Review of the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is a sporty SUV that comes with an eye-catching appearance, a powerful range of engines, and lots of tech as standard.

Rivals to the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe include the Audi Q8, BMW X6, Porsche Cayenne Coupe, and Range Rover Velar.

Our Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe review covers:

• Distinctive front grille and sloping rear roof
• Stylish interior with two 12.3-inch screens
• 655-litre boot
• Four engines available
• One trim level: AMG Line Premium Plus

Pros:

• Economical plug-in hybrid option
• Lots of tech as standard
• Fast to drive

Cons:

• Limited rear headroom
• Suspension not as good as rivals
• More expensive than a GLE

The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is now in its second generation, and it's been restyled with slick aerodynamics, new lights, and a bold front grille. Compared to its predecessor, the current GLE Coupe is wider but has a shorter wheelbase. 

Interior space is sufficient in the GLE Coupe; however, it's nothing to write home about. There's plenty of leg and headroom up front, but in the rear, headroom is limited thanks to the panoramic glass roof, so passengers over six feet might struggle to get comfortable.

For storage, the GLE Coupe comes with lots of useful compartments such as good-sized door pockets, two cup holders, and a small cubby below the infotainment system for keys or a phone.

Boot space comes in at 655 litres for the non-plug-in hybrid models, which is more than the Audi Q8 and BMW X6. If you've gone for the plug-in hybrid GLE Coupe, boot space decreases to 510 litres to accommodate the battery.

The interior of the GLE Coupe has a premium feel, with plenty of soft-touch plastics on the dashboard that are complemented by a black or brown interior trim. The dashboard feels nice but isn't as well built as the Audi Q8 or BMW X6.

There's a two-screen set-up in the GLE Coupe, a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the infotainment system and digital drivers display. The touchscreen infotainment system comes with voice control, sat-nav, and smartphone mirroring, while the digital driver's display has crystal clear graphics and all necessary driver information.

One trim level is available for the Mercedes GLE Coupe. AMG Line Premium Plus.

It comes with 22-inch five-spoke alloy wheels in black, heat-insulating dark-tinted glass, keyless-go, a parking package with 360° camera, surround lighting with logo protection, ambient lighting, climatised and electric front seats with memory, a head-up display, and thermatic climate control.

Two standard diesel engines are available for the GLE Coupe, a diesel plug-in-hybrid and a diesel.  

The entry-level plug-in hybrid diesel is the 350de which combines a 2.0-litre diesel engine with a 31.2 kWh battery. It comes with a top speed of 130mph, achieves 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds, has an electric range of 66 miles, and returns a fuel economy of 353.1mpg.

The next choice is the more powerful 400d, which has a top speed of 149mph and achieves 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds. However, as it's a traditional diesel engine, fuel economy takes a big hit to 36.2mpg.

If you want more power, two high-performance petrol engines are available, the 53 and 63. The 53 only slightly increases power, so for the extra cost, you may as well go for the V8 63. It has a top speed of 174mph and achieves 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds.

For a big and dominating car, the GLE Coupe has light and accurate steering when cruising at low speeds. Even though driving around town can be tricky, thanks to the restricted rear view, the whole host of sensors and cameras brings confidence in tight spots.

Air suspension is standard on the GLE Coupe, but due to the 22-inch wheels, you certainly feel it when tackling potholes or bumps in the road. It's not uncomfortable, but it falls short of rivals such as the Range Rover Velar.

Prices for the new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe start from £78,500.00 OTR* or to lease from Price On Request per month.

Looking to get behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts are one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers and offer a range of affordable leasing deals.

Leasing allows motorists to spread the cost of the car throughout their lease term with fixed monthly rentals and a low initial payment.

*' On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change, always check with your nearest retailer.