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The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is the three-pointed star's take on BMW's X6, a large luxury crossover that rides on SUV underpinnings but which features a coupe-like sloping roof. Whether you like this genre of car or not, it's hard not to be impressed by Mercedes' execution of the theme. It's a sportier, more stylish coupe-styled version of the GLE-Class five-door model and gains an added dash of maturity in this second generation form.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00​​​​ Introduction
00:52 Background
03:26 Driving Experience
14:45 Design & Build
33:26 Market & Model Range
53:21 Cost of Ownership
01:04:24​​​ Summary

Background

If something works, then you should first copy it, then improve upon it. Take the rather curious, contradictory idea of a luxury SUV Coupe. BMW introduced it with their X6 model in 2007 and sold so many that Mercedes couldn't help noticing the need for something similar, hence the introduction of the first generation GLE Coupe in 2014, then followed by the announcement of this second generation version five years later.

If you'd like a sportscar but need a large SUV and want something that's fashion-conscious and stylish, this Mercedes aims to satisfy. It's certainly an arresting thing to look at, as extrovert, powerful and in-your-face as a car of this kind needs to be. Yet there is perhaps a dash of maturity here too that the rival BMW X6 maybe doesn't quite have. Enough to also perfectly position this GLE Coupe against upper-spec versions of other sportier contenders in the luxury SUV segment like Jaguar's F-PACE and Maserati's Levante.

Driving Experience

There are two main GLE engine options to begin with and most buyers are likely to choose the base diesel derivative, a 400d 4MATIC variant that features a six cylinder diesel engine, which produces 330hp. If petrol power is of more interest, there's an alternative Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe model with a stonking 435hp. This unit's enhanced by the Mercedes EQ Boost mild hybrid system, which uses a 48-volt onboard network with a belt-driven starter/alternator - the system adds 22hp to the car's overall output. This AMG '53' version can sprint from 0 to 62mph in just 5.3 seconds and has a top speed of 155mph.

In all variants, power is transmitted via 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The broad ratio spread of gears allows for a clearly perceptible reduction in engine speed. Ride comfort and agility improvements are promised by the optional 48V E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension, which is combined with the optional AIRMATIC air suspension. This is the only system in the market where the spring and damping forces can be individually controlled at each wheel. This means that it not only counteracts body roll, but also pitching and squat.

Design and Build

This second generation GLE Coupe is significantly bigger than its predecessor, 39mm longer and 7mm wider. The wheelbase is 20mm longer too, but remains 60mm shorter than that of the ordinary GLE so as to preserve this sportier variant's coupe-like appearance. Something further emphasised by the flatter-angled windscreen, rear-sloping roof line and large, flush wheels available at sizes ranging between 19 and 21-inches. Broad, muscular C-pillars deliver what Mercedes calls a 'ready-to-pounce' look.

Inside, much of the fascia architecture is familiar from the ordinary GLE, but the coupe feel is emphasised by a high centre console, sports seats and a grippy sports steering wheel with nappa leather trim. Other than that, the first thing you'll probably notice at the front is that the designers have incorporated a couple of 12.3-inch TFT screens, one in the instrument binnacle and one in the centre of the dash that works with the new 'MBUX' voice-activated multimedia system. There are more interior stowage spaces this time round and better all-round vision. The rear seat is more spacious that the swept-back lines would suggest. And there's a bigger 655-litre boot, extendable to 1,790-litres once you fold the 40:20:40-split rear bench.

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