2015 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 d Coupé first drive

The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is the more overtly sporting sister to the facelifted third-generation M-Class, which has also adopted the GLE moniker.

It will be launched in the UK with two standard engines: a 254bhp turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 diesel fitted to the GLE350d 4Matic Coupe we've driven here, and a 328bhp twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 in the GLE400 4Matic Coupe.

They will be joined next month by two AMG-developed petrol engines: a 362bhp version of the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 in the GLE450 AMG 4Matic Coupe and a twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 developing 549bhp in the GLE63 4Matic Coupe, as well as a gutsier 577bhp version in the range-topping GLE63 S 4Matic Coupe.

As their names suggest, all models receive Mercedes' 4Matic four-wheel drive system as standard. 

Using the GLE as its base, the GLE Coupe has been extensively re-engineered. The two models share the same steel monocoque platform and 2915mm wheelbase. However, in a move that provides it with a larger footprint, the GLE Coupe has modified axle geometry with track widths that increase by 3mm at the front and 60mm at the rear over those of the GLE, at 1658mm and 1725mm respectively.

At 4900mm in length, 2003mm in width and 1731mm in height, the GLE Coupe is 9mm shorter, 14mm wider and 29mm taller than the second-generation BMW X6. Taking a lead from its strong-selling rival, the new Mercedes receives four conventional front-hinged doors and a large liftback-style tailgate.

The V6 diesel in the GLE350d Coupe is not greatly distinguished in either performance or fuel economy, giving away 55bhp and 4.7mpg to the similar-sized six-cylinder engine fitted to its most obvious rival, the BMW X6 xDrive40d.

However, the GLE's motor is pleasantly refined in all but the upper reaches of its rev range and, with a stout 457lb ft of torque on tap at 1600rpm, is flexible across a wide spread of revs. There's plenty of punch for overtaking, although an official 0-62mph time of 7.0sec and 140mph top speed is nothing special, being a respective 1.2sec and 9mph slower than the X6 xDrive40d.

A standard nine-speed automatic gearbox feels smoother and more intuitive than the older seven-speed unit used in the GLE400 Coupe; it provides quick, decisive shifts up and down the 'box. The engine requires so few revs at 80mph that you can barely hear it over the constant rustle of wind around the sizeable mirror housings.

It may tip the scales at a hefty 2185kg, but the GLE350d Coupe handles with great panache when hurried along on winding back roads. There is moderate body lean, even in the firmest of the three settings offered by its conventional front steel springs and optional rear air springs setup, as used by our test car. However, the car's overall agility is quite impressive for something so big.

Decent levels of grip provided by a four-wheel drive system enhanced with a torque vectoring function let you maintain good pace through corners with confidence. It's good fun exploring the car's potential, although it takes a good deal of commitment to experience the understeer that eventually emerges.

The ride, in the softest damper setting, is excellent both around town and out on the open road. The overall control of the suspension over high-frequency bumps at lower speeds is very impressive, as is the car's ability to settle quickly on undulating sections of road.