MERCEDES-BENZ has revealed Australian pricing and specifications for its new GLE Coupé range, which ramps up its unique appeal with greater spaciousness inside the cabin, added technology, and extra agility, thanks to its short wheel base.
The three model GLE Coupé line-up is also more aerodynamically efficient than the model it replaces, despite having the same frontal surface area. Its overall design emphasises coupé specific elegance and sportiness too.
The choice of three potent petrol-powered engines, including two model variants tuned by Mercedes-AMG, results in performance that keeps the promise made by the lithe, eye-catching body shape.
At a total of 39mm longer and 7mm wider than its predecessor, including 20mm added to the wheelbase, the cabin immediately feels more spacious, including an increase to the entrance aperture of 35mm and an additional 40 litres of stowage space.
The wheelbase remains a full 60mm shorter overall than the GLE SUV model on which it is based, a characteristic that boosts dynamic response in high-speed cornering, as well as assisting low-speed manoeuvrability.
This also helps to beef up the aesthetic appeal of the GLE Coupé’s dynamic silhouette, lending to the ready-to-pounce appearance that has captured the imagination of customers all over the world.
The GLE 450 model is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged six cylinder (270kW/500 Nm) supplemented by 48V EQ Boost technology that can add a further 16kW/250Nm of electric output. It’s allied to a 9G-TRONIC auto transmission with 4MATIC all-wheel grip.
It takes 5.7 seconds to reach 100km/h from rest, and achieves economy of 9.2-litres/100km. Features include AMG-inspired interior styling and the MBUX widescreen digital interface, with side-by-side 12.3-inch high resolution screens.
It comes with a 360-degree camera, a Burmester surround sound system, Nappa leather upholstery, heated front seats with memory settings, a panoramic sliding glass sunroof, ambient lighting with 64 colours, smartphone integration and wireless phone charging.
A comprehensive suite of standard safety features includes nine airbags, active steering assist, cruise control with active distance assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic warning function, active lane change assist, active blind spot assist and traffic sign assist.
The GLE 450 also includes key-less technologies, a powered tailgate, multi-beam LED headlights with adaptive high beam assist plus, an 85-litre fuel tank, AMG Line body styling and 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels.
The GLE 53 adds to the 450 model’s comprehensive specification with a range of AMG performance equipment as well as key AMG-inspired visual enhancements. The AMG-fettled, 48V EQ-boosted 3.0-litre turbocharged six outputs 320kW and 520Nm.
It’s mated to an AMG Speedshift TCT 9G automatic transmission, with advanced AMG Performance 4MATIC+ variable all-wheel-drive. From standstill it can hit 100km/h in 5.3 seconds. Fuel economy is 9.3-litres/100km.
Other enhancements include the AIRMATIC air suspension and adaptive damping system, a two-pipe selectable AMG Performance exhaust system, an AMG spoiler lip, and the AMG Night Package, including heat-insulating dark-tinted glass.
It also scores an AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather, AMG door sill panels with illuminated AMG lettering, climatised front seats, the Exclusive Trim package, an AMG-specific radiator trim featuring 15 vertical fins, and 21-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels.
The GLE 53 also introduces a new suspension technology, AMG RIDE CONTROL+ with AMG Active Ride Control. This incorporates 48V active roll-stabiliser bars and, in cooperation with AIRMATIC, offers continuously variable adjustable damping.
The result is enhanced vehicle dynamics and comfort, both on and off the road, working in tandem with a more direct steering ratio. The final model in the range is the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupé.
It’s powered by a potent 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine packing 450kW and 850Nm, now with 48V EQ Boost technology, and allied to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 9G auto and AMG Performance 4MATIC+.
Acceleration from zero to 100km/h takes just 3.8 seconds. Economy is rated at 12.6-litres/100km. Added to the performance specification of the GLE 53 is an AMG electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential.
In addition, it comes with an AMG high-performance composite braking system, the AMG Track Pace app and the Driving Assistance Package Plus. Other enticing features include seats trimmed in AMG Exclusive Nappa leather.
Its multi-contour front seats come with Seat-Heating Plus, and the Warmth Comfort Package including armrest heating. Other features include an AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather and DINAMICA microfibre.
It’s rounded out with the ENERGIZING Package Plus and AIR-BALANCE Package, dashboard and door beltlines in Nappa leather, THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, power closing doors, a heated windscreen washer system, and active traffic assist.
The GLE 63 S Coupé rides on 22-inch AMG cross-spoke light-alloy wheels.
The new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé is available to order now from Mercedes-Benz retailers. The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC Coupé should arrive during September, while the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupé is expected late in 2020.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC Coupé is priced from $137,000 plus on roads, while the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé comes in at $171,800 plus on roads.
If you want the whole hog, be prepared to fork out $222,700 plus on road costs for the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupé.
