Although the BMW X6 was not the first model in the SAC segment , it was the coupe and SUV hybrids that took care of the popularity. For a long time, the Munich model had virtually no direct competition (not counting the failed Acura ZDX), but that will change next January.
If you're guessing that the date will have something to do with the Detroit Auto Show , you're right. It is the event in the slowly decaying city, once so famous for the production of cars, that will host the world premiere of the Mercedes GLE Coupé . And the epithet Coupé will indeed be in the name, because the GLE designation will bear the facelifted "MLko" , whose design the new product also somewhat foreshadows. Above all, the front part with the typical radiator grille and LED lights will not differ much. From the B-pillar onwards, however, the GLE Coupé is completely unique, even if that's not really the case. The rear lights are strikingly similar to those of the S-Class Coupé . The plastic-protected wheel arches are filled with 20-inch wheels as standard, and for an extra charge you can get an inch or two larger rims.
The interior design matches the one we will also see in the classic GLE (or modernized ML, if you prefer). Probably the most striking new feature is the Comand multimedia system with a flat screen, reminiscent of a tablet. Following on from it, Mercedes also redesigned the ventilation outlets and buttons on the center console . Toys with configurators will certainly be interested in a wide range of decor materials (aluminum, wood…), several colors of leather upholstery and dashboard backlighting. Although it may not seem like it from the first photos, the GLE Coupé is 4900 mm long , 2003 mm wide, 1731 mm high and 2915 mm between the axles.
The basics of the chassis are shared by the GLE Coupé, again, with the forthcoming "MLka" facelift, but not only its settings, but also the settings of the steering and electronic assistants differ from it. All power units work with a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic and 4Matic all-wheel drive as standard. For the time being, the diesel units are represented by the GLE 350 d 4Matic version with a power of 258 hp and a torque of 620 Nm, while the gasoline version of the GLE 400 4Matic with a twice-turbocharged three-liter six-cylinder engine with a power of 333 hp and a torque of 450 Nm.
The GLE 450 AMG version, which is the first model in the new AMG Sports line, will have a special position in the still incomplete line. You can distinguish it from the classic versions at first glance thanks to the AMG body kit and especially the 21-inch wheels in a specific design. The interior adds Nappa leather , carbon and piano black decors, respectively a sports steering wheel and pedals. Under the hood, we find a twice-turbocharged three-liter six-cylinder engine with an output of 367 hp and a torque of 520 Nm, working with a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic with Dynamic Select system and all-wheel drive, which, however, sends 60% of the power to the rear wheels. Airmatic suspension, adaptive shock absorbers and a system for automatically lowering ground clearance at higher speeds are also standard equipment.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
