2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe 2021-2022 Review

While Mercedes-Benz was the class leader when it came to creating different luxury models in different segments, the GLE Coupe is one car that was created as a reaction instead of being concurrent with its rivals at the time. Consumer trends can be extremely difficult to predict, and nobody really knew just how popular the SUV coupe would become.

Over time, Mercedes-Benz started to roll out coupe variants of their SUVs to meet this market demand, and eventually they started to capture much of this small yet significant market. In the same vein, their SUV coupes weren’t drastically different from their vanilla SUV siblings – pretty much the same recipe, in fact, but with that tapered roofline.

For the Malaysian market, it is now the third and current generation that is on sale – globally launched back in 2019, and eventually brought to our shores in 2020 in two different variants. These two variants have continued until today, with no changes in equipment or functionality. In contrast to the regular GLE-Class SUV, the GLE Coupe is a fully imported product.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe 2021-2022 Specifications

The powertrain at the heart of the entry level variant of the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine that is one of the newer powerplants within the Mercedes-Benz lineup. In this state of tune as the GLE 450 4MATIC Coupe AMG Line, it produces 367 hp and 500 Nm of torque from as low as 1,600 rpm and up to 4,500 rpm.

This engine happens to be a mild hybrid setup, with a 48-volt integrated starter generator that dangles off the front of the engine, providing an extra 22 hp and 250 Nm of torque when the driver demands. All of the performance is channeled through the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed conventional automatic transmission, split across all four wheels thanks to the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

This exact same setup happens to be what moves the more potent variant of the GLE Coupe, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe. For this variant, the outputs are pushed to a heftier 429 hp and 520 Nm of torque, and the + suffix for the 4MATIC system indicates more performance-biased functionality in operation that gives it a sportier feel than the regular 4MATIC system.

In terms of overall dimensions, the GLE Coupe stretches 4,939 mm long with a wheelbase of 2,935 mm. It is 2,010 mm wide, and 1,737 mm tall – which makes it a little shorter, a little lower, and a little wider than its traditional SUV sibling. The curb weight of all variants sits at over two tonnes, though that’s par for the course when it comes for a vehicle in this class.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe 2021-2022 Exterior

As the suffix in the model name suggests, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC Coupe AMG Line come with the AMG exterior package, which means sportier front and rear bumpers and body-coloured trim for the wheel arches. Multi-beam LED headlamps come as standard, as do aluminium side steps (or call them running boards, if you’re fancy). At the rear, there is a silver garnish for the exhaust section and diffuser. At all four corners are 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.

Naturally, the range-topping Mercedes-AMG GLE53 4MATIC AMG+ Coupe comes with the AMG styling as well, although the immediately obvious difference is the Panamericana grille over the single-slat setup of the GLE 450 4MATIC Coupe. The wheels are also uprated to 22-inch units in the AMG cross-spoke design, and an additional rear spoiler lip helps to accentuate the rear taper ever so slightly. The AMG Night package – blacked out exterior trim – is also present for this variant.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe 2021-2022 Interior

The three-pointed star has done well for itself by clearly defining what their interiors are to look like, from models as simple and approachable as the A-Class to vehicles as extravagant as the S-Class, and all the models in between benefit from this including the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. The most updated version of the infotainment and instrument cluster combination is provided, being a twin 12.3-inch display setup that also comes loaded with the MBUX infotainment system.

Between the two variants, the broad strokes are similar but the details are a little different. The entry level variant gets regular seats, while the range topper gets more contoured, bucket-like seats. While both are finished in Nappa leather, the range-topper also gets an AMG Performance steering wheel finished in the same material. The largest difference would be the transition from anthracite open-pore oak wood to carbon fibre for the naturally sportier variant.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe 2021-2022 Safety Features

The safety features and functionality for both variants of the GLE Coupe are identical: advanced safety items like autonomous emergency braking inclusive of pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as adaptive cruise control that Mercedes-Benz labels “DISTRONIC”. Active steering assist and active parking assist with Parktronic are also provided, on top of your usual suspects like ABS with EBD and brake assist, traction control, stability control and the like.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe 2021-2022 Strengths & Weakness

Performance, refinement, and practicality in a singular package – it’s what can be used to describe most Mercedes-Benz products in this day and age. The GLE Coupe’s strengths are the fact that it can deliver on these promises, but the downside of an SUV coupe will always be the tradeoff it makes in the pursuit of style: a lack of rear headroom and a smaller boot capacity.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe 2021-2022 Price

For the entry level variant of the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe on offer, you will pay RM 661,009.42 – specifically for the GLE 450 4MATICCoupe AMG Line. The range-topping Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe will run you a heftier RM 812,046.55.

This pricing is inclusive of the current exemptions provided by the government, without which these models would be a fair bit pricier. The level of exemption isn’t quite the same as the non-coupe bodystyle, as both of these coupe variants are fully imported products.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe 2021-2022 Features

Of the many features provided like ambient lighting, automatic headlamps, adaptive cruise control and the like, any modern Mercedes-Benz model will undeniably have the MBUX system as its party piece. This system is a game-changing, highly intuitive method of operating the infotainment that allows for a variety of controls, as well as improved connectivity and excellent customization of displays to show you exactly what you want and need to see.

On top of this, both variants get Thermotronic four-zone automatic climate control, a Burmester sound system, wireless charging, and an LTE communications module to enable Mercedes me connected services that allow you to view various different functions and control different aspects through your smart devices.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe 2021-2022 Fuel Consumption

The manufacturer quoted fuel consumption figure for the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe depends on the variant – the entry level GLE 450 returns 9.2 litres per 100 kilometres, while the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 gets 9.6 litres per 100 kilometres. This translates to 10.9 kilometres per litre and 10.4 kilometres per litre respectively.

It’s important to bear in mind that these models pack turbocharged engines, which can swing quite wildly in their consumption depending on your driving style and habits. Push the engine harder and you will find it drinking quite a significant amount of fuel, although if you can manage to find open highway and cruise at a reasonable speed it should be somewhat more efficient.