NEW FOR 2016:
– New model
BMW X6, you’ve been put on notice – there’s a new rival in town. Unlike the Acura ZDX, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is a serious alternative to the crossover-coupe Bee-Em.
The GLE Coupe follows a similar recipe to the X6: it uses the GLE SUV’s platform, drivetrain, and interior, and wraps it up in a sleeker shell that’s some 65 mm lower than the standard SUV. Headroom and cargo space are down, but such is the price paid for style.
But there are some key differences between the Benz and the BMW. For starters, the Benz’s base engine is a fuel-efficient 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 paired to a nine-speed automatic. The mid-range GLE 450 AMG positively blows past the X6 xDrive35i’s 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque with 362 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, while the range-topper GLE 63 S AMG looks to have been designed from day-one to dethrone the X6 M – its twin-turbocharged V8 produces 577 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450 AMG gets a nine-speed automatic where the GLE 63 S AMG uses a seven-speed ‘box.
The base GLE Coupe offers up a slightly sportier driving experience than the GLE SUV thanks to its larger wheels and staggered-width tires, dual-rate dampers and the Agility Select performance controller setup. Things get kicked up a notch with the adaptive anti-roll bar system (optional on GLE 450 AMG, standard on GLE 63 S AMG), which keep the ride sports-car flat when tackling twisting roads at speed. Air suspension is an option on the GLE 350d, and is standard on AMG models.
Standard features shared between the GLE 350d include 20-inch wheels, keyless start, automatic climate control, AMG styling package with sport front and rear valances, full LED headlights, LED tail lights, tonneau cover, rear privacy glass, 33/66 split folding rear seat, interior ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, power heated front seats with power-adjustable lumbar support, sport leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, leatherette dashboard and door trim, power folding side mirrors, power tilt and telescoping steering column, proximity key, collision warning system, AM/FM/USB/Bluetooth/satellite radio with 8.0-inch infotainment display and COMAND controller, navigation, reverse camera.
The Premium Package adds climate-controlled cupholders, proximity key, front and rear parking sensors with parking assistant, 360-degree camera, Thermotronic three-zone automatic climate control, Harman/Kardon Logic7 surround sound system, 115-volt power outlet, and heated rear seats.
The Sport Package adds adaptive damping, air suspension, and 21-inch wheels.
The AMG Interior Package adds Front Sport Seats, Sport Steering Wheel, AMG floor mats, stainless steel pedals, and Nappa leather upholstery.
Intelligent Drive Package adds full-speed adaptive cruise control with steering assist, active blind spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, cross-traffic assist, and autonomous emergency braking.
Key options include wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, massaging front seats, ventilated front seats, trailer hitch, aluminum running boards, rear-seat entertainment system, soft-close doors, 22-inch wheels, and Dinamica headliner.
The GLE 450 AMG Coupe adds 21-inch wheels, rear spoiler, AMG body kit, exhaust sound synthesizer, unique exhaust tip treatment, air suspension, adaptive dampers, sport stainless steel pedals, flat-bottom sport steering wheel, AMG floor mats and a power tailgate.
The Premium Package adds climate-controlled cupholders, proximity key, front and rear parking sensors with parking assistant, 360-degree camera, Thermotronic three-zone automatic climate control, Harman/Kardon Logic7 surround sound system, 115-volt power outlet, and heated rear seats.
Intelligent Drive Package adds full-speed adaptive cruise control with steering assist, active blind spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, cross-traffic assist, and autonomous emergency braking.
Key options include wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated steering wheel, active anti-roll bars, trailer hitch, 22-inch AMG sport wheels, Bang & Olfusen Performance surround sound system, aluminum running boards, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
The GLE 63 S AMG Coupe adds 22-inch wheels, quad exhaust tips, S-Model body kit, red brake calipers, AMG sport seats, Nappa leather upholstery for seats, dashboard and doors, leather and Dinamica sport steering wheel, Thermotronic three-zone climate control, S-model specific instrument cluster, active anti-roll bars, 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, and parking assistant.
The Premium Package adds electronic speed limit detection, proximity key, climate-controlled cupholders, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, soft-close doors, Dinamica headliner, and AMG performance exhaust.
Intelligent Drive Package adds full-speed adaptive cruise control with steering assist, active blind spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, cross-traffic assist, and autonomous emergency braking.
Key options include Bang & Olfusen surround sound system, rear-seat entertainment system, 22-inch black-painted wheels, heated steering wheel.
