Like it or not, the BMW X6 has carved out a comfortable “coupé SUV” niche for itself, finding a surprising amount of buyers who enjoy its controversial style. It’s taken six years and two generations for one of BMW’s Teutonic rivals to spring a competitor, and it’s from Stuttgart – the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.
Based on the W166 ML, the GLE Coupe was previewed by the Concept Coupe that debuted at the Beijing Auto Show earlier this year. The front fascia is quite a bit different from the current ML, with W205 C-Class-esque headlights and a rounder grille (with a large three-pointed star inset) – we’re expecting the look to be transferred to the facelifted ML, which will carry the GLE moniker when it launches next year.
The low-slung roofline is the most striking aspect, with a fast windscreen rake and a sloping rear hatch. And while one can certainly see shades of the X6’s design, there are also clear references to other Mercedes coupés. The rear end in particular has been inspired by the new S-Class Coupe – there are slim tail lights joined together by a chrome bar, while the rear number plate recess has been moved to the bumper.
Owners of the current ML will feel right at home inside – almost everything has been ported over, with the exception of the new three-spoke steering wheel (also taken from the W205 C-Class), the new tablet-style screen for the COMAND infotainment system, flatter face buttons as seen on the facelifted B-Class as well as a rotary controller to select the driving mode on the new Dynamic Select. Again, these changes should make it to the regular GLE as well.
All GLE Coupe models come with Mercedes’ new 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission as well as 4Matic all-wheel drive. There are three engine choices from launch – at the base of the range sits the GLE 350 d diesel, delivering 258 hp and 620 Nm of torque from 1,600 rpm, while stepping up to the GLE 400 nets you a direct-injected biturbo V6 that generates 333 hp and 480 Nm of torque from 1,400 rpm.
The current range-topper is the GLE 450 AMG, the first of Mercedes-AMG’s new “sports models” to take on the mid-range BMW M Performance and Audi S models. Power comes from another biturbo V6, but uprated to 367 hp and 500 Nm, sent through a performance-oriented 4Matic with a 40:60 front-to-rear power split. Standard on this variant is AMG body styling, sports seats, a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, Airmatic air suspension with variable ADS Plus damping as well as an extra Sport+ mode for the Dynamic Select system.
For the rest of the range, the GLE Coupe comes fitted with the Easy-Pack powered tailgate, a reverse camera, LED Intelligent Light System headlights, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, ESP with Curve Dynamic Assist and Crosswind Assist as well as BAS Plus. The long options list, on the other hand includes a Driving Assistance package, COMAND Online with a larger eight-inch screen and touchpad, a rear-seat entertainment system, a Bang & Olufsen sound system and 21- and 22-inch wheels.
For now, it is unclear where the GLE Coupe will be making its world premiere, but we’re placing our bets on next month’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
so close to X6…
Now I have more respect for China car maker than MenSuLi.
Plagiarism
My opinion is that Mercedes Benz has got it right this time to take BMW X6 head on. Look sexy with proportionate body design… The tail lamp look similar to its S-Class coupe too
You must have your eyes buried deep, deep in uranus.
Yes… Slightly in front of your eyes
i think its a bit good looking compare to bmw x6, can’t wait to watch Top gear test drive this GLE since Jeremy clarkson said that X6 is rubbish. So how about this?
Some motoring critics even said the X6 is one of the most ugly cars.
IMHO they know shit about marketing and what the public wants.
in fact, the rich hokkien people with no taste in klang love outrageous cars like the bmw x6….just go setia ecopark and see how many bmw x6’s are there over there….no wonder bmw opened a showroom near there
How about you go Europe and see how many X6 are there?
almost none actually….x5 and cayenne sell better
J C was probably expecting a Nicole kidman with PhDs and Noble prize.
A lot of fairly rich people have X6 in their garages, and S-class.
Trade in my Swift and get this one..yeahhh
I have raced with X6 before.
Good in look only. no performance.
City cornering more sharper than X6.
power wise loses to my inspira
RV worth than my old savvy
I think this GLE Coupe same as X6.
one word : JUNK!
“I think”
Malaysian readers all pro liao la, no need test drive also know it’s a junk.
City rolls like a barrel when pushed hard btw.
seriously, the RV is really worth than your savvy.
I think you are same as Sam Loo
one word: JUNK!
Since 1990s I would prefer the looks of BMW over Benz. But in this generation, the Stuttgarten look better and more modern starting with the A-Class and finally this. Am I getting older falling for Benz now, oh no!
Mean machine !!! Love it !!!
Proton answer to X6 and GLE Coupe will be a jack-up Gen-2.
Kudos P1…Gen-2 design preceded both X6 & GLE
An X6 with a mercedes logo?
MenSuLi is much worse than the China car maker in term of pirate copy !!
MB or not, its UGLY. and a Copycat
I think this is one of the recent model that Merc got it wrong. That back view… I don’t know, it look terrible.
why la wanna compete in this segment? don’t wish to see more ugly “X6” roaming on the street! to other marque, please do not follow their footsteps.
not sure if this look will grow on me or not, but for now is no. this is not a look i like, especially the rear part. that rear design looks very elegant on S-Class coupe, but it looks weird here, and it does make the whole car looks too skinny and tall. it’s really 4-door coupe on stilts to me this time.
You are right, I have the same feeling. Should be wider, or put sidesteps or things like that to make it look wider like a high sportscar.
better never than late…
X6 is ugly??
And the body shape looks similar then it is copycat.
Malaysian logic
You have a eyes,nose,mouth,ear, I think you are copying me
Wow, just as I thought the X6 was ugly, this takes the cake.
MB has found new uses for the 3 year old ML-class switch gears and mouldings
Gorgeous bodywork. It will look solid and immense on the road just like the X6. Especially with the wide low profile tyres. Visually stunning. You will amazed with its sheer proportion and size and when it moves on the road. Chicks are more interested in X6 than the functional X5. So-called-enthusiasts will say whatever they want to say; ugly, pointless, just like those crappy old folks at Topgear. The truth is, this concept sells.
Mercedes-Benz is seriously getting better and better nowadays!
Well done I must say!
hahahaha..anyone notice the 3rd picture, it is using a normal key slot to start like 90’s proton saga..
anyway, i love the interior more than X6..X6 is a bit common nowadays therefore getting bored with the design.
hope we have similar model from Audi and Volvo..
I bet u never see the keyless go push start button…lol
Why do Merc & BMW create a coupe SUV in the first place? To me it doesn’t serve a purpose of an SUV with that sloping roof line. If I could afford to have a full size SUV it will just be a Q7, X5 or even Range Rover.
aww come on merc…be more original!
aww come on BMW designer !
you can use any merc body to design how you want, but one thing for sure it will looks like the rest of the BMW. that’s boring.
merc: i can make use of your close to 8 years body, just the body will do… to create a futuristic ride, nothing like the rest. plus the truly luxuries feel.
Too near too near mr merc. They should design far abit from x6.
When will it debut in malaysia¿¿??
Merc is too late in catching up
Bmw is ahead
Looks like x6’s sissy
I’m late in knowing about Mercedes-Benz look-alike BMW X-6! I’m very impressed with this development. Mercedes-Benz has finally turned the corner in the right direction! Congrats guys!!!!