Comfort and Sportiness

Mercedes-Benz has fully redesigned the "M-Class" and announced it under the new name "GLE." The changes are not just in the name. The GLE lineup has been enhanced, and the addition of the "GLE Coupe" allows it to appeal to a wider range of customers.

Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show (Detroit Auto Show) in January 2015, the GLE Coupe is the company's first large SUV with a coupe concept. While the style of the compact SUV, the "GLA"GLA," can be seen as a crossover with a sedan, the GLE Coupe is new in its emphasis on a coupe-like, driver-focused personal feel, with a compact cabin and a steeply raked rear hatch, true to its name.

The body, with its smooth surfaces and chrome accents, measures an impressive 4,900mm in length and 1,731mm in height, giving it a character that commands attention. The slightly notched rear end is stylish, conveying the values of a driver who prioritizes style over pure practicality in an SUV.

"In the past, car manufacturing required a choice between comfort or sportiness," said Dr. Thomas Weber, a member of the Board of Management at Mercedes-Benz responsible for vehicle development, during a dinner at a stylish resort hotel in Austria, where the test drive event was held.

So, what's the impression from driving it? It's not just about the style. Once you drive it, it lives up to expectations with its sportiness. This is truly the GLE Coupe that Mercedes has created.

A Sporty Lineup

The Mercedes GLE Coupe lineup differs slightly from the standard GLE. There is only one diesel engine option, the "GLE 350d 4MATIC" (2,987cc V6 / 190kW, 620Nm). The gasoline engine options are the "GLE 400 4MATIC" (2,996cc V6 / 245kW, 480Nm) and the "GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC" (2,996cc V6 / 270kW, 520Nm). Additionally, there are high-performance variants from Mercedes-AMG: the "GLE 63 4MATIC" (5,461cc V8 / 410kW, 700Nm) and the "GLE 63 S 4MATIC" (5,461cc V8 / 430kW, 760Nm).

The GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC in the lineup is a recently introduced specification, characterized as a sporty Mercedes vehicle incorporating AMG's suspension system. It's a niche product aimed at a target demographic not fully covered by AMG's pricing, but it's popular among users who appreciate sporty models, and its reputation is excellent.

While the GLE offers a 250d model, the GLE Coupe is limited to the 350d. This is likely due to its character as a specialty car. As mentioned earlier, the availability of AMG model variations is also a feature of the Coupe.

"We don't yet know the exact proportions of the model mix between the GLE and the GLE Coupe. Generally, classic-style SUVs (like the GLE) are more popular, but the situation varies slightly by country."

Dr. Thomas Weber, head of development, analyzes the market.

"For example, stylish SUVs sell well in Italy, so the proportion of GLE Coupes there is likely to be higher. SUVs are also popular with women because they offer a sense of security, but very masculine, rugged styles tend to be avoided. Therefore, we see the GLE Coupe as a segment with growth potential."

More Than Just Looks: Truly Sporty Performance

"There are other large SUVs with coupe-like styling. However, we haven't just followed suit; we've focused on the substance. That's what Dr. Thomas Weber emphasizes about the GLE Coupe. 'We've adopted the nine-speed automatic transmission, which we call 9G-TRONIC, in combination with the full-time 4WD system, 4MATIC, for the first time in the GLE Coupe.'"

The suspension is slightly firm, but both the rebound and compression damping are well-balanced. Gripping the steering wheel in the interior, finished with a sophisticated, high-end sportswear aesthetic, is incredibly enjoyable. Despite its size, you feel a strong connection with the car. The natural driving feel is exactly what one expects from the AMG brand.

Those who approach car selection with a rational mindset will also appreciate the GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC with its 3-liter V6 engine. Although my time with this model was limited, it generates 520Nm of torque from 1,800rpm, providing ample acceleration that feels inexhaustible as the revs climb. Even on winding mountain roads with tight corners, the superb chassis allows for a truly sporty driving experience.

The car follows the steering input precisely, and its movements, including body roll, are smooth. The nine-speed transmission maintains the optimal torque band in such situations, allowing the car to surge forward instantly with even a slight press of the accelerator. While not a sports car, its ability to provide driving enjoyment makes it almost worthy of being called another kind of sports car.

Dr. Weber mentioned that the GLE Coupe pairs well with female drivers, but it shouldn't be exclusively for them. When pushed, its strengths truly shine. Even the 3-liter V6 diesel model, the GLE 350d, offers genuine driving pleasure. You won't be disappointed.

Practicality Uncompromised

The GLE 350d is a model that features Mercedes' new nomenclature system, with "d" indicating its diesel engine. The 3-liter V6 diesel engine delivers its maximum torque of 620Nm from 1,800rpm, resulting in excellent acceleration. Furthermore, at lower cruising speeds, the engine is kept quiet, offering a level of refinement that might surprise those who typically associate diesel engines with harshness. Even without the AMG designation, this model ensures a high degree of everyday enjoyment and comfort.

It has a hatch gate, and the coupe-like styling features a gentle slope, which might suggest compromised rear-seat space. However, the seating position is slightly lower than in the GLE, providing ample legroom and headroom. The footwell under the front seats is also spacious, ensuring that even occupants around 180cm tall will not feel cramped.

Although there are no images of the luggage compartment in the catalog, it is surprisingly deep and can easily accommodate two or more golf bags, suitcases, and other gear. Folding the 60/40 split rear seatbacks reveals a vast cargo area. It's impressive how functionality has not been sacrificed for its stylish design.

"The M-Class has achieved strong sales, particularly in the US, China, and Germany, with annual sales exceeding a record 130,000 units worldwide. We plan to maintain, and even surpass, these figures with the GLE."

If the market truly appreciates the GLE Coupe, Dr. Weber's words may well come true. While stylish SUVs haven't sold particularly well in Japan, Mercedes-Benz Japan is considering importing it from the fall.

Equipped with the latest safety features, it is flawless in every aspect. Driving it on the winding roads and autobahns of verdant Austria, I was thoroughly impressed by the arrival of this remarkable model.

Mercedes-Benz GLE 350d 4MATIC Coupe
Mercedes-Benz GLE 350d 4MATIC Coupe
Body size: Length 4,900 × Width 2,003 × Height 1,731 mm
Wheelbase: 2,915 mm
Tread Front/Rear: 1,658 / 1,725 mm
Weight (ECE): 2,260 kg (including 68kg occupants + 7kg luggage + 90% fuel)
Engine: V6 2,987 cc Turbo Diesel
Bore x Stroke: 83.0 × 92.0 mm
Compression Ratio: 15.5 : 1
Max. Output: 190 kW (258 ps) / 3,400 rpm
Max. Torque: 620 Nm / 1,600-2,400 rpm
Transmission: 9-speed AT (9G-TRONIC)
Drive System: 4WD (Front/Rear Torque Distribution 50:50)
Front Suspension: Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension: Multi-link
Front Brakes: Ventilated Discs
Rear Brakes: Ventilated Discs
Tires Front/Rear: 275/50R20
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 7.0 seconds
Max. Speed: 226 km/h
Fuel Economy (NEDC Combined): 6.9-7.2 ℓ/100km (approx. 14.5-13.9 km/ℓ)
Trunk Capacity: 650-1,720 liters
CO2 Emissions: 180-189 g/km

Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC Coupe
Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC Coupe
Body size: Length 4,891 × Width 2,003 × Height 1,719 mm
Wheelbase: 2,915 mm
Tread Front/Rear: 1,656 / 1,675 mm
Weight (EC): 2,220 kg (including 90% fuel)
Engine: V6 2,996 cc Twin-Turbo
Bore x Stroke: 88.0 × 82.1 mm
Compression Ratio: 10.5 : 1
Max. Output: 270 kW (367 ps) / 5,500-6,000 rpm
Max. Torque: 520 Nm / 1,800-4,000 rpm
Transmission: 9-speed AT (9G-TRONIC)
Drive System: 4WD (Front/Rear Torque Distribution 40:60)
Front Suspension: Double Wishbone (AIRMATIC)
Rear Suspension: Multi-link (AIRMATIC)
Front Brakes: Ventilated Discs
Rear Brakes: Ventilated Discs
Tires Front/Rear: 275/45R21 / 315/40R21
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 5.7 seconds
Max. Speed: 250 km/h
Fuel Economy (NEDC Combined): 9.4-8.9 ℓ/100km (approx. 10.6-11.2 km/ℓ)
Trunk Capacity: 650-1,720 liters
CO2 Emissions: 219-209 g/km

Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 4MATIC Coupe
Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 4MATIC Coupe
Body size: Length 4,918 × Width 2,003 × Height 1,720 mm
Wheelbase: 2,915 mm
Tread Front/Rear: 1,657 / 1,704 mm
Weight (EC): 2,275 kg (including 90% fuel)
Engine: V8 5,461 cc Twin-Turbo
Bore x Stroke: 98.0 × 90.5 mm
Compression Ratio: 10.0 : 1
Max. Output: 410 kW (557 ps) / 5,750 rpm
Max. Torque: 700 Nm / 1,750-5,500 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed AT (AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC)
Drive System: 4WD (Front/Rear Torque Distribution 40:60)
Front Suspension: Double Wishbone (AIRMATIC)
Rear Suspension: Multi-link (AIRMATIC)
Front Brakes: Ventilated Discs
Rear Brakes: Ventilated Discs
Tires Front/Rear: 285/45R21 / 325/40R21
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 4.3 seconds
Max. Speed: 250 km/h
Fuel Economy (NEDC Combined): 11.9 ℓ/100km (approx. 8.4 km/ℓ)
Trunk Capacity: 650-1,720 liters
CO2 Emissions: 278 g/km