Mercedes lifts lid on new-gen GLE Coupe

MERCEDES-BENZ has ripped the covers off its second-generation GLE Coupe large SUV, which will take the fight to the likes of the BMW X6 and Porsche Cayenne Coupe when it arrives locally in the second quarter of next year.

 

The German car-maker has revealed three variants for the launch range, however Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific is still yet to confirm which models will be arriving Down Under.

 

Opening the GLE Coupe range is the GLE350d, which employs Mercedes’ OM656 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine, tuned to produce 200kW/600Nm while sipping 7.5-8.0 litres per 100km and emitting 197-211 grams of CO2 per km.

 

Drive is sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, which is capable of distributing between zero to 100 per cent of torque between the front and rear axles.

 

The second diesel offering, the GLE400d, uses the same set-up as the GLE350d, however the Mercedes spanner-turners have liberated an extra 43kW/100Nm out of the engine for a final output of 243kW/700Nm while retaining the same fuel consumption and using only a single extra gram of CO2.

 

Lastly, one AMG-fettled version has also been revealed – the GLE53, which uses a twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine producing 320kW/520Nm mated to a nine-speed auto, allowing for a sprint from standstill to 100km/h in 5.3s while on the way to a top speed of 250km/h.

 

The engine also features an EQ Boost mild-hybrid starter-alternator and a 48V battery that can momentarily provide an additional 16kW/250Nm and help to reduce fuel consumption to 9.3L/100km and emissions to 212g/km.

 

A range of drive modes is available, consisting of Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual, Trail and Sand.

 

Non-AMG versions come standard with steel suspension that is stiffer than that of the GLE wagon, while Airmatic air suspension is offered as an option.

 

E-Active Body Control suspension is a further option on top of the Airmatic system, which controls spring and damping at each wheel to help reduce body roll and pitch.

 

The GLE53 features AMG Ride Control+ air suspension with adaptive damping as standard, which drops ride height by 15mm in Sport and Sport+ mode, and can be raised as much as 55mm.

 

In the GLE53, speed-sensitive power steering aids handling, while braking power comes courtesy of two-pot front and one-pot rear callipers with 400mm and 345mm discs respectively.

 

Externally, the GLE Coupe largely mirrors the styling of its wagon counterpart, with the obvious difference being the sloping rear profile and some minor styling flourishes.

 

At 4939mm long and 2010mm wide, the new GLE Coupe is 39mm longer and 7mm wider than its predecessor and has a 20mm-longer wheelbase, however the wheelbase is still 60mm shorter than the GLE to aid handling.

 

Full-LED headlights are standard, while alloy wheel sizes range from 19 to 22 inches.

 

AMG-specific exterior touches on the GLE53 include a front apron and splitter, power domes on the bonnet, side skirts, a lip spoiler, flared wheel arches, a rear diffuser, an AMG exhaust system and 20-inch light alloy wheels, which can be optioned up to 22-inch hoops.

 

The increase in exterior dimensions flows into the cabin, with greater space for passengers and a more spacious boot at 655 litres (up 40L), expanding to 1790L with the 40/20/40 split-fold rear bench folded (+70L).

 

Twin 12.3-inch displays comprise the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen, with Mercedes’ MBUX system and Linguatronic voice control technology featuring.

 

The standard sports seats are upholstered in Artico man-made leather, as is the upper dashboard. Nappa leather seat covers are available as an option.

 

AMG seats with Artico leather and Dinamica microfibre, an AMG steering wheel, brushed stainless-steel pedals and AMG lettering throughout the cabin come standard on the GLE53.

 

Standard driver-assistance systems include autonomous emergency braking, active stop-and-go assist and active steering assist.

 

Local pricing and specification for the GLE Coupe range will be released closer to the vehicle’s arrival in the second quarter of next year.

 

The all-new GLE wagon launched in Australia earlier this month.