The new Mercedes-Benz GLE450 AMG 4Matic Coupe, the first ‘sports’ model from Mercedes-AMG, but there will be other members of the GLE Coupe family including eventually a high-performance GLE63 4Matic variant.
Those GLE Coupe fans not looking for outright performance will be catered for by two additional variants, a GLE350d 4Matic diesel model and a GLE400 4Matic. The GLE350d 4Matic is good for 258 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque, while the GLE400 4Matic is good for 333 hp and 354 lb-ft. By comparison, the GLE450 AMG 4Matic is rated at 362 hp and 384 lb-ft. Only the GLE400 4Matic and GLE450 AMG 4Matic variants are expected at the GLE Coupe’s U.S. launch next year, but we’ll see the GLE63 4Matic variant eventually and hopefully the diesel too.
4Matic all-wheel drive is standard on all GLE Coupes, though the non-AMG version of 4Matic features an even torque distribution of 50:50 between the front and rear axles (the AMG version has a rear-biased 40:60 setup). The GLE350d 4Matic and GLE400 4Matic also miss out on standard air suspension and instead feature steel suspension as standard, albeit with adjustable dampers. The standard transmission, meanwhile, is Mercedes’ new 9Gtronic nine-speed automatic.
4Matic all-wheel drive is standard on all GLE Coupes, though the non-AMG version of 4Matic features an even torque distribution of 50:50 between the front and rear axles (the AMG version has a rear-biased 40:60 setup). The GLE350d 4Matic and GLE400 4Matic also miss out on standard air suspension and instead feature steel suspension as standard, albeit with adjustable dampers. The standard transmission, meanwhile, is Mercedes’ new 9Gtronic nine-speed automatic.
Another difference between the regular GLE Coupes and those developed by Mercedes-AMG is the styling. On the regular GLE Coupes, the front bumper is less aggressive and the diffuser much smaller at the rear. The wheels are also smaller and the metal side steps are now missing. Note, this styling is expected to feature on an updated version of the M-Class that will debut next year as the GLE-Class.
Inside, the attractive sports seats and steering wheel, plus the infotainment elements familiar from the C-, E- and S-Class models initially catch your eye. The center console houses the COMAND controller with the touchpad fitted above in an optimum ergonomic position, and the trim options include carbon fiber, wood and synthetic leather.
Owners of the new GLE Coupe also have access to the full suite of electronic driver aids offered by Mercedes. Among the many features are active braking systems, blind spot and cross traffic warning systems, the steering assist semi-autonomous system, parking aids and a 360-degree camera.
The GLE Coupe makes its debut next month at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. It will eventually reach showrooms later in 2015, as a 2016 model.
Inside, the attractive sports seats and steering wheel, plus the infotainment elements familiar from the C-, E- and S-Class models initially catch your eye. The center console houses the COMAND controller with the touchpad fitted above in an optimum ergonomic position, and the trim options include carbon fiber, wood and synthetic leather.
Owners of the new GLE Coupe also have access to the full suite of electronic driver aids offered by Mercedes. Among the many features are active braking systems, blind spot and cross traffic warning systems, the steering assist semi-autonomous system, parking aids and a 360-degree camera.
The GLE Coupe makes its debut next month at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. It will eventually reach showrooms later in 2015, as a 2016 model.