The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé emerges as a significant contender in the luxury SUV market, often drawing comparisons to rivals like the BMW X6. Built on Mercedes’ dedicated MHA platform, specifically engineered for their SUV range, the GLE Coupé boasts a construction that’s 33 percent more rigid than previous iterations, yet cleverly maintains weight parity through extensive aluminum implementation. Despite these advancements, tipping the scales at a substantial 2,295kg, the GLE Coupé carries a noticeable heft when in motion.
While neither the GLE Coupé nor its BMW counterpart are purpose-built for track-day thrills, the Mercedes exhibits a more deliberate response to steering inputs. This weight translates to a less agile feel in tighter corners, a characteristic partly attributed to its standard adaptive air suspension. In its default Comfort setting, the suspension prioritizes ride quality, effectively smoothing out road imperfections. While this setup delivers a plush and refined ride, even on substantial 22-inch wheels, traversing uneven or cambered roads can induce a degree of body roll, a consequence of the elevated seating position. However, the overriding sensation is one of luxurious comfort and composure.
Its handling capabilities remain competent, providing ample grip and a secure feel. Despite its elevated stance and inherent body roll, the GLE Coupé inspires confidence. However, it stops short of delivering an engaging or exhilarating driving experience, even within the SUV segment. The “coupé” designation here appears to lean more towards stylistic flair than a radical transformation of its dynamic character compared to vehicles like the Mercedes X6.
Where the GLE Coupé truly shines is in its exceptional refinement. A cornerstone of this is the 3.0-liter turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine. The 400 d variant unleashes 325bhp and a robust 700Nm of torque. This potent combination propels the GLE Coupé from 0-62mph in a brisk 5.7 seconds, a performance figure more than adequate for a vehicle of this class. Beyond outright speed, the engine delivers impressive mid-range power and remarkable flexibility. Complementing this is the seamless nine-speed automatic gearbox. While occasionally exhibiting a slight hesitation in gear changes, its shifts are generally imperceptible. The abundance of torque negates the need for aggressive downshifts with minimal accelerator input, contributing to a relaxed and effortless driving experience, something often sought after in vehicles competing with the Mercedes X6 in the luxury SUV space.
Many of these attributes find parallels in the BMW X6. However, a key differentiator emerges in the standard equipment levels. The GLE Coupé 400 d is exclusively offered in AMG Line Premium Plus trim, encompassing an extensive array of expected features. Significantly, when juxtaposed with the X6 M Sport, it elevates the standard specification with inclusions like a Burmester premium sound system, ventilated front seats (in addition to standard heating), keyless convenience, a head-up display, acoustic glazing for enhanced sound insulation, and the comprehensive Driving Assistance Package. This suite of driver aids encompasses semi-autonomous adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, cross-traffic alert with braking intervention, and evasive steering assist, positioning the Mercedes GLE Coupé as a compelling package in the luxury SUV segment, and a worthy consideration for those also exploring options like the Mercedes X6.
