Mercedes-Benz Australia has announced pricing and specification for the swoopy new GLE Coupe, with the range Downunder comprising of three petrol powertrains, two of which are AMG fettled.
Starting with the GLE 450 at $137,900 (driveaway pricing TBA), the range is certainly tailored to a different customer than the SUV with the conspicuous absence of any oil-burning engine option.
And that’s no mistake – the GLE Coupe is undoubtedly a more athletic beast than the GLE SUV it shares a badge with, sporting a 60mm shorter wheelbase to back up those flowing lines.
Not just a sloping boot – the wheelbase is 60mm shorter than the SUV.
Compared to the predecessor, Benz says the new Coupe is 7mm wider – for extra grip – and 39mm longer, adding a not insignificant 40-litres of cargo space.
Inside, the design language largely mirrors the GLE SUV, with the dual monitors and four central air vents complemented by a wide transmission tunnel. While the design may be a bit busy for some, there are plenty who will appreciate the avant-garde aesthetic.
Opting for the swoopy coupe styling adds to the price of entry, too, the GLE 450 Coupe asking $20,000 more than the $117,034 ($127,042 driveaway) GLE 450.
Flowing lines cost more, apparently.
It’s a similar story across the board, though, with BMW charging a premium for the classier X6, and Audi asking extra for the slick Q8 Sportback. That’s not to say there isn’t additional kit for the Coupe Benz.
The $137,900 (driveaway pricing TBA) GLE 450 Coupe boasts outputs of 270kW/500Nm from a three-litre turbocharged straight-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to help out. The brand’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and a nine-speed automatic transmission put that power to the road.
Also included in the asking price is a panoramic glass sunroof, 360-degree camera, dual 12.3-inch monitors, digital driver display, Nappa leather upholstery, Burmester sound system, electric tailgate, LED headlights and snazzy 21-inch alloy wheels.
Are Mercedes doing the best interiors right now?
Driver assistance and safety are thankfully all present in the GLE Coupe – not always something to take for granted with luxury brands. So, from the 450 up, Mercedes specifies lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, nine airbags, blind-spot assist, and active lane-change technology.
Mercedes drops the Benz tag for the top-spec GLE variants, the $171,800 (driveaway pricing TBA) AMG 53 4Matic gets power bumped to 320kW/520Nm thanks to AMG fettling – there’s also a quicker shifting nin-speed automatic gearbox and retuned all-wheel-drive system.
Adding to the experience is adaptive air suspension, an active AMG exhaust, some sportier looking 21-inch alloy wheels and active roll stabilisation. Of course, there are other AMG styling enhancements including the steering wheel, doorsills and tinted glass.
Off-road prowess promised.
The true fire-breathing AMG variant is the $222,700 (driveaway pricing TBA) GLE 63 S Coupe, its four-litre twin-turbo V8 punches out a monstrous 450kW and 850Nm and is good for a 0-100km/h time of just 3.8 seconds.
Helping transfer that power to the tarmac is Mercedes’ nine-speed automatic transmission, 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system and a limited-slip differential fitted to the rear axle.
Above and beyond the AMG GLE 53, the 63 boasts larger composite brakes, suede cloth accents on the AMG steering wheel, 22-inch light-alloy wheels, a heated armrest and soft-close doors.
The 450kW beating heart of the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe.
While the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe is available to order now, the base-model GLE 450 Coupe will arrive in September, with the fire-breathing AMG 63 S coming later in the year.