2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 coupe
Since the BMW X6 went on sale in 2007, hundreds of thousands of units have found homes globally.
With those impressive sales numbers, it is as good a reason as any for Mercedes-Benz to create the GLE Coupe in response, though the Benz’s styling is a lot more subtle in its execution. Mercedes-Benz, by its own admission, was late to the party.
Who would have thought a couple of decades ago that a raised liftback four door four-by-four would be as popular as it is today. Indeed, the swoopy-roofed and less practical coupe SUVs typically command a premium over their traditional SUV-shaped equivalents.
Case-in-point, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 coupe, the subject of this review, has a premium of $8,000 over its non-coupe GLE450 SUV. Based on the second-generation GLE mid-sized SUV, the GLE450 coupe competes against the similarly shaped Audi Q8, Porsche Cayenne Coupe, and BMX X6.
This new version offers improved exterior design and interior opulence, further establishing itself as an unmistakable addition to any luxury carmaker's lineup. With every fine detail accounted for and careful attention to its driving dynamics, the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is a must-have for those looking for an option in the SUV coupe market.
It is tested here in its daily-driver 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 coupe form, more affordable and less of a heat score than its hot rod Mercedes-AMG GLE63S 4Matic Coupe form.
What’s new?
Unlike the previous generation GLE coupe, this second-generation version is not simply a rebodied version of the regular GLE SUV.
The new GLE coupe uses Mercedes' MHA (modular high architecture) platform which offers greater structural rigidity, with 33 per cent more stiffness than its predecessor due to the use of cast-aluminium nodes for the front and rear suspension mountings.
To create a slightly more distinct look versus the GLE SUV, Mercedes has worked its magic by decreasing the wheelbase of the GLE coupe by 2.4 inches to 115.8 inches, compared to its conventional SUV counterpart. Compared to the first-generation model, the overall length has grown to 194.4 inches, width has increased to 79.1 inches, and height remains ever so slightly lower at 68.1 inches.
The interior of the new GLE coupe has been fully re-imagined following a similar fashion to its exterior. Embedded within a multi-tiered dashboard are two 12.3 inch digital displays for instrumentation and infotainment, which utilize Mercedes' latest MBUX operating system.
A key new highlight of the new GLE coupe is the optional 17.7x5.9 inch head-up display (one of the largest in its class), as well as Active Stop-and-Go Assist which allows for semi-autonomous driving in congested traffic areas. In addition, a full range of driver assistance systems are available as befits a vehicle in this luxury class.
Interior comfort and technology
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 coupe is incredibly quiet and well-made inside, with superbly supportive seats.
Like its GLE SUV sibling, it comes with Mercedes’ newest MBUX infotainment system, which comprises one large panel that contains both the instrumentation panel and centre console. As mentioned, these dual 12.3-inch displays stretch across nearly the entire length of the dashboard and certainly make a terrific first impression. They look techy and pricey, as befits the price tag of this vehicle.
The driver's screen is the highly customizable gauge cluster, and displays acceleration and RPM, an analog clock, range or radio/media station information, an assistance graphic, current consumption, the ECO display or a navigation map.
The second screen located closer to the centre of the dashboard is used for infotainment features. The system allows for touch control, voice commands, and gestures from the small touchpad controllers on the horizontal spokes of the advanced multi-function steering wheel, as well as a larger touchpad located within the centre console.
When compared to MBUX in more affordable models (e.g. A-Class), one of its main differences is Interior Assist, which employs a camera on the overhead console to detect when the driver’s or passenger’s hand approaches the screen, which then triggers specific changes in the media display with individual elements highlighted accordingly.
As it can differentiate between both hands, MBUX will react according to their particular profiles and preferences. This system also enables people inside the car to control certain functions such as reading lamps without having to physically touch them – all thanks to hand gesture recognition that works for both driver and passenger alike.
The other way of interacting with MBUX is via voice command, similar to Siri or Google Alexa. Say “Hey Mercedes” at any time, and the car will ask how it can help you. You can do anything from adjust the interior temperature, to program a destination, or even turn on the heated steering wheel.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is standard, as is a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Although the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 Coupe’s stick starts at $86,600, my well-optioned test vehicle priced at $96,700. And it is not as if the options were frivolous either.
Some of the options include the $3,400 Premium package which adds the excellent Burmester High-End 3D surround sound system with 25 speakers and 1,550 watts of system power. There are four full-range speakers integrated into the headliner and a VIP function that moves the listener closer to the sound action by targeting a specific listening position.
Other items included in the Premium package include a foot-activated sensor for the power hatch, heated rear seats with heated armrests, heated and massaging front seats, heated and cooled front cupholders, and a 360-degree surround view camera. Add another $3,000 for the Intelligent Drive Package and the $2,400 Tech package to add heads-up display, MBUX interior assist, the multibeam LED headlamps, and soft close doors. And who could forget another $1,200 for ventilated front seats.
How does it drive?
The driving experience provided by the GLE coupe is quite pleasant. The high seating position provides an excellent view from up front, while premium grade materials create a truly luxurious feel within the entire vehicle. Headroom is surprisingly commodious in the second row despite the sloping roofline.
The main penalty with the liftback silhouette is in cargo space, with 140 litres less compared to the regular GLE SUV. Total cargo capacity is rated at 651 litres, more than sufficient for most owners, provided that that you don’t have a big dog or tend to have to stack boxes frequently.
Considering the GLE coupe’s overall size and high stance, the chassis still manages to cope well. Mercedes has included practically every feature they know of in order to help keep the car stable at speed while still preserving a good portion of comfort and refinement.
The air springs will automatically lower the vehicle's ride height when traveling at higher speeds working in conjunction with the adaptive dampers depending on the driver selectable chassis modes. There are also adaptive anti-roll bars to reduce body roll.
Under the GLE450’s power domed hood (a throwback to the 300SL Gullwing) sits Mercedes’ latest 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine producing 362 hp. This powerplant is a mild-hybrid with an integrated starter-generator good for 21 horsepower. While the electric motor is not strong enough to move the vehicle on pure electric mode, it does allow for extended engine-off times during the highway coasting mode to lower emissions and save on fuel.
Power flows to all four wheels via the 9G-Trontic gearbox with, you guessed it, nine speeds. The GLE450’s 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is more rearward-biased (and variable from 0-100 per cent front/rear) for a sportier feel, compared to its cheaper GLE350 equivalent which is locked at 50:50 front/rear.
Final thoughts
Despite having almost 365hp and large 21 inch wheels, the 2022 GLE450 coupe’s ride and handling are tuned to be on the luxurious side versus the sporty side. Think of it as a luxurious, comfortable, high-riding all-weather grand touring car for you and your friends.
Sure, it will cling on tenaciously when pushed, but the control weights do not encourage you to rush it too hard as it would just feel out of character. If you’re looking for something other end of the spectrum, you’ll have to upgrade to the hot rod Mercedes-AMG GLE63s coupe.
While the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 coupe will not be to everyone’s taste, if you’re looking for truly luxurious qualities and to stick out from the SUV crowd, it might be just for you.
