The SUV-coupe. It’s a vehicle segment that still raises eyebrows for some. The idea of sacrificing practicality for a sloping roofline in an SUV form might seem counterintuitive. Even within Mercedes-Benz’s own lineup, the standard GLE offers more passenger and cargo space for less money than its Coupe counterpart. The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG Coupe, with its distinctive silhouette, definitely falls into this category. But beyond the polarizing design, is there substance to this luxury SUV coupe? Let’s delve into the details and explore what makes the GLE 450 AMG Coupe tick, examining both its strengths and weaknesses to determine if it justifies its unique position in the market.
Engine and Performance: The Heart of the GLE 450 AMG Coupe
Under the hood of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG Coupe lies a potent 3.0-liter biturbo V6 engine, enhanced with an AMG tune. This engine is a highlight, also found in other AMG 43 series models, delivering a robust 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might not make the nearly 5,000-pound GLE 450 AMG Coupe feel like a sports car, the power delivery is remarkably smooth and responsive, with no noticeable lag. The engine provides ample power for daily driving and confident highway cruising, making it a strong point in the GLE 450’s performance arsenal.
Complementing this engine is the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes-Benz has engineered this in-house transmission to operate seamlessly. In fact, its most impressive quality is how unobtrusive it is – gear changes are smooth and timely, making it easy to forget it’s even there. This is a notable achievement, especially when compared to some other nine-speed transmissions in the automotive landscape, even outperforming ZF-sourced units found in vehicles like the Chrysler 200 or Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. The combination of this refined engine and transmission creates a powertrain that is both powerful and effortlessly smooth.
Driving Dynamics and Ride Quality: Surprisingly Agile
Despite its size and weight, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG Coupe offers a surprisingly pleasant driving experience. The steering system provides a nicely weighted feel with precise action, offering good feedback to the driver. The suspension, even when set in Sport mode, avoids being overly harsh, striking a good balance between sporty handling and comfortable ride quality. Overall, the GLE 450 Coupe moves with a sense of grace and composure, providing a smooth and refined ride that is expected from a Mercedes-Benz.
It’s worth noting that the test vehicle was equipped with 20-inch wheels fitted with winter tires, which may influence ride characteristics. It remains a question how the standard 21-inch or optional 22-inch wheels would affect the ride quality, potentially making it firmer. However, based on the test drive, the GLE 450 Coupe demonstrates commendable agility and ride comfort for its class, making it enjoyable to drive in various conditions.
Interior and Practicality: Luxury Compromises
Stepping inside the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG Coupe, you are greeted with a luxurious interior. High-quality materials are evident throughout the cabin, creating a comfortable and upscale environment. However, the interior design does feel somewhat dated compared to the latest Mercedes-Benz models. This is a characteristic shared with the standard GLE-Class and the larger GLS-Class of the same generation. While the materials are premium and the seats are comfortable, the design of the switchgear and overall layout hint at an older generation of Mercedes-Benz interiors.
One significant drawback of the GLE 450 AMG Coupe’s design is compromised visibility. The sloping roofline, while contributing to its coupe-like aesthetics, reduces the size of the windows and impacts outward visibility. You sit in a high driving position, typical of an SUV, but the low roofline and thick pillars create blind spots. Rearward visibility through the hatch glass is particularly limited. Adding to this, and typical for vehicles classified as “coupes,” the GLE Coupe lacks a rear windshield wiper. This omission can be inconvenient, especially in wet weather conditions, further impacting rear visibility. Furthermore, the coupe roofline directly impacts practicality, reducing both passenger space, particularly in the rear, and cargo volume compared to the standard GLE SUV.
Price and Value: Premium Cost for Style
The as-tested price of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG Coupe reached $88,035. In today’s luxury car market, this price point might not seem exceptionally high. However, it’s crucial to consider the value proposition. A comparably equipped, more practical, and only slightly less powerful Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 4Matic SUV would cost approximately $10,000 less. This price difference highlights the premium you pay for the GLE Coupe’s unique styling.
The question of value then becomes personal. Are the distinctive looks and slightly sportier driving dynamics of the GLE 450 AMG Coupe worth the extra cost and reduced practicality compared to the standard GLE SUV? For buyers prioritizing style and exclusivity, the answer might be yes. However, those seeking maximum space and value for their money might find the standard GLE or other SUVs in this price range a more sensible choice.
Versus the Competition: GLE Coupe vs. BMW X6
The primary competitor to the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG Coupe is undoubtedly the BMW X6, which pioneered the luxury SUV coupe segment. When placed head-to-head, the GLE Coupe holds its own and even surpasses the X6 in certain aspects. The interior of the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe generally feels more luxurious and refined than that of the BMW X6, with better materials and a more upscale ambiance. Furthermore, the GLE Coupe is arguably a better vehicle to drive, offering a more comfortable and composed ride compared to the sometimes firmer and less forgiving X6. While personal preferences in styling will always vary, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG Coupe presents a strong and arguably more appealing alternative to the BMW X6 in the luxury SUV coupe arena.
Conclusion
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG Coupe presents a mixed bag. It offers a potent and smooth engine, a refined transmission, and surprisingly agile driving dynamics for its size. The interior is luxurious, albeit a bit dated in design. However, the coupe styling compromises practicality with reduced visibility, passenger space, and cargo capacity. The price premium over the standard GLE SUV further emphasizes that you are paying for style and exclusivity. Ultimately, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG Coupe is a vehicle that prioritizes form over ultimate function. Whether it’s “worth it” depends entirely on individual priorities and preferences. If you value distinctive styling and a slightly sportier driving experience in a luxury SUV and are willing to accept the compromises, the GLE 450 AMG Coupe is a compelling option. However, if practicality and value are paramount, the standard GLE SUV or other competitors might be more suitable choices.
