Mercedes has taken the wraps off its second-generation GLE Coupe ahead of its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. It claims to have focused on making the big SUV more coupe-like in appearance and its dynamics. At launch, there will be a choice of two diesel models, an AMG-badged petrol variant and the promise of a plug-in hybrid soon. All versions get an automatic transmission and 4Matic four-wheel drive. Expect the new GLE Coupe to arrive in Ireland in early 2020.
Bigger, but still shorter than GLE SUV
The 2020 GLE Coupe is 39mm longer than its predecessor and 7mm wider, with a 20mm longer wheelbase. However, that still makes it 60mm shorter in the wheelbase than the GLE proper, which Mercedes reckons helps its proportions and makes the handling more agile. The glasshouse is much more raked than the SUV variant's and the rear haunches pronounced, too. Alloy wheels from 19- to 22-inch in diameter are offered and all exterior lights use LED technology as standard.
GLE-flavoured, but sportier cabin
At first, the GLE Coupe's cabin looks nigh on identical to that of the GLE SUV, but there are a few differences, such as standard sports seats and a sports steering wheel. Despite the sloping rear roofline, there's room for three in the back and the rear door openings have been enlarged over the previous GLE Coupe's. The boot swallows a minimum of 655 litres of luggage and, using a 40:20:40 split on the seat backs, the total volume can be increased to 1,790 litres - 70 litres more than before. Mercedes says that the load lip has been lowered to make it easier to access, and there's more stowage space in the cabin, too.
Diesel power still king
European buyers are expected to stick with diesel power for the new GLE Coupe so it will be initially offered with two different versions of the company's excellent new straight-six diesel engine. The GLE Coupe 350 d's engine makes 272hp and 600Nm of torque, while emitting 197-211g/km of CO2 and using 7.5-8.0 litres/100km. The GLE Coupe 400 d's corresponding figures are 330hp, 700Nm, 198-212g/km and the same official fuel consumption numbers.
AMG power from the start
Though we expect further AMG variants in time, buyers are offered the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe from the start of production. It uses the company's advanced turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six petrol engine, which gets a 48-volt electrical system to power up an electric compressor, the integrated starter-generator and other ancillaries. Peak outputs are 435hp and 520Nm, enabling a 0-100km/h time of 5.3 seconds. Along with the usual AMG visual upgrades inside and out, this variant of the new GLE Coupe has a more sophisticated version of the 4Matic four-wheel-drive system, the well-proven AMG Dynamic Select drive modes, a different nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Ride Control+ air suspension with adaptive and adjustable damping.
Music to your ears
And if the wail of the turbocharged six-cylinder engine doesn't float your boat, the GLE Coupe looks to be one of the first Mercedes models to be offered with integrated Amazon Music, playable on the impressive twin-screen MBUX infotainment system.