Mercedes drops diesel from all-new GLE Coupe

MERCEDES-BENZ has revealed the pricing and specification of its all-new, second-generation GLE Coupe large SUV, with the German car-maker dropping diesel from its three-variant line-up that now starts from $137,000 plus on-roads for the GLE450.

The only non-performance variant, the GLE450 sits underneath the $171,800 AMG-fettled GLE53 and the range-topping GLE63 S, which asks $222,700.

The diesel 350d variant has been deleted from the range, while the inline six-cylinder GLE53 replaces the outgoing GLE43 V6.

Compared to the GLE wagon range, the GLE450 Coupe is priced a considerable $19,600 upstream of its wagon counterpart, while the GLE53 Coupe is a fair bit closer in price with a $5100 difference – pricing for the GLE63 S wagon has not been released.

Order books are open for the GLE53, while the GLE450 arrives in September and the GLE63 S to follow before the end of the year.

The new GLE Coupe has grown compared to its predecessor, measuring 39mm longer and 7mm wider with a 20mm longer wheelbase, which has led to an additional 40L of storage space and 35mm wider cabin aperture.

Despite its increase in wheelbase length, the GLE Coupe is still 60mm shorter between the axles than the wagon to allow for sportier handling characteristics, with the more aerodynamic Coupe is now nine per cent slipperier than its predecessor.

With Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific deciding against bringing the GLE350d and GLE400d diesels here, the range opens with the GLE450, powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance, producing 270kW/500Nm.

The 48V EQ Boost system can also momentarily contribute an additional 16kW/250Nm, with power sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Reaching 100km/h from standstill takes 5.7 seconds, while the mild-hybrid six-pot sips an average of 9.2 litres of fuel per 100km.

The sporty attitude of the GLE450 is underscored by AMG Line exterior styling, 21-inch AMG alloy wheels, multi-beam LED headlights with adaptive highbeam assistant plus, panoramic glass sunroof, keyless go and a powered tailgate.

Inside, it features the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch digital displays, Burmester surround sound system, Nappa leather upholstery, heated front seats with memory setting, ambient lighting and smartphone integration with wireless charging. 

Safety kit extends to adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking lane-keep assist, cross-traffic assist, lane change assist, blind spot assist, traffic sign recognition, surround-view monitor and nine airbags.

The GLE53 employs the same six-cylinder, mild-hybrid engine as the GLE450 but with outputs boosted to 320kW/520Nm, with a nine-speed multi-clutch Speedshift automatic transmission.

Reaching three figures is completed in 5.3s, while fuel economy is marginally higher at 9.3L/100km.

Performance enhancements include a sportier calibration of the 4Matic+ all-paw system, Airmatic air suspension with AMG Ride Control+ adaptive damping and active roll stabiliser bars, two-mode AMG Performance exhaust, AMG lip spoiler, 21-inch AMG five-spoke alloys and AMG grille with 15 vertical fins.

Other enhancements include the AMG Night Package with heat-insulating dark-tinted glass, AMG Performance steering wheel finished in Nappa leather, AMG door sill panels with illuminated lettering, climatised front seats and the Exclusive Trim package.

Sitting atop the range is the GLE63 S, powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 good for a massive 450kW/850Nm, which now also benefits from 48V mild-hybrid technology and a nine-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission.

Also equipped with the rear-biased variable all-wheel drive, the GLE63 S rockets to 100km/h in 3.8s while drinking 12.6L/100km.

Aiding handling is the fitment of an electronic limited-slip differential mounted to the rear axle, to go with high-performance composite brakes, the AMG Track Pace app and Driving Assistant Package Plus.

Other exclusive kit includes multi-contour front seats upholstered in AMG Exclusive Nappa leather, Warmth Comfort Package with armrest heating, Nappa leather and Dinamica microfibre steering wheel, Energising Package Plus and Air Balance Package, active traffic assist, automatic climate control, soft-close doors, heated windscreen washer system, 22-inch AMG cross-spoke light alloy wheels and active traffic assist.

Through the first half of the year, Mercedes-Benz has sold 14,364 overall units, down 9.0 per cent over the 15,790 sold to the same time last year.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs