Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe unveiled with impressive performance
Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe has just been unveiled with the latest range including a 320 kW Mercedes-AMG G53 Coupé variant. The new GLE Coupe is a further example of the Mercedes-Benz strategy to address all the requirements of customers in the premium-SUV segment in a targeted manner.
This stylish coupe is now also equipped to challenge the performance of the soon to arrive Porsche Coupe that is targeted for unveiling in 2020.
From a relatively small niche, the segment of SUCs, namely SUV coupés, has developed into a trend within a trend in no time. With the renewal of the premium-SUV family Mercedes-Benz is also putting the GLE Coupé on a new technical footing.
Mercedes-Benz says the line-up will also feature six-cylinder diesel engines the aforementioned petrol-powered AMG version and at a later date and a plug-in-hybrid model.
In total Mercedes-Benz now offers eight SUV models in the form of the GLA, GLC, GLC Coupé, the G-Class and the new GLB. With currently around one third of sales, the SUVs are a major structural pillar in the Mercedes-Benz product portfolio, and greatly contribute to the growth of the brand. To date, more than six million customers around the world have opted for a Mercedes-Benz SUV.
So, what sets the new GLE Coupé apart from the standard body style (besides that dramatically sloping roof and the pinched rear end)? Well, while it has grown to 4939 mm long and 2010 mm wide, its wheelbase is some 60 mm shorter than that of the GLE (but 20 mm longer than before).
Mercedes claims the new GLE Coupé offers improvements in terms of its interior dimensions “in many places”, adding that the capacity of stowage spaces in the cabin has been increased to a total of 40 litres. The firm says the all-round view has also been improved while the optional sliding roof panel is larger, too.
The luggage compartment can hold a claimed 655 litres, while dropping the rear bench increases the figure to 1790 litres (an improvement of 70 litres over its predecessor). Inside, you will find the latest generation of the MBUX infotainment system run via a pair of 12,3-inch screens.
The two diesel-engined models are powered by the brand’s OM656 inline-six engine. In the GLE350d Coupé, it generates 200 kW and 600 Nm, while the GLE 400d Coupé boasts 243 kW and 700 Nm. In both cases, drive is directed to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission.
And the Mercedes-AMG GLE53 Coupé? Well, this variant’s 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine offers 320 kW and 520 Nm.
Thanks to its 4 V system, it furthermore boasts an EQ Boost starter-alternator that delivers an additional 16 kW and 250 Nm for “a short period”. The result is a sprint from zero to 100 km/h in a claimed 5.3 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
