Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe blends sleek design with exhilarating performance, redefining the luxury SUV experience. With its distinctive sloping roofline and powerful engine options, this vehicle caters to drivers seeking style and speed without sacrificing comfort.
The GLE Coupe stands out in the competitive midsize luxury SUV market, competing with rivals like the BMW X6 and Porsche Cayenne Coupe. For 2025, Mercedes introduces the GLE 450 4Matic Coupe as a new entry-level model, offering a more accessible price point while retaining the brand’s signature opulence.
This article explores the GLE Coupe’s design, performance, technology, and more, providing a comprehensive look at why it remains a top choice for luxury SUV enthusiasts.
Striking Exterior Design
GLE Coupe exterior is a masterful blend of elegance and aggression. Its fastback silhouette, lower roofline, and bold grille create a commanding presence. The new GLE 450 4Matic Coupe introduces subtle styling updates, including new Manufaktur Signature paint colors like Cote d’Azur Light Blue Metallic.
Standard AMG styling, such as 20-inch twin 5-spoke wheels, enhances its sporty appeal. The Night Package option adds gloss black accents for a stealthier look. This design prioritizes aesthetics over practicality, slightly reducing cargo space compared to the standard GLE, but it’s a trade-off for those who value standout style.
Aerodynamic Efficiency
The GLE Coupe’s sleek profile isn’t just for show it improves aerodynamics, contributing to better fuel efficiency and high-speed stability. The sloping roofline reduces drag, while the flared side sills and rear diffuser enhance airflow.
These elements ensure the vehicle feels planted during spirited driving. Despite the coupe-like design, it retains SUV functionality, with a hands-free power liftgate and a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds.
However, the lower roofline compromises rear headroom, making it less ideal for taller passengers but perfect for those prioritizing a dynamic look.
Customization Options
Mercedes offers extensive personalization for the GLE Coupe. Buyers can choose from wheel sizes up to 22 inches and premium upholstery like Nappa leather in Yacht Blue or Carmine Red. The Manufaktur program allows for bespoke paint and interior combinations, elevating the vehicle’s exclusivity.
These options cater to buyers who want a tailored driving experience, though the cost of add-ons can quickly escalate. The ability to customize ensures the GLE Coupe reflects individual tastes, making it a statement of personal style as much as performance.
Powertrain and Performance
GLE Coupe performance is a highlight, with engine options ranging from potent to explosive. The new GLE 450 4Matic Coupe features a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for smoother power delivery.
The AMG GLE 53 and 63 S models push performance further, with up to 603 horsepower in the latter. All models use a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive, ensuring confident handling in various conditions.
GLE 450 4Matic Coupe Highlights
base GLE 450 Coupe strikes a balance between performance and affordability. MotorTrend’s testing showed it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, outperforming some rivals like the Porsche Cayenne V-6.
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Its braking performance is equally impressive, stopping from 60 mph in 106 feet. The mild-hybrid system enhances efficiency, delivering up to 22 mpg combined. While not as aggressive as AMG variants, the GLE 450 offers a refined yet thrilling drive, making it a versatile choice for daily commutes or weekend getaways.
AMG Variants for Enthusiasts
For those craving raw power, the AMG GLE 53 and 63 S Coupes deliver. The GLE 53’s 429-horsepower inline-six, paired with an electric supercharger, hits 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The GLE 63 S, with its twin-turbo V-8, is a beast, offering supercar-like acceleration.
Both feature AMG-tuned suspensions for sharper handling, though the ride can feel firm on rough roads. These models cater to drivers who prioritize performance over comfort, rivaling the BMW X6 M and Porsche Cayenne Coupe in outright speed.
Advanced Technology and Connectivity
GLE Coupe cabin is a tech haven, featuring twin 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment. The MBUX system, activated by “Hey Mercedes,” supports natural-language voice commands, making navigation and controls intuitive.
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Standard wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging keep connectivity seamless. However, the touchpad controller can be finicky, leading to accidental inputs. The available Burmester Surround Sound system with Dolby Atmos elevates the audio experience, perfect for long drives or city cruising.
Safety Features
Safety is a priority, with the GLE Coupe earning a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. Standard features include blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera. The optional Driver Assistance Package adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and cross-traffic braking.
These systems enhance confidence, especially in urban settings. However, some reviews note that the GLE’s reliability ranks below competitors like the Audi Q8, with a 2024 What Car? survey placing it near the bottom of the luxury SUV class.
Interior Comfort
The GLE Coupe interior exudes luxury, with heated front seats, ambient lighting, and optional massaging seats. The Pinnacle trim adds a head-up display and heated armrests, blurring the line with Mercedes’ Maybach lineup.
Rear seating accommodates three adults comfortably, though the sloping roofline limits headroom for taller passengers. Cargo space is 31.6 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 64.1 cubic feet with seats folded less than the standard GLE but competitive for a coupe SUV.
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Practicality and Efficiency
While the GLE Coupe prioritizes style, it remains practical for a luxury SUV. Its towing capacity and spacious cabin make it versatile, though cargo space lags behind rivals like the BMW X5. Fuel efficiency varies by model, with the GLE 450 achieving 22 mpg combined, while the GLE 63 S drops to 16 mpg.
The plug-in hybrid GLE 53 offers up to 55 miles of electric range, appealing to eco-conscious buyers. These options balance performance with efficiency, though running costs can be high for non-hybrid models.
Key Considerations for Buyers
- Pros: Sleek design, powerful engines, luxurious interior, advanced tech, strong safety ratings.
- Cons: Reduced cargo space, firm ride on AMG models, high option costs, below-average reliability.
- Competitors: BMW X6, Porsche Cayenne Coupe, Audi Q8, Genesis GV80 Coupe.
- Price Range: Starts at $78,000 for the GLE 450, up to $135,000 for the GLE 63 S.
Conclusion of
Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is a compelling choice for those who value style and performance in a luxury SUV. Its striking design, potent engines, and tech-rich interior make it a standout, though compromises in cargo space and reliability may deter some buyers.
The new GLE 450 4Matic Coupe broadens its appeal with a lower entry price, while AMG variants cater to thrill-seekers. Compared to rivals like the BMW X6 and Porsche Cayenne Coupe.
the GLE Coupe offers a unique blend of elegance and power. For drivers seeking a bold, luxurious ride, the GLE Coupe delivers an unforgettable experience.