Mercedes GLE Coupe SUV

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The Mercedes GLE Coupe is a luxury SUV Coupe that revels in its role as an opinion divider. Jonathan Crouch reports on the revised version of the second generation model.

Ten Second Review

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 SUV model and gains a wider range of engines in the revised version of this second generation design.

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. Here, we look at the revised version of this second generation design.

Driving Experience

Unsurprisingly, the engine options are much as they are with the GLE SUV (save for the absence of the base 300 d mild hybrid). All GLE Coupe variants feature 4MATIC 4WD and the wide powerplant range starts with two Plug-in Hybrids. Firstly, there's the GLE 350 de diesel, a PHEV which offers that 2.0-litre 252hp engine paired to a 152hp electric motor energised by a 31.2kWh battery offering up to 67 miles of EV driving range. If you don't want diesel, there's also a Plug-in Hybrid petrol model, the GLE 400 e, which uses a 2.0-litre 252hp petrol engine paired to a 152hp electric motor, again energised by a 31.2kWh battery, here with up to 68 miles of EV range. If you'd like your GLE Coupe with a 3.0-litre six cylinder engine, there's a mild hybrid model which pair its engine to a 22hp motor, the GLE 450 d diesel with 367hp. There's just as much choice in the Mercedes-AMG sporting part of the range. Things there kick off with a 53 4MATIC+ mild hybrid 3.0-litre six cylinder model with 435hp. Next up us the 53 HYBRID, a PHEV model mating a 449hp version of that 3.0-litre 'six' with a 170hp electric motor energised by the aforementioned 31.2kWh battery, which when charged can travel up to 56 miles on EV power; 62mph from rest takes just 4.7s. Finally, if you're totally out of tune with the current zeitgeist, you could stretch to the thumping GLE 63, which has a defiantly un-electrified 612hp 4.0-litre petrol V8 and demolishes 62mph in just 3.9s. In all variants, power is transmitted via 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Ride comfort and agility 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. On the conventional model, an optional 'Off-Road Engineering' package adds under-body protection, air suspension and 30mm of extra ground clearance. If air suspension and the 'E-Active Body Control' system have been fitted, Mercedes says the GLE can tow up to 3.5-tonnes. And the car can be had with a clever 'Trailer Manoevring assist' system and also a 'trailer route planner' in the nav system to help drivers avoid pinch points for long or tall vehicles.

Design and Build

The GLE Coupe looks much as it did when we first saw it in 2020, though in 2023, Mercedes added a few visual updates. The front grille got extra chrome, the front bumper was re-shaped, the running light signature was changed on the LED headlamps and the rear LED tail lamps were restyled. Most customers want the 'AMG Line' exterior, with its diamond-patterned front grille, deeper bumper and extended wheel arches. Otherwise, things are much as before, which means a flat-angled windscreen, a rear-sloping roof line and large, flush 21 or 22-inch wheels. Broad, muscular C-pillars deliver what Mercedes calls a 'ready-to-pounce' look. Inside, the 2023 model update added a redesigned steering wheel with touch controls that allow access to central screen functions. Plus Mercedes also added extra chrome to the air vents and made available various fresh colour and trim combinations. As before, much of the fascia architecture is familiar from the ordinary GLE, but the coupe feel is emphasised by a high centre console and well-positioned sports seats with nappa leather trim. Other than that, the first thing you'll probably notice at the front is the usual pair of 12.3-inch TFT screens, one in the instrument binnacle and one in the centre of the dash that works with the brand's 'MBUX' voice-activated multimedia system.  The rear seat is more spacious that the swept-back lines would suggest. And in the 450 d, there's a big 655-litre boot, extendable to 1,790-litres once you fold the 40:20:40-split rear bench. In the Plug-ins, those figures fall to 510-litres and 1,645-litres.

Market and Model

The GLE Coupe comes in three mainstream trim levels, 'Urban Editrion', 'AMG Line Premium' and 'AMG Line Premium Plus'; prices start from around £80,000, around £3,000 above the SUV version. The Mercedes-AMG models start from around £103,000. At least you get plenty of kit fitted as standard on all variants: 21-inch wheels, soft-close doors, Multibeam LED headlamps that react to corners, surround lighting and a vast portfolio of camera safety features. There's also a panoramic sunroof, climatised front seats, the 'Air Balance' package that adds scents to the interior, temperature-controlled cup holders and the brand's 'Energizing Package', which gives you selectable sounds and colour themes in the cabin. As with all GLE variants, you can expect to find the brand's pair of 'Widescreen cockpit' screens for infotainment and instrument dials, the centre display featuring MBUX Navigation with Augmented Reality, plus you get a 'Live Traffic' system and a premium Burmester Surround Sound audio set-up. There's also 'THERMATIC' Climate Control, along with ambient lighting, electric front seats with memory setting, electrically adjustable rear seats, a wireless Charging mat and a Dashcam.

Cost of Ownership

Let's get to the efficiency figures. Starting with the mild hybrid; 37.7mpg and 197g/km for the 450 d diesel Coupe. Obviously, you'll do much better with the PHEVs. The 350 de diesel Coupe manages up to 470.8mpg and 15g/km, while the 400 e Coupe manages up to 353.1mpg and 17g/km. In the Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe range, the mild hybrid Mercedes-AMG 53 4MATIC+ Coupe manages 27.4mpg and 235g/km; the PHEV Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 HYBRID 4MATIC+ Coupe manages 235.4mpg and 27g/km of CO2. And the top Mercedes-AMG 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupe manages just 22.6mpg and a smoky 284g/km of CO2. What else? Well, we'll tell you that the comprehensive three year warranty is built upon by Mercedes' Mobilo scheme which delivers breakdown cover for up to thirty years, as long as you continue to have your car serviced at a Mercedes main dealer. And it's worth knowing that your maintenance outlay can be kept a little in check by going for the optional Service Care package that takes care of routine maintenance, spreading the cost of regular servicing, guaranteeing the price of parts and labour for up to four services and covering the cost of all recommended service items such as brake fluid, spark plugs, air filters, fuel filters and screen wash. There's also an ASSYST dashboard service indicator that monitors engine use and tells you exactly when a garage visit is due. It's also worth mentioning that the 'Mercedes me' remote online services package that comes as part of the infotainment system includes remote self-diagnostic capability, enabling your GLE to monitor wear and tear items and alert your local dealer to let you know if something needs seeing to.

Summary

This is the kind of car that evokes howls of self-righteous indignation from the motoring press. They'll criticise its weight, its looks and its politically incorrect attitude. Before, of course, going on to fawn over some enormous luxury limousine or thirsty, dirty supercar. It's all very hypocritical. If you don't like this car, then fair enough. But don't moralise about it. True, if you're a business buyer, your CEO might still raise an amused eyebrow, but if you're the kind of very individual customer who'll want one of these, then you probably won't mind that for you'll be someone who shares the confidence that's apparent in every aspect of this model's make-up. In years to come, when considering this market segment, we might well forget who got there first and who tagged along. Who knows, we might even forget about SUV-coupes. In the here and now though, here's one of the very finest.