Mercedes uses the large facelift of the M-Class for a new naming - the SUV is now called GLE - and at the same time extends the series by a coupé. It also has four doors, but looks much more dynamic due to the roof sloping towards the rear. The GLE Coupé will roll behind the window of Mercedes dealers on July 20, 2015 at prices from 66.700 euros. The GLE will follow on September 12 from just under 53.970 euros.
The proportions, the roof line - a lot about the GLE looks like the direct competitor X6 from BMW. And in fact, Daimler has thrown two completely different vehicle classes together to form a new model. The coupé shape, however, limits the trunk volume to 650 to 1.720 liters, and the luggage compartment also has a very high loading sill. The front seats should also not be set too high, as you can easily hit your head when getting in and out. Coupé design can also hurt.
At the market launch, a diesel with 190 kW / 258 PS and a gasoline engine with 245 kW / 333 PS are available. As a special treat three equally strong AMG models with 270 kW / 367 PS, 410 kW / 557 PS and 430 kW / 585 PS will start. All GLE Coupés have the Dynamic Select system with up to five driving programs on board and with the exception of the two most powerful AMG variants, which still have to make do with seven forward gears, the nine-speed automatic transmission 9G Tronic.
During our test drives, we drove the only diesel model, the all-wheel-drive GLE 350 d 4Matic Coupe. The small "d" now replaces the designations CDI and BlueTec for diesel engines. The 190 kW / 258 horsepower make a powerful impression when cruising loose, but when you press the accelerator pedal fully in an upcoming overtaking maneuver, ie perform a classic kickdown, the at least 2,3 tons do not really move dynamically. Otherwise, the Neungang automatic switches silky soft and sometimes imperceptibly through the aisles. Unfortunately, there is only one sport mode that could make the gear changes faster and more directly.
The interior, the materials used there and the high-quality workmanship are extremely pleasant. Fine nappa leather, brushed aluminum and various woods, such as eucalyptus, ash, poplar and gloss black piano finish pamper your eyes and fingertips. The double, color-contrasting decorative seams on the dashboard are just as noble as the premium music system from Harman-Kardon with 830 Watt and 14 high-performance loudspeakers.
Author: Wolfgang Wieland / SP-X