The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is an all-wheel-drive coupe-like premium mid-size crossover that (according to the German automaker itself) embodies the representativeness, power and comfort of a large SUV with the dynamism and agility of a sports coupe ... This car is aimed at wealthy people (regardless of gender) and age), who prefer active pastime in nature, for whom the "emotional component" is also important (and this applies not only to their appearance, but also to their "driving" potential) ...
The second incarnation of the Mercedes-Benz GLE cross-coupe with the in-plant code "C167" was officially declassified on the Web in late August 2019, and a few weeks later its full-scale world premiere was organized on the stage of the International Motor Show in Frankfurt.
After the "reincarnation", the five-door was transformed in all directions - it received an updated design and a more spacious interior, "moved" to a new modular platform, simultaneously enlarged in size, "armed" with new power units and acquired a huge number of modern "chips".
Exterior
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe of the second generation looks beautiful, dynamic, proportional, moderately aggressive and very emotional - the design of its body works with all its might for visual sportiness. The energetic front of the car is crowned with frowning LED headlights, a multifaceted radiator grille with a huge "three-beam star" in the center and a raised bumper, and its powerful sirloin boasts graceful blade lights, an expressive fifth door and a "blown" bumper with two trapezoidal pipes.
But the most advantageous crossover is perceived precisely in profile due to its form factor - a long sloping hood, a windshield heavily tilted back, a smooth bend of the roof, turning into a short "tail" of the trunk, and large wheel arches of a rounded-square shape that accommodate "rollers" up to 22 inches.
In terms of its dimensions, the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe of the second generation meets the standards of the mid-size class: its length extends to 4939 mm, its width is 2010 mm, and its height does not exceed 1722 mm. The gap between the wheelsets of the front and rear axles is 2935 mm for the five-door.
Interior
In the interior of the coupe-like premium crossover, everything obeys the current corporate identity of the German automaker - here two 12.3-inch color screens, placed under a solid flap, are instantly striking, each of which has certain functions: the left one plays the role of a dashboard, and the right one contains multimedia capabilities.
The stylish three-spoke multi-steering wheel with a rim truncated in the lower part, and the stylish center console topped with a quartet of ventilation deflectors and a narrow strip of the climate "console" fit well into the interior design.
Only premium finishing materials are used inside the car - pliable plastics, high-quality leather, aluminum, natural wood, etc.
The salon of the "second" Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe has a five-seater layout, and a sufficient supply of free space is provided to the occupants of both rows of seats. The front seats are equipped with sports chairs with a well-developed side profile, moderately hard filling, wide ranges of electrical adjustments, heating and other "benefits of civilization." Passengers in the back row are given a comfortable sofa with an adjustable backrest and a folding armrest in the center and their own ventilation deflectors.
In the asset of the coupe-like premium SUV is a properly shaped trunk with smooth walls, the volume of which "under the curtain" is quite a solid 655 liters. "Gallery" is divided into three parts in the ratio "40:20:40" and folds into a completely flat area, due to which the capacity of the cargo compartment expands to 1790 liters.
Specifications
In the Russian market, for the second generation Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, three versions are offered to choose from:
- Diesel modifications are "armed" with an in-line six-cylinder unit OM656 with a working volume of 2.9 liters with two turbochargers, a common rail direct injection system and a 24-valve timing structure:
- in the initial version of the GLE 350 d Coupe, the engine generates 272 horsepower at 4200 rpm and 600 Nm of torque at 1600-2400 rpm;
- on the more productive version of the GLE 400 d Coupe - 330 hp at 3600-4000 rpm and 700 Nm of torque at 1200-3000 rpm.
- The gasoline version of the GLE 450 Coupe is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-six with dual turbocharging, direct injection, a 24-valve timing chain with a low-noise chain in the drive and phase shifters at the intake and exhaust, developing 367 hp. at 6100 rpm and 500 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm.
In addition, this crossover boasts a hybrid EQ Boost add-on, which is a starter-generator mounted on the "tail" of the crankshaft, which is powered by a 48-volt electrical system and produces 22 hp. and 250 Nm. Its main tasks are to quickly start the gasoline unit within the “start / stop” system and help in the first seconds of acceleration.
By default, the coupe-like crossover is equipped with a 9-band hydromechanical "automatic" 9G-Tronic and an all-wheel drive transmission with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that connects the wheels of the rear axle (depending on the road situation - up to 100% of the torque can be directed here).
Speed, dynamics and consumption
From a standstill to 100 km / h, the five-door "fires" in 5.7-6.6 seconds, and accelerates to a maximum of 226-250 km / h.
Diesel versions are enough for 7.3-7.4 liters of fuel for every "hundred" of the way in mixed mode, and gasoline - at least 9 liters.
Design features
The second "release" of the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is built on the modular architecture of the MHA (Mercedes High Architecture), which implies a longitudinal engine layout and a monocoque body, which is made with extensive use of high-strength steel and aluminum.
The standard off-road vehicle is equipped with independent front double-link and rear multi-link with steel springs and lateral stabilizers. However, as an option, the car can be equipped with either the Airmatic pneumatic chassis, or the more advanced E-Active Body Control hydropneumatic suspension, powered by a 48-volt electrical system and is able to individually control each wheel.
In the "base" the car is equipped with a rack and pinion steering mechanism with an adaptive electric power steering and a brake complex formed by ventilated disc devices on all wheels and a set of modern electronic assistants.
Options and prices
In the Russian market, the "second" Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is offered in three modifications to choose from: for the GLE 350 d version, dealers ask for a minimum of 6,300,000 rubles, for the GLE 400 d, you will have to pay at least 7,100,000 rubles, and the gasoline version of the GLE 450 costs from 7,050,000 rubles.
By default, the car "flaunts": seven airbags, 20-inch alloy wheels, AMG-package, electric front seats, matrix headlights, artificial leather seat upholstery, virtual instrument cluster, media center, electric fifth door, premium audio system, heated all seats and other modern "gadgets".
It is worth noting that the GLE 450 adds door closers, air suspension and all-round cameras to this list, and the GLE 400 d also has a Burmester audio system.
