2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

New for 2016

It’s time to say "Guten Tag" to the all-new 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.

Sweet Matrimony

SUVs rarely emphasize the “Sport” in their name, but that’s all about to change with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. Based on the already capable 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE, the all-new GLE Coupe combines utility and sporty performance into one harmonious marriage of power and grace. We don’t expect any less from Mercedes-Benz, and we’re excited to delve into all that it has to offer owners seeking a unique and thrilling driving experience.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz is available in two guises. First up is the GLE450 AMG® Coupe. As you can tell from its name, it sports a number of enhancements courtesy of AMG®, the world-famous in-house tuning arm of Mercedes-Benz.

Under the hood lurks a powerful turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission that works smartly with the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC® all-wheel drive system. Rest assured the GLE450 Coupe is fleet of foot, it can rocket from 0-60 mph in a mere 5.6 seconds, and its AWD drivetrain ensures confidence regardless of road conditions.

As if that wasn’t impressive enough, the GLE450 Coupe benefits from exclusive AMG® tinkering. A stronger turbo boost and a dynamic exhaust system are just a few of the tricks it has up its sleeve. And while most drivers rarely look under the hood, the GLE450 Coupe features an exclusive red engine cover that adds an extra layer of detail and drama.  

Joining the GLE450 AMG® Coupe is the 2016 Mercedes-AMG® GLE63 S Coupe. It replaces the “standard” GLE450 Coupe’s nine-speed automatic transmission for a special AMG®-tuned seven-speed automatic. An AMG® 4MATIC® AWD system ensures that the GLE63 S Coupe’s 5.5-liter V8, which creates an impressive 577 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque, is composed and relentless in delivering pure driving bliss.

And from its AMG® brakes, suspension, steering and 22-inch wheels to its AMG® SPEEDSHIFT® transmission, it might be the most agile SUV on earth. Did we mention it can go from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds? That’s 0-60 mph in less time than it takes you to read this sentence.

Despite its penchant for performance, both models earn respectable fuel economy. The GLE40 returns an EPA-estimated 20 mpg combined (17 city/23 highway),* while the GLE63 S returns 15 mpg combined (14 city/ 18 highway).*

Features and Trims

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is a five-passenger midsize SUV. It’s available in two versions: GLE450 AMG® and AMG® GLE63 S. Pricing starts at $65,100.**

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 AMG® comes with a wealth of content. Standard items include 21-inch alloy wheels, an adaptive air suspension, full LED exterior lighting, which includes adaptive headlights, running lights, and taillights, as well as automatic wipers, and power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors. A power-folding rear liftgate also makes loading and unloading the vehicle a breeze.

The list continues with standard interior items like dual-zone automatic climate control, warm wood trim, and heated 10-way power front seat with four-way lumbar support. The latter of which helps to ensure the perfect (and most comfortable) driving position for trips long or short. The vehicle even offers memory setting for your preferred seating position as well as exclusive MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery.

The 2016 GLE450 AMG® delivers a robust list of tech that traditional and modern drivers will appreciate. An 8-inch central display is the real highlight here. It’s joined by a rearview camera, the COMAND® electronics interface, Bluetooth® phone and audio connectivity, a navigation system, voice controls and an eight-speaker audio system with HD and satellite radios, a CD player and a USB port.

Discerning drivers can supplement their GLE450 AMG® with a Premium package that adds a panoramic sunroof and a host of safety technologies—blind-spot warning system and a lane-departure warning and intervention system. The Premium package also adds a 13-speaker harmon/kardon® sounds system and keyless ignition.

A Parking Assist package is also available. It adds front and rear parking sensors, an automated parallel parking system and a surround-view parking camera.

In addition to the more powerful engine, the contents of the Premium and Park Assist packages, all the applicable content of the GLE450 AMG®, the 2016 Mercedes-AMG® GLE63 S adds 22-inch wheels, upgraded brakes, sport exhaust, sport-tuned steering, and adaptive air suspension, along with upgraded leather upholstery and ventilate front seat and a sport steering wheel.

Design

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe line is defined by its curves. It features a downward sweeping roof that flows seamlessly into the car’s front grille and adds another layer of distinction to the GLE Coupe’s non-conformist design language. A thin strip of metal breaks up the front and gives the GLE Coupe’s maw an hourglass shape, which in turn helps the famous Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star shine even brighter.

The side and back are equally compelling. Here we find taut character lines sweeping to and from the car’s hunched rear quarters—all of which lend the vehicle an even more aggressive character.

Our tour continues inside, where the GLE Coupe blends old-world elegance with the sportiness Mercedes-Benz is aiming for with the newest addition to the Mercedes-Benz lineup.

Despite its dramatic exterior, the GLE Coupe’s interior is spacious and accommodating. Make no mistake, though, this is a vehicle design to deliver thrills to driver and passengers alike. The three-spoke steering wheel is the perfect companion for twisty roads, while the fit and finish of the dash and all accompanying trim is pure Mercedes-Benz. We’re especially fond of the sporty pedals, and the GLE Coupe provides ample comforts like a wide arm rest and engaging but easy-to-use controls.

If you’re considering the GLE Coupe for longer trips or simply want to ensure it can be used as a daily driver, you’ll be pleased to learn it provides 23 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the second row.

Safety

Every 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe comes with standard antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front seat side airbags, a driver knee airbag, and full-length side curtain airbags. Also standard are ATTENTION ASSIST® as well as a forward collision warning system with automatic braking (PRE-SAFE®) and rearward collision detection with safety preparation. mbrace® is also included on all models and provides a number of useful telematics features such as automatic collision notification, emergency assistance, stolen vehicle location, geo-fencing, alarm notification, and remote door locking/unlocking.

As we outlined in the Features and Trims section, there are also a number of optional safety features available.

Bottom Line

Having difficulty deciding between a high-riding SUV and a sports sedan? The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe blends the best of both into one compelling package.

For more information, or to schedule a test drive, contact or visit us at Mercedes-Benz of Silver Spring today.

*EPA estimated fuel economy. Compare the estimated mpg to the estimated mpg of other vehicles. You may get different mileage depending on how fast you drive, weather conditions and trip length. Your actual highway mileage will probably be less than the highway estimate.

**Excludes all options, taxes, title registration, $925 transportation charge and dealer preparation fees.

Image: Mercedes-Benz