New GLE Coupe. Mercedes targets the US and China with its fast backed SUV, also set to go on sale in the UK this year. Combining the high driving position and off-road capabilities of an SUV with the sweeping tail of a coupe and the nimble handling of a sporting machine, the new GLE coupe is not exactly conventional.
Based on the 166-series ML (now called the GLE), the four-door GLE coupe carves a new niche in the Mercedes-Benz range while earning many recognisable features, such as a sports grille with large star badge, power domes on the bonnet, flanks with two prominent creases from nose to tail, a curving top edge for the rear window, and slim LED clusters below, complete with chrome brow.
With wheels measuring up to 22 inches in diameter, you couldn’t say the GLE coupe lacks presence. Nor could you accuse it of having old, hand-me-down technology from elsewhere in Mercedes’ range. In fact, the GLE coupe has a few aces up its sleeve, such as a 362bhp/383lb ft torque V6 biturbo petrol engine in the GLE450 AMG 4Matic – the first car from the new AMG Sport range. A full fat AMG is also expected with a biturbo V8.
While the GLE350 d 4Matic (V6 turbodiesel – 254bhp/457lb ft) and GLE400 4Matic (V6 petrol – 328bhp/354lb ft) feature 50/50 torque distribution front and rear, the GLE450 splits its grunt 40/60, reaffirming its sporting intent.
The 450 AMG has a 362bhp V6 biturbo engine.
Large dash display. Nine speed 9G-Tronic auto standard.
All GLE coupes come with Mercedes latest 9G-Tronic automatic, but the GLE450 AMG also features a double-declutch function for downshifts, plus a sports direct steer system (with a quick 17.4:1 ratio), as well as the body roll reducing Active Curve System for the Airmatic suspension, and Dynamic Select which allows the driver to alter the behaviour of the suspension, steering and powertrain with modes ranging from Comfort to Sport+ .
To make this possible, Dynamic Select is linked to the car’s ASR (anti slip regulation), ESP with Curve Dynamic Assist, the four- wheel drive specific traction control, and the Adaptive Brake system. Air suspension – now with ADS Plus continuously variable damping – is available as an option on the GLE350 d and GLE400, replacing steel sprung suspension.
The GLE coupe shares its 2,915mm wheelbase with the regular ML/GLE, but at 4,900mm long, 2,003mm wide and 1,731mm tall, it is almost 100mm longer, over 80mm wider and over 60mm lower overall. Boot space measures 1,650 litres, which is 360 litres down on its straight-backed counterpart.
UK pricing and specifications were not confirmed at the time of writing, but the GLE coupe is expected to go on sale this summer.
