In this SUV, the emphasis is on sports - even without the doping of AMG. Because when Mercedes brings the second generation of the GLE Coupé in the new year, the oblique four-door not only looks sleeker, but should also drive like that. The Swabians are literally a bit shorter.
Serpentine ride without soreness
A sharp right, a sharp left, full in the iron and then back on the gas and barely Rudolf Rutz has just put the steering wheel for a few seconds, comes the next turn: But the Mercedes engineer is the good of hairpins and hairpin bends the good Do not spoil your mood. At least not as long as he sits in the new GLE Coupe. For where in the old model every low mountain range would have led to muscle soreness, the successor announced at the turn of the year is incomparably more manageable during the last test drives: Rutz does not even have to embrace him when he takes the next hairpin. And although the GLE Coupé weighs two tons, it often only grips the steering wheel with its fingertips.
Optical heavyweight
That this heavyweight not only dominates the perfect angle, but also physical, has both the same reason: "Unlike the predecessor, we have not just taken over the architecture of the normal GLE, but the platform for the coupe heavily modified," says Rutz and pulls out the data sheet: With 2,94 meters wheelbase, the axles are therefore two centimeters further apart than before, which especially pleases the backbenchers. But compared to the normal GLE this distance has even shrunk by six inches. This not only sharpens the proportions and makes the despite all the proud 4,94 meter long four-door act much firmer and more coherent. But the shorter the wheelbase, the narrower the curve radii, which you can measure. In addition, a more direct steering and a new, tighter setup for the steel suspension or the optional active suspension with its 48Volt-Stellern and already the heavyweight is in an inclined position that Rutz laughs the heart.
Diesel mood
Even the diesel can not cloud that joy. After all, the 400d with its 330 PS and 700 Nm is not only the most powerful diesel that Mercedes currently has on offer. Thanks to a new sound system to enhance the comforting frequencies of the three-liter six-cylinder sounds almost so passionate that the AMG in tow is not so much a temptation anymore. The fast troop from Affalterbach is the only option if you do not want to drive a diesel for a given reason. Because while Mercedes next to the 400d still offers a 350d with 272 PS and next year a plug-in diesel in 350e, there's a 435 PS strong GLE 53 from AMG to the start, which also comes with an 22 PS strong EQ booster, and next year also a 63er with V8 with certainly more than 600 PS.