Review: The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe has sports-car manners, SUV-like practicality – MarketWatch

Not like the usual Mercedes-Benz GLE, there is no such thing as a third-row choice within the GLE Coupe. And as you would possibly infer from its identify, the GLE Coupe comes from the performance-oriented Mercedes-AMG division. Meaning extra normal energy, together with your selection of a 429-horsepower turbocharged 6-cylinder within the GLE 53 Coupe or a 603-hp twin-turbo V8 within the maniacal AMG GLE 63 S Coupe.

You’ll pay extra for the GLE Coupe vs. the usual GLE, however hey, no person ever stated energy, fashion and cachet come low cost.

What’s new?

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe is all-new. This marks the second era of the mannequin, and follows the debut of the latest-gen GLE SUV. 

What we like

• Sports activities-car manners, SUV-like practicality

• A great deal of luxurious and high-tech options

• On- and off-pavement functionality

• Complete security suite

What we don’t

• Pricing is for the privileged

• SUV-as-coupe styling isn’t for everybody

How a lot?

$76,500 to $116,000 (plus $1,050 vacation spot cost)

Gasoline economic system

The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe options the German automaker’s wonderful turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 with electrical supercharger and 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It’s rated at 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque and features a efficiency model of Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The EPA charges the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe at 18 mpg metropolis/23 mpg freeway and 20 mpg mixed. Energy is distributed by means of a 9-speed automated transmission.

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The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe is even mightier, boasting a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that makes 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. It additionally boasts a high-performance AWD system and in addition makes use of a 9-speed automated transmission. EPA figures are nonetheless to be introduced for this mannequin, however the usual GLE SUV with this engine earns 15 mpg metropolis/18 mpg hwy/16 mpg mixed.

Customary options and choices

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe ($76,500) consists of MB-Tex artificial leather-based upholstery, wooden or aluminum inside trim, heated entrance seats, 21-in wheels, keyless entry with hands-free energy liftgate, dual-zone local weather management, panorama roof, 40/20/40-split-folding rear seats, power-folding facet mirrors, power-adjustable steering wheel, 64-color LED inside lighting, and common storage opener.

Take a look at: VW’s new Taos compact SUV

The usual roster of tech is spectacular and consists of twin 12.3-inch shows – one for the instrument cluster, the opposite for infotainment – plus navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 5 USB-C ports, wi-fi cellphone charger and a very good 13-speaker Burmester audio system.

2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe ($116,000) consists of the extra highly effective engine, 6-piston entrance brakes, Nappa leather-based upholstery, ventilated entrance seats, and AMG Energetic Experience Management with Roll Stabilization.

As with different Mercedes luxurious automobiles, loads of choices can be found for the GLE Coupe. They vary from a slick augmented-reality system that overlays real-time navigation instructions over video of the street forward to Multicontour massaging entrance seats. Different goodies embrace heated second-row seats, heated and cooled entrance cupholders, quad-zone local weather management, a good higher-end Burmester audio system, head-up show, soft-close doorways, in-cabin perfume and air-cleaning system, and MBUX gesture-control system.

The Driver Help Package deal Plus package deal provides options like adaptive cruise management and evasive steering help.

Security

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe consists of energetic security options like forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring (with energetic management to stop a collision in 63 S fashions), a driver-attention monitor, and Mercedes’ PRE-SAFE techniques that may tighten seatbelts and shut home windows if a crash seems imminent.

We’d recommend spending the $1,950 for the Driver Assistant Plus package deal. Along with adaptive cruise management with cease and go, it provides options like lane-keeping help, energetic blind-spot help (included on 63 S), route-based pace adaption and a system that stops the automotive if the driving force turns into incapacitated.

The Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe has not been crash-tested by NHTSA.

Behind the wheel

If you happen to don’t imagine it’s doable for a crossover SUV to behave extra like a sports activities automotive than a utility car, the GLE Coupe can shortly change your thoughts. And we imply that actually. Even a base GLE 53 Coupe does 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds. If that’s not sufficient for you, the bonkers GLE 63 S Coupe with its handmade biturbo V8 does 0-60 mph in an estimated 3.7 seconds. Consider this can be a 5,390-pound SUV.

Past straight-line acceleration, the GLE Coupe appears to additional defy physics with manners way more athletic than you’d count on. In actuality, most drivers will crave consolation extra typically than backwoods burning, and we’re completely satisfied to report the GLE Coupe is a fantastic associate for on a regular basis commutes. Varied driving modes will tailor this trendy SUV for the whole lot from “consolation” and “slippery” to “path” and “sand” modes. That is an all-wheel-drive SUV, in spite of everything.

In that respect, you additionally get a commanding and seating place, 5-passenger seating and beneficiant cargo capability.

Different vehicles to think about

2020 BMW X6 – The forebear of this phase, BMW’s X6 is a sportier, extra aggressive and designer tackle the X5.

2021 Audi Q8 – This new entrant to the phase is pure Audi – trendy, tech-forward, and a very good driver. Increased-potency SQ8 and RS Q8 fashions can be found.

2021 Porsche Cayenne Coupe – One other new contender on this phase, Porsche takes a sporty SUV and makes it even sportier.

Used Porsche Cayenne – In actuality, even a regular Cayenne delivers superb manners and good practicality. It’s been round for years and provided in lots of trims, which means there’s likelihood of discovering an excellent used mannequin. The most recent era debuted in 2019.

Questions you could ask

How briskly is a Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe?

With a turbocharged 429 horsepower engine, which is boosted by an electrical starter motor, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe accelerates to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. High pace is electronically restricted to 155 mph. The GLE 63 S Coupe hits that mark in an estimated 3.7 seconds and has a prime pace of 174 mph.

How a lot does the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe price?

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe has a base value of $76,500. The GLE 63 S begins at $116,000. Add a $995 vacation spot to each costs.

What’s the distinction between a GLC Coupe and a GLE Coupe?

Whereas the GLC Coupe and GLE Coupe are visually related, the GLE Coupe – the GLC’s large brother – is bigger, extra highly effective, and costlier. The GLE Coupe affords 60.7 cubic toes of cargo house, which is extra spacious than the 49.Four cubic foot cargo compacity of the GLC Coupe.

Learn subsequent: Overview: The brand new Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Autotrader’s recommendation

With a beginning value of over $76,500, there’s little doubt it takes some bucks to get right into a GLE Coupe. And consider this value is earlier than choices. We predict the GLE 53 Coupe ought to fulfill most consumers. At almost $40,000 extra, the GLE 63 S Coupe is an enormous ask, even with its hand-built engine and added efficiency. However we additionally know that, for these with the means, the guts will get what the guts desires. 

This story initially ran on Autotrader.com.