Four Door Coupe Sports Utility Vehicle GLE 450 AMG Coupe

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE, More than an SUV in Coupe Styling

The ML350, most are used to seeing a
Four Door Boxy SUV

There is a new Mercedes-Benz model on the road, the GLE Coupe. While it shares the model designation with the boxy SUV, that was the ML, it is designed in Mercedes-Benz’s 4-door coupe style. When M-B first leaked pictures of this new SUV, there were comments that it was a copy of BMW’s X6. A very different approach to the bread box shapped SUV that we have been seeing since the ML was brought to market in 1998 with the first generation ML320.

The new 2016 GLE Coupe, comes either as a 450 or a 63, both AMG models, each are very different as the price indicates; the GLE450 AMG starts at $65,100, while the GLE63 AMG starts at $109,300. The 450 is part of Mercedes-Benz’s new entry level AMG “Sport Model”, an entry point providing buyers AMG styling without the brawn the line has been known for in the past.

AMG Sport Models feature a Red detail on engine covers

The Exhaust of the GLE is is where the sounds of fire are made.

The GLE 450 comes with the AMG-Enhanced 6 cyl 3.0 bi-turbo engine and 9-speed automatic transmission, performance oriented 4MATIC all-wheel drive and Dynamic Select that allows drivers to select the level of performance they desire at any time from the car. Dynamic Select has four settings: Comfort; Sport; Sport+; or an individual setting, where a mix of all can be set. These adjust the ride comfort, engine response and steering. Sport+ sets a growl sound in the exhaust complete with pops and gurgles with engine management and a spray of fuel into the hot exhaust, for those who want a sound to come with their sportier driving settings. 

While the GLE 63 AMG continues to feature the handcrafted (one-man / one-engine) AMG 5.5 liter bi-turbo 8 cyl engine connected to a 7 speed automatic transmission, AMG High performance braking system, and a host of other goodies that make up the $40K difference in price between the two models.

GLE's rear seats fold down to provide plenty of cargo space

The spacious interior of the GLE Coupe provides plenty of room for five passengers and cargo even with the sloping rear hatch. Plenty of trunk area and folding down the rear seats increases that to be able to carry all but the boxiest of items. A large lift over rear sill, means you will not be sliding items in and out, like you would in the standard SUV. Passenger seating is comfortable, with a variety of different seat options including massage, heat and cool surfaces. Though we found the heavily bolstered seat cushion on some models required more effort to get in and out, than others.

Drivability is superb, the coupe’s ease of driving, tight turning radius, and command of the road, is like any other M-B. While the base model has plenty of bells and whistle, there are plenty of options that enhance the vehicle, like Driver Assist with Distronic Plus and Lane Keep Assist, for safety; Parking Assist with Parkronic for convenience. The rearview camera with the 360 degree view option is an excellent option on any Mercedes-Benz, showing you exactly where your vehicle is in relation to its surroundings. While Mercedes-Benz has included pretty much everything in the GLE coupe’s design, a heads up display would be an option that would be welcomed by many drivers.

The rearview camera pops out under the
 Star in the GLE

In talking to one new owner, who exuberantly stated it was a dream to drive, we have to agree. While it is a large vehicle, with plenty of power, it is nimble and drives like a smaller one. My only regret is that it is not sold as a non-AMG model, as the AMG add-ons seem unnecessary on this already excellently engineered vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz updated the model designations.

The nomenclature of Mercedes-Benz SUV’s are changing, all of them starting with the letter “G”: GLA for the smallest; GLC replacing the GLK; GLE replacing the ML, and GLS replacing the GL.

The legendary G-Wagen, while the almost 40 years old continues to be the daddy of them all. This coupe design of the GLE is the first real change we have seen since Mercedes-Benz released the mass market SUV’s, and like them it too is made at the MBUSI Plant in Alabama.



Build your own on MBUSA.com or better yet stop into a Mercedes-Benz dealer and see one for yourself.