamic guide lines and the Audio 20 CD system with eight loudspeakers.
The GLE Coupe uses the Cockpit Management and Data system(COMAND) as a means to control audio, telematics and telecommunications functions.
When introduced on the European market, the GLE Coupe came equipped with a choice of five engines, with power ranging from 258 to 585 horsepower, including the AMG versions. All were coupled to the 4MATIC all-wheel drive and five transmission modes for “completely different driving experiences.”
The entry level GLE Coupe was the 350 d 4MATIC (258 hp), while the top of the range the 450 AMG 4MATIC (367 hp).
Two Mercedes-AMG versions were available at first, the GLE 63 4MATIC (557 hp) and 63 S 4MATIC (585 hp). Both are powered by the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo that provides the SUVs with a zero to 62 mph acceleration time of 4.3 and 4.2 seconds, respectively.
Despite being a monster of a powerplant, the biturbo eats about 11.9 liters of fuel every 100 km (19.7 mpg) in the NEDC, which translates into CO2 emissions of 278 g/km.
The wide range of safety and assistance features added to the GLE Coupe starts with the usual airbags, and ESP Curve Dynamic Assist and Crosswind Assist. Building on that, Mercedes added Collision Prevention Assist Plus, BASPlus and optionally Cross Traffic Assist.
Since it was introduced, the GLE Coupe had one main rival: the BMW X6. Unfortunately for the three-pointed star brand, the market success of the model didn’t manage to reach that of the Bavarian rivals.
In Europe, the GLE Coupe’s most successful year was 2016, when 10,800 units found new owners. The same year, BMW sold 12,500 of its X6.
