Road noise is also well suppressed; at least, that’s the impression we got on the smooth surfaced roads in Germany. We’ll have to wait to see how it handles the coarser surfaces in the UK.
The GLE Coupe gets standard steel spring suspension, although Mercedes expect the majority of customers will choose the optional Airmatic air suspension, which uses air springs and new ADS Plus adaptive damping system with an additional valve over the system used in the GLE until now.
A further notable feature is the standard Dynamic Select driving mode control system. It provides the driver with selectable driving modes; in the case of the GLE350d Coupe, Individual, Comfort, Sport and Slippery. Other models also get a Sport Plus mode that brings a double de-clutch function on the gearbox during downshifts.
You step up higher into the GLE Coupe than you do in the regular GLE, due to an additional 12mm of ride height brought on by its larger wheels. When you settle into the broad driver’s seat, you quickly discover one fundamental downside to the swoopy exterior styling, namely limited rearward vision because of the extreme angle of the rear window. This immediately makes it clear why Mercedes has decided to provide its latest model with a rear camera as standard.
Cost considerations mean the interior is largely shared with the newly facelifted GLE. The familiar-looking dashboard is a relatively busy affair, with a free-standing monitor set high and varying controls adorning the centre section.
The latest generation of Mercedes' Comand infotainment system is mounted between the front seats along with the controls to alter the aforementioned driving modes.
Despite its heavily curved roofline and angled liftback-style tailgate, the GLE Coupe offers plenty of cabin space all round. The low-set rear seats cater for three adult passengers, with adequate leg and head room for the outer seat occupants. However, the middle seat is compromised by a narrow seat cushion and transmission tunnel.
Boot space is a claimed 650 litres, some 100 litres more than the X6, although the boot of the GLE has an unusually high loading lip, making it fairly awkward to lift heavy items over. The rear bumper extends so high, in fact, that it is used to house the opening mechanism for the automatic tailgate.
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AN AUDI A7 ALLROAD WOULD MAKE MORE SENSE.
Comically Bad
Horrid. Ugly in every sense.