It has been an exciting year for the so-called “coupé” SUVs in this segment. in addition to the new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé , BMW, the original “inventor” of the niche, unveiled the third generation of the X6, and even Porsche couldn't resist the temptation, unveiling the Cayenne Coupé.
The second generation of the GLE Coupé could not come, therefore, at a better time, with new arguments for a competition that was also completely new.
Like the GLE presented a year ago, the GLE Coupé's new arguments reflect those of its “brother”: optimized aerodynamics, more available space, new engines and greater technological content.
It has grown relative to its predecessor by 39 mm in length (4.939 m), 7 mm in width (2.01 m), and 20 mm in wheelbase (2.93 m). The height, on the other hand, did not change, standing at 1.72 m.
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When we compare it to the GLE brother, we see that it is longer (15 mm), wide (66 mm) and low (56 mm), with the wheelbase being, oddly enough, 60 mm shorter — “which benefits the its sporty behavior as well as its appearance”, says Mercedes.
More space
The practical benefits of the increased dimensions are revealed in the greater interior space available compared to the predecessor. Rear passengers are the main beneficiaries, with more legroom as well as easier access thanks to 35mm wider openings. Storage spaces have also increased in capacity, totaling 40 l.
The luggage compartment is generous, with a capacity of 655 l (5 l more than the predecessor), and it can grow to 1790 l with the folding of the second row of seats (40:20:40) — the result of a load space with 2, 0 m long and a minimum width of 1.08 m, plus 87 mm and 72 mm, respectively. Also the floor height of the luggage compartment to the ground has been reduced by 60 mm, and can be reduced by a further 50 mm if equipped with Airmatic suspension.
Inline Six Cylinder, Diesel
The new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé will be launched on the market with two variants of the OM 656, the manufacturer's latest in-line six-cylinder Diesel block, with a capacity of 2.9 l. THE GLE Coupé 350 d 4MATIC presents itself with 272 hp and 600 Nm , with consumption and CO2 emissions between 8.0-7.5 l/100 km (NEDC) and 211-197 g/km, respectively.
THE GLE Coupé 400 d 4MATIC raises power and torque up to 330 hp and 700 Nm , with no apparent penalty on consumption and emissions — officially announces the same consumption, with emissions rising just one gram compared to 350 d.
Both will be coupled only to the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, nine-speed, always with two driving axles — the variation can go from 0 to 100% between the two axles.
Suspension
In the dynamic department, the new GLE Coupé can come with three types of suspension: passive steel, Airmatic and E-Active Body Control. The first benefits from stronger anchor points and optimized geometry, ensuring more precise steering and less vibration.
The optional Airmatic It is pneumatic type, with adaptive shock absorbers, and can even be equipped with a sportier tuning version. In addition to being able to adjust to floor conditions by changing its firmness, it also adjusts ground clearance — automatically or at the press of a button, depending on speed or context. It is also self-levelling, maintaining the same ground clearance regardless of load.
Finally, the optional E-Active Body Control is combined with the Airmatic, managing to individually control the compression and return forces of the suspension on each wheel. It thus makes it possible to counteract heeling, vertical oscillation and bodywork sinking.
more autonomous
As you would expect, the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé is equipped with the latest developments in terms of not only the MBUX infotainment system, but also driving assistance systems, including Active Braking Assist (autonomous braking of Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC (automatically regulates the speed according to which vehicles in front are slowing down), Active Stop-and-Go Assist, Active Steering Assist with emergency runner function, etc.
53 by AMG, has also already been revealed
In addition to the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé, the curtain was raised on the Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupé, for now only in the softer 53 variant, with the hardcore 63 to appear sometime next year.
Returning to the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupé 4MATIC+ — phew… —, in addition to the visible stylistic differences, of a more aggressive character, expressing the greatest performance available, the big highlight is, of course, its engine.
Under the bonnet is the six in-line cylinders with 3.0 l capacity , coupled to a nine-speed automatic transmission AMG Speedshift TCT 9G, which we already know from the E 53 and which we already had the opportunity to test on video:
The block features a turbo and an electric auxiliary compressor, and is semi-hybrid. Called EQ Boost, this system consists of an engine-generator, fitted between engine and transmission, capable of delivering 22 hp and 250 Nm (for short periods), powered by a parallel electrical system of 48 V.
As in E 53, the result is 435 hp and 520 Nm , capable of launching the GLE Coupé 53 up to 100 km/h in 5.3s and 250 km/h of maximum speed (limited).
The suspension is pneumatic (AMG Ride Control+), to which the electromechanical stability control system AMG Active Ride Control is added, and there are seven driving modes available, including two specific for off-road driving: Trail and Sand (sand).
We can optionally equip the GLE Coupé 53 with a “virtual” racing engineer, courtesy of the AMG Track Pace. This is added to the MBUX system that allows you to record and analyze up to 80 vehicle-specific data, also measuring the lap times in a closed circuit.
When arrive?
The new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé and Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupé 4MATIC+ will be publicly unveiled at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show (12 September) and are expected to arrive on the domestic market in the spring of 2020.