The new GLE Coupé is a further example of the Mercedes-Benz strategy to address all the requirements of customers in the premium-SUV segment in a targeted manner. From a relatively small niche, the segment of SUCs, namely SUV coupés, has developed into a trend within a trend in no time. With the renewal of the premium-SUV family Mercedes-Benz is also putting the GLE Coupé on a new technical footing.
"The GLE Coupé blends the imposing power of an off-road vehicle with the emotively appealing sportiness and elegance of a coupé", says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer of Daimler AG. "The sensuous, reduced design idiom in combination with the extreme proportions creates a unique design statement."
Like the GLE and the GLS, as a member of the large premium-SUV family the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé is being built in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. In total Mercedes-Benz now offers eight SUV models in the form of the GLA, GLC, GLC Coupé, the G-Class and the new GLB. With currently around one third of sales, the SUVs are a major structural pillar in the Mercedes-Benz product portfolio, and greatly contribute to the growth of the brand. To date, more than six million customers around the world have opted for a Mercedes-Benz SUV.
The interior of the new GLE Coupé shares numerous features with the other models in the new premium-SUV family but is sportier. A familiar sight is the modern cockpit with two large 12.3-inch /31.2 cm screens and the strikingly shaped instrument panel, horizontally divided by a trim element tier, which seamlessly transitions into the door panels. Its top is finished in ARTICO man-made leather in the GLE Coupé as standard. The sporty emphasis comes courtesy of the standard sports seats with particularly good lateral support and ARTICO cover, and the sports steering wheel with nappa leather rim, likewise standard in the coupé.
The SUV touch, meanwhile, is added by the high centre console with the dominant grab handles. The high-quality styling and processing of all surfaces and features and the impressive ergonomics convey a contemporary and luxurious impression. There are extensive possibilities for individualisation in the range of optional trim surface finishes and seat upholsteries, which can take the sporty theme in the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé to a whole new level and demonstrate the handcrafted quality of genuine luxury products.
The sporty, stylish cockpit is embedded in a powerful, strikingly styled solid body. The instrument cluster and media display (2 x 12.3 inches as standard) are housed behind a continuous glass surface to form a large, free-standing screen. The solid body beneath it transitions seamlessly into the door panels. The integrated trim element is made of brushed aluminium as standard and likewise surrounds driver and front passenger all the way into the doors. As a result, it accentuates the width while conveying security and elegance. At the same time, this creates the impression as if the upper body were free-floating. The ambient lighting illuminates the dashboard, with optical fibres running through the entire cockpit. The four rectangular air vents are prominently embedded in the trim element.
The prominent, raised centre console creates a robust contrast with the free-floating appearance of the dashboard. As a typical feature of off-roaders, two grab handles are mounted on the centre console. The modern, luxurious impression is rounded off by the flowing surface contour behind them, the large trim element, and the flush-mounted roller cover.
There is a touchpad in the centre console as a further means of controlling many vehicle functions. The controls on the centre console with tactile and audible feedback are designed to seem milled from a solid metal block. Material quality and finish illustrate the standard in terms of perfection and craftsmanship. The spokes of the new sports steering wheel have a distinctive design and underscore the robust appearance of the SUV interior. Touch Control buttons on them provide access to a host of functions without taking your hands off the steering wheel.
The door panels exude tranquillity with their harmonious transition from the dashboard and their accentuated horizontal design lines. The interplay between the powerfully sculptured armrest and the smoothly, recessed door trim creates a dramatic contrast. The door trim houses the miniature seat for the seat adjustment typical of Mercedes-Benz. The closing handles of the doors blend into the shape of the armrest, whose front end houses the controls for the windows and exterior mirrors. The result is a homogeneous design unit that harmonises with the grab handles on the centre console.
The trim elements of the dashboard are optionally available with a metal structure finish, which creates associations with sportiness and off-road characteristics. Available alternatives are open-pore woods such as anthracite oak and brown walnut wood, which bring the elegance and cosiness of contemporary furniture design into the interior.
GLE 350 de 4MATIC Coupé: the third generation of plug-in technology from Mercedes-Benz
The significantly greater range of the GLE 350 de 4MATIC Coupé compared with other plug-in hybrids points the way to an even more remarkable electric driving experience. A special rear-end design and a modified rear axle create space for the large battery. Thanks to a battery with a capacity of 31.2 kWh, it is capable of over 100 kilometres (according to NEDC) with a corresponding driving style. It also has a top speed of up to 160 km/h under electric power. Its state-of-the-art four-cylinder diesel engine is also highly efficient. The proportion of electric driving is not only increased by the long range, but also by rapid recharging en route. To this end, the SUV has a combined charging socket for alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) charging. It is located in the left side wall, symmetrical with the fuel flap on the right side of the vehicle. At corresponding DC charging stations, the battery can be charged in approx. 20 minutes (10-80 percent state of charge (SoC)) or in approx. 30 minutes (10-100 percent SoC).
Key data:
- Electric range of up to 106 km (NEDC)
- Electric output 100 kW
- System output 235 kW/320 hp
- System torque 700 Nm
- Top speed of up to 160 km/h (electric)/210 km/h (overall)
- Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds
As the largest member of the EQ Power family, the GLE 350 de 4MATIC Coupé benefits from cutting-edge technology. This also includes the high potential made possible by energy recovery at all four wheels, with a maximum energy recovery torque of 1800 Nm. In this mode, many driving situations in flowing traffic can be controlled merely by operating the accelerator pedal. Only strong deceleration or decelerating to a stop require the brake pedal. The GLE Coupé has a towing capacity of up to 3500 kg also as a plug-in hybrid.