Redesigned Mercedes GLE Coupe Unveiled With Up To 429 HP

Mercedes has unveiled the new GLE Coupe and GLE 53 Coupe.

Designed to battle the BMW X6, the redesigned crossover coupe has an evolutionary design with a bolder front fascia that features a more prominent grille and restyled LED headlights.

Moving further back, there’s a more rakish windscreen and 19- to 22-inch alloy wheels. Of course, the biggest change is the dynamic roofline which gives the model a coupe-like appearance.

The sporty styling continues at the rear as the crossover has bulging fenders for a “ready-to-pounce look.” There’s also slimmer taillights and a liftgate with an integrated rear spoiler. Last but not least, the GLE Coupe has a chrome-plated accent that wraps around a dual exhaust system.

Compared to its predecessor, the new GLE Coupe is 1.5 inches (39 mm) longer, 0.3 inches (7 mm) wider and has a wheelbase that has been stretched by 0.8 inches (20 mm). Those differences are relatively minor, but the Coupe is still 2.4 inches (60 mm) shorter than the standard GLE.

The cabin largely carries over from the GLE and it features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as well as a matching 12.3-inch infotainment system.  The model also comes equipped with a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, sport seats and an Artico (faux leather) dashboard.

The interior improvements don’t end there as Mercedes says the slightly larger dimensions pay a number of dividends in the cabin.  In particular, the company says the model has “tangibly more room” than its predecessor and this results in a cabin that has a “comfortable amount of space” for up to five people.

Speaking of room, the boot holds 23.1 cubic feet (655 liters) of luggage but can be expanded to 63.2 cubic feet (1,790 liters) when the rear seats are folded down.  The latter number is an improvement of 2.5 cubic feet (70 liters) and Mercedes says that means the GLE Coupe has the most cargo room in its segment.

In Europe, the model will be offered with a six-cylinder diesel engine that has two different outputs.  The GLE Coupe 350 d 4MATIC has 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque, while the 400 d 4MATIC boasts 325 hp (243 kW / 330 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque.  Both have a 9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission which sends power to a standard all-wheel drive system.

The only variant announced for America so far is the GLE 53 Coupe.  It features sportier styling inside and out, as well as a hybridized powertrain with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine.

The engine develops 429 hp (320 kW / 435 PS) and 384 lb-ft (521 Nm) of torque.  However, the model has an EQ Boost starter generator which is essentially an electric motor that can deliver an additional 21 hp (16 kW / 21 PS) and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) of torque for short periods of time.

Thanks to the high-tech powertrain, the GLE 53 Coupe can accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in just 5.2 seconds.  Given enough room, the model will eventually hit its limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

The base model comes equipped with a steel suspension that features “sportier and tauter tuning.”  However, customers can order an optional Airmatic or E-Active Body Control suspension.  The latter builds on the Airmatic suspension and Mercedes says it’s the “only system in the market that can individually control spring and damping forces at each wheel.”

Moving up to the GLE 53 Coupe rewards buyers with a standard AMG Ride Control+ air suspension which promises both long-distance comfort and great agility.  The crossover also has a sports steering system, high-performance brakes and an AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system that promises optimum torque distribution.

Mercedes didn’t say much about launch details, but it will probably be awhile before the GLE 53 Coupe is available in America as the company says it’s a 2021 model.

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