Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe

Well, this is an unexpected manner. Trying to fend off the likes of BMW's sport utility coupe that started it all with the X6, Mercedes-Benz is joining the odd genre by creating their kind of sport utility coupe that combines the utility of the SUV and the exhilaration of a sports car. The Silver Arrows' first of their kind has been christened as the new GLE-Class Coupe.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe

This coupe version is basically based on the new GLE-Class, which is more pf a minor change version of the old M-Class it replaces as one of the firsts to implement its new naming structure but whereas the normal GLE-Class is all about being a practical crossover fit for any kinds of lifestyles, what does the new coupe version do in store? Well, thanks to its sloping roofline that you get from its BMW X6 rival, you can't really tell whether if its a jacked up saloon or an SUV at some point but don't try to count this car as a head-turner because with all that size and a questionable design even a man with a cataracts couldn't ask, no one's going to turn at a JS prom or a charity gala on one of these.

On the inside, it's the same story because thanks to its sloping roofline, some tall guys at the back are having a hard time accommodating inside and because this is a 5-seater sport utility coupe, you'll find that even with the decent boot space, it feels somewhat compromising, again, thanks to its roofline. But still, this is enough to fit most of your grocery shopping on your day off.

Under the hood, the GLE Coupe comes with a choice of a 3.0L petrol, 4.7L V8 petrol, or a 3.0L diesel engine, all mated with a 9G-TRONIC gearbox, a gearbox that is very unheard for a common driver.

2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 Coupe

2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 Coupe

If you need some added grunt to take on BMW's X6 M, not to worry because Mercedes-AMG offered a more powerful GLE63 Coupe model to accommodate that very pleasure of driving a high-performance heavyweight on the road and track, although it's somewhat unadvisable for the average car enthusiast. In the S version, the good old M157 AMG 5.5L V8 BiTurbo engine can churn out 585PS of power and 760Nm of torque. Mated with the AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic, it can do 0-100kph in 4.2 seconds and it's electronically limited to 250kph but there's an optional extra where the limit can be raised to 280kph.

In technological terms, the GLE features some cutting-edge technology ranging from ADAPTIVE BRAKE, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, EASY-Pack tailgate, reversing camera, Crosswind Assist, and many other tech features that is so advanced, it feels like the future really is now thanks to science. Oh great, this coupe crossover really is on right now in the techno-fest but frankly, some drivers are pretty uncertain about these tech features.

In terms of handling, the GLE Coupe is not what you called sporty as a sportscar but because being a crossover coupe, it's not what you called ideal to take it on your weekend destinations. Although this is still called a leisure activity vehicle, the only lifestyle this coupe version can do is nightlife, going to the gym, shopping, going to the indoor shooting range, and other activities rather than taking one to the beach or go on a cycling trip at the woods or camping or whatever.

The new GLE-Class Coupe starts at around 66,700 Euros for the GLE 350 d 4MATIC model, which is somewhat a thousand euros more than the base X6 xDrive30d model. It may sound much than its rival but rest assured that you'll get nothing while driving the new GLE Coupe. Don't think the nightmare is over because pretty soon, there will be another coupe crossover that will rival against the BMW X4 and that's in the form of the GLC-Class the replacement of the GLK but for now, you'd better think twice before taking a spin on the new GLE Coupe.

Photo: Daimler AG