X6 rival, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe unveiled
Determined to challenge its competitors in every segment, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the 2015 GLE Coupe, specifically to take on the BMW X6. While the GLE was meant to debut at the North American International Auto Show, images of the car were leaked online early on, which probably led Mercedes to officially unveil it. The GLE, based on their new nomenclature, is what used to be the ML-Class.
In the same mold as its German rival, the GLE Coupe is a bit of a mash-up, leading one to develop a love/hate relationship with how it looks. The silhouette more or less resembles BMW’s X4 and X6, though a glance would reveal the less angluar, flowing lines, shared with the new AMG GT. The prominent front facia gets strips of chrome, the three-point star logo bisects a large, rectangular grille, the LED headlights are in the same design as those on Merc’s latest offerings, and the wrap around tail lamps look like those on the new S-Class Coupe.
The interiors are typical Mercedes fare and include sports seats, and a new infotainment system. Wood with sliver accents, or aluminium are both offered as optional trims.
The GLE will get an AMG-endowed variant, named the GLE 450 AMG, that will have the usual aggressive AMG body kit, a flat-bottomed steering, sporty 21-inch alloys, air suspension, an adaptive damping system and adjustable ride height. The cabin also comes with AMG themed carbon-fibre trim, the steering with nappa leather, and the pedals done in stainless steel.
Under the hood of the GLE 450 AMG, (the first of Mercedes’ AMG Sport models), will be a 3.0-litre, twin-turboV6 that develops 362bhp and 520Nm of peak torque. The powerplant is mated to a new nine-speed automatic transmission and the German brand’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
The GLE 350D is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel motor, producing 254bhp and 620Nm of torque, while the GLE 400 share the same twin-turbo V6 mill as the AMG Sport variant, though producing 328bhp and 480Nm of peak torque. Those looking for the full-blown AMG package (not the slightly cheaper GLE 450 AMG one), won’t be disapppointed as there will be a range-topping GLE 63 AMG with a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 developing over 500bhp.
No word on prices yet, as they will be revealed early in 2015.
