A few yr in the past, we reviewed the fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz GLE and located it to be supremely succesful in nearly every part. The GLE Coupe nevertheless is rather less sensible than its extra conventionally-shaped sibling, so does that make it the inferior selection?

The reply is not any. The truth is, it actually will depend on the way you view practicality normally, as a result of the GLE Coupe really has fairly just a few good methods up its sleeve.

Earlier than we get into all that, let’s assessment the competitors actually fast, as the big premium SUV coupe phase has actually grown lately. Aside from the Merc, it consists of the BMW X6, Audi Q8, Porsche Cayenne Coupe, Lamborghini Urus (technically), and to some extent, the Vary Rover Velar, though the latter is a bit smaller in dimension.

It’s not simple to search out lots of separation between these nameplates, however there’s a case to be made for the GLE Coupe, each towards its rivals in addition to the common GLE.

Seems higher in particular person than in pictures

Massive, imposing autos will usually imprint their design and dimension onto you way more efficiently when you see them in particular person. The identical is true for the GLE Coupe. It’s fairly elegant, particularly with a toned-down exterior shade just like the Selenite Gray you see right here.

The AMG Styling equipment is a should, and the multi-spoke 21-inch AMG wheels actually work greatest with the automobile’s total dimensions. These are literally the identical wheels we had on our GLE 450 tester from final yr – and the specs are fairly comparable really.

Now, about practicality. Positive, you’ll be able to’t load as many gadgets within the again as you’ll within the common GLE, nevertheless, let’s word that this new GLE Coupe is 1.5 inches (39 mm) longer and 0.3 inches (7 mm) wider than its predecessor. Its wheelbase can also be longer, by 0.8 inches (20 mm). So, comfort-wise, it’s undoubtedly an improve over the outdated mannequin and also you’ll seemingly by no means really feel the necessity for extra room, neither within the entrance or the again.

Learn Additionally: 2020 Mercedes GLE Coupe vs. Predecessor – An Upgrade Worth Making?

Moreover, it’s about 2.4 inches (60 mm) shorter total than the usual GLE, which helps in on a regular basis visitors as a result of along with the sloped roofline, you by no means get the sense that you simply’re driving one thing obnoxiously giant.

As for the precise trunk quantity, you get 23.1 cu.ft (655 liters) with all seats in place, which you’ll develop to 63.2 cu.ft (1,790 liters) by folding the rear seats, leading to essentially the most cargo room for this phase.

High notch inside high quality

Mercedes’ newest GLE fashions are a few of its best-built automobiles in the case of inside high quality. All the pieces is effectively screwed collectively and nothing wobbles or feels low-cost to the contact, which you’ll’t even say about something like the E-Class and even the CLS.

Our GLE Coupe 350 d check automobile featured roughly €12,000 ($14,300) price of choices, with a few of its most spectacular options being the Airmatic suspension, Multibeam LED headlights, 21-inch alloys, 4-way lumbar assist, panoramic roof, parking assistant, keyless entry and go, leather-based every part, chrome package deal, 360 digital camera and wi-fi charging for smartphones. It additionally had the augmented actuality characteristic for the MBUX sat-nav system (nonetheless a gimmick).

A head-up show would have been good although, as would the high-end Burmester 3D Encompass Sound system, as an alternative of Burmester’s “entry-level” one.

Last worth, together with choices and taxes, was €92,851 ($110,763) in Romania.

What’s it wish to drive?

Higher than the common GLE, really. It’s not as lengthy, nor as tall, it’s extra aerodynamic and feels a tiny bit extra maneuverable. We gained’t use the phrase ‘nimble’, as a result of the GLE Coupe remains to be an enormous automobile by regular requirements, and it’s by no means going to hug the street like a Cayenne Coupe both.

In any other case, it affords a delightfully comfy trip, each on the town at low pace in addition to on the freeway. I’d go so far as to name it flawless for a automobile this dimension. Due to this fact, so long as the engine configuration is equivalent, we’d advocate that you simply select the GLE Coupe over the GLE from purely a driver’s perspective. Once more, the distinction is negligible, nevertheless it’s there.

As for the three.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine, it’s not fairly a match for the gasoline equal with EQ Increase, which powered the GLE 450 4MATIC we examined final yr. Nonetheless, there’s loads of punch all through the rev vary due to its 268 HP (272 PS) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. It may well speed up the two.3 tonne (5,070 lbs) GLE Coupe from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.6 seconds, whereas its high pace is rated at 140 mph (226 km/h). The 9G-TRONIC computerized gearbox proved to be as easy as at all times and is certainly among the finest transmissions on the market.

Common gas consumption is alleged to be 8.2 l/100 km (28.7 mpg US), however that’s very beneficiant. For those who care loads about how frugal your GLE Coupe may be, simply get one of many plug-in hybrid variants.

Which model ought to I am going for?

In Europe, relying on market, you’ll both have this 350 d 4MATIC mannequin or the 350 e / 350 de 4MATIC duo because the entry-level choices for the GLE Coupe vary. The latter two are more fuel efficient, being hybrids, and efficiency is comparable between them, so that you’ll most likely be greatest served by selecting a hybrid over the diesel.

In the USA, the vary kicks off at $76,500 with the AMG GLE 53 Coupe, whereas the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe is priced from $116,000. Both one is fairly quick, though it’s the 63 S variant that can undoubtedly put the largest smile in your face due to its 603 HP (612 PS) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque that allow it to hit 60 mph in below 4 seconds.

In the long run, the GLE Coupe’s social gathering trick is feeling a bit extra compact than the GLE (which it’s, however not by a lot). It’s nicer to drive and fairly a bit extra modern, which, let’s face it, is a key cause why anybody would need an SUV Coupe.

Pictures: Sergiu Tudose / CarScoops