Mercedes GLE Coupe. Sporty and well-managed
Mercedes GLE Coupe is all-wheel drive version with a coupe version of the mid-size luxury E-class crossover from German brand Mercedes-Benz, which has been produced since 2014. In 2020, the second generation of the 2019 model year SUV was available on the Israeli market.
Before GLE, ML series crossovers were produced. In 2015 Mercedes changed nomenclature for entire crossover models. Now all crossovers start with GL, and the next letter means the class of the car. This is how the popular third-generation ML crossover received the GLE nomenclature. And at the same time, its modification C292 was presented on the market for the first time with a coupe-like silhouette and the ‘Coupe’ prefix in the name.
First generation
Produced from 2014 to 2019. The first Mercedes GLE Coupe was unveiled in December 2014, and its sales began in 2015. An AMG version of it was released soon after. The car shared the platform, interior, and units with the usual GLE. Although it received its bulk with codename C292, which only in some details repeated the appearance of its brother. The coupe-like crossover received a four-wheel drive with a symmetrical center differential, and an AMG version the thrust ratio was 40:60. In addition, the car was presented with an improved Comand multimedia system. The suspension was spring or as an option – pneumatic Airmatic with ADS Plus shock absorbers.
The first generation of GLE Coupe was equipped with 3-liter V6 petrol engines with different power – in GLE 350d it was 258 hp, in GLE 400 it was 333 hp and in GLE 450 AMG – 367 hp. The top version of Mercedes AMG GLE 63 had a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 557 hp under the hood and torque of 700 Nm. The most powerful AMG GLE 63 S was equipped with a 585 hp engine and torque of 760 Nm. The S-variant accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, and then it was one of the most dynamic crossovers. Later the modification of GLE 450 AMG was renamed GLE 43 and in 2017 this version increased the power by 23 hp. It was 390 hp, but the torque was the same – 520 Nm.
Second generation
Produced from August 2019 to present (data for 2020). New Mercedes GLE Coupe has added in length (+39 mm), in width (+7 mm), and the wheelbase has grown by 20 mm. However, this is 60 mm less than the new GLE crossover. In the previous generation, there was no difference in wheelbase between the regular and coupe versions of GLE. The ‘Coupe’ prefix means more than just the roof of an SUV. The coupe-like crossover turned out to be wider, longer, with a shorter wheelbase. And its German manufacturers believe it is ‘beneficial for both handling and sporty looks.’ The shape of the headlights of the new coupe does not resemble GLE, but rather A-class. Air resistance is reduced by 9% compared to the previous model.
Mercedes GLE Coupe 2020 is equipped with a straight-six 3-liter diesel engine in two boost versions. GLE Coupe 350 d 4Matic is equipped with a 272 hp engine and 600 Nm of torque, with combined fuel consumption of 7.5-8.0 liters per 100 km. GLE Coupe 400 d 4Matic version has a 330 hp engine with a torque of 700 Nm, consuming on average 7.5-8.0 liters per 100 km. All motors are fitted with a 9G-Tronic transmission and transfer case with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that distributes traction between the axles. There is a petrol version with a 3-liter 367 hp engine and a hybrid version with 2-liter 320 hp engine. Also, the company presented AMG GLE 53 4Matic + Coupe equipped with a petrol straight-six 3-liter turbocharged engine, electric supercharger, and a 48-volt setup EQ Boost.
The base suspension on GLE Coupe is steel springs, and an optional Airmatic air suspension with adaptive dampers is available. The latter can be additionally equipped with an active system E-Active Body Control, powered by 48-volt mains, with individual control of spring force and damping on each wheel, counteracting rolls, dives, and squats, tilting the body inward, and road scanning.
Inside, the new 2020/2021 Mercedes GLE coupe is equipped with a front panel with a pair of 12.3-inch screens and the latest version of the MBUX interface, the same is installed in the latest GLE without the Coupe prefix. More spacious interior, easier entry into the car, and increased space for small things distinguish the second generation of the coupe-like crossover. The second row of the seat folds in 40:20:40 ratios. The trunk has grown too. And the loading height has also been reduced by 60 mm, the inner width of the luggage compartment has been increased by 72 mm, and the maximum load length (with the seats folded) by 87 mm (as a result, two and a half meters can be put into).
