The GLE Coupe is one of the most widely criticized models Mercedes have revealed in many years, probably since the CLC. It arrives late to a party BMW started two model generations ago and brings a mix of old parts and new design to the table.
We met both the full AMG model and the AMG Sport in Detroit today and we bring you our in-depth impressions.
First of all, the GLE 450 AMG Coupe looks much better in person than it does in press photos and I think you can tell that from the shots we managed to take. It's not perfect, since some of the latest Mercedes design details don't lend that well, like the narrow taillights, which make the very large back look like it's squinting. We'd say the GLE looks 90% as good as a basic BMW X6… no, make that 95%.
The infotainment system is the biggest letdown, since they've married the new controller to old buttons and a floating screen. Any Merc customer stepping into this thing will probably go "WTF do I have to press?".
The front part of the cabin is surprisingly spacious, but the rear is less so than the new BMW X6. Access is also tricky. The rear doors open wide and you don't have to bow your head that much, but there's not enough room to place your feet and step inside. The cabin is equipped with standard AMG sports seats and a three-spoke AMG sports steering wheel. Standard kit is generous and includes active blind spot assist and active lane keeping assist.
3+AMG flavors
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG 4Matic is equipped with a 362-horsepower (367 PS) biturbo V6 engine linked to a standard 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive. This is a brand new 3-liter unit that does a much better job at powering the car than an old 3.5-liter could.
This engine is the flagship of the newly launched AMG Sport lineup, but you can also order a 329-horsepower (333 PS) version in the GLE 400 Coupe or even a diesel if you live in Europe. For the full experience though, the uncompromising, undiluted GLE 63 S Coupe brings 577 hp (585 PS) of unshackled V8 might.
That's enough alliterations for one day. Check out the GLE 450 AMG Coupe in our live photo gallery and tell us what you think.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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