Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the all-new C167 GLE Coupe ahead of this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, which has been completely redesigned, and now rides on the Modular High Architecture (MHA) platform just like the latest GLE.
The stylish SUV will arrive at German dealerships in spring 2020, with two diesel variants – the GLE 350 d 4Matic Coupe and GLE 400 d 4Matic Coupe – available at launch. There will also be a petrol version in the shape of the performance-focused Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe, which we’ll discuss later on.
Other less powerful petrol versions should arrive later on, and the German carmaker says it is preparing to introduce a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the GLE, which should also trickle down to the GLE Coupe.
Since we’re already on the topic of engines, both diesel variants feature an OM656 3.0 litre turbocharged straight-six that is mated to a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive system. On the 350 d, the mill delivers 272 PS (268 hp) and 600 Nm of torque, while the 400 d has 330 PS (326 hp) and 700 Nm.
As standard, the GLE Coupe comes with steel suspension, but this can be upgraded to an Airmatic air suspension system for better damping and ground clearance adjustability.
An additional option on top of the Airmatic setup is E-Active Body Control, which operates on a 48-volt electrical system, allows for spring and damping forces at each wheel to be individually controlled.
All this is packaged within a restyled body that now measures 4,939 mm long (+39 mm), 2,010 mm wide (-7 mm) and 1,737 mm tall (+18 mm). Mercedes-Benz points out that even though the wheelbase has grown by 20 mm to 2,935 mm, it is still 60 mm less compared to the GLE.
Design-wise, the GLE Coupe remains faithful to its predecessor, with a sloping coupe-like roofline, although the front windscreen is now angled flatter than before to emphasis a more dynamic look for the model.
The front end largely mimics the GLE, with a diamond radiator grille that features a single slat running across it, flanked by smaller and more angular full-LED headlamps that sport LED DRL strips within them. The AMG Line package pictured here gets a wider lower intake in an A shape, and the pins in the grille are finished in chrome.
Along the sides, the cladding on the wheel wells is painted in body colour for the AMG Line, or black as standard, with a selection of wheels from 19 to 22 inches available.
At the rear, the GLE Coupe has a more prominent shoulder line for more presence, while the new taillights adopt ring-shaped graphics to make them more distinctive, just like other Mercedes-Benz SUVs like the GLE and GLC. Further down, the side slits meet neatly with a crease that spans nearly the entire width of the rear, just above the number plate, chrome-plated underguard and the integrated tailpipe trim elements.
Moving inside, the GLE Coupe is a carbon copy of the GLE, with an identical dashboard layout from top to bottom. Grabbing the most attention is the Widescreen Cockpit that consists of two 12.3-inch displays powered by the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), which now has the Amazon music streaming service integrated into it, along with other functions that are familiar like voice control and various connectivity functions.
The revised body also helps improve spaciousness, with Mercedes-Benz claiming an enlarged entrance dimension by 35 mm, while luggage space is up 60 litres with all the seats folded down at 1,790 litres – standard state is 655 litres. Visibility has also been improved and the optional sliding roof panel is larger too.
Saving the best for last, the AMG version of the GLE Coupe gets the same running gear as its GLE sibling, which consists of a 3.0 litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine, a nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT 9G automatic transmission, 4Matic all-wheel dirve and 48-volt electrical system.
That last item is linked to an EQ Boost starter-alternator sandwiched between the engine and transmission, delivering an additional 22 PS (21 hp) and 250 Nm for a short period of time. The system also feeds power to an electric auxiliary compressor to build up boost pressure with minimal delay.
All in, the powertrain serves up 435 PS (429 hp) and 520 Nm, so the zero to 100 km/h sprint is completed in just 5.3 seconds before hitting an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.
To match its sporty persona, the GLE 53 also comes with the AMG Dynamic Select (with integrated AMG Dynamics) and AMG Ride Control+ air suspension systems, the latter with roll stabilisation and five modes – Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Trail and Sand.
Stopping power is provided by 400 mm ventilated and perforated front brake discs with two-piston fixed calipers, while the rear features 345 mm discs gripped by single-piston floating calipers.
Visual cues unique to the AMG model include the Panamericana front grille with a double-ring Mercedes-Benz badge as well as a diffuser with four round exhaust pipes at the rear. Meanwhile, the interior gets contrasting red accents everywhere, with carbon-fibre trim and the AMG Performance steering wheel. The MBUX system also gets AMG-specific displays with selectable themes and the AMG Track Pace telemetry recorder.
C167 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
C167 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe
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When you’re stuck in traffic, people look at the driver in the Mercedes as a person who has made it in society, and they will envy you.
How many ringgits?
wow
that rear end design finally make sense here.
what a looker , both inside out.
hats off
when is Malaysia launching?