GLE Coupe pricing aims straight at X6

Mercedes-Benz will launch its new high-riding GLE Coupe ‘sports’ SUV with pricing predictably pitched at its most obvious – and perhaps only true – rival, the BMW X6.

Benz has confirmed a three-model line-up for the GLE Coupe in Australia, with two of them petrol-turbos tuned by AMG. This reflects the sporting appeal Benz believes the spin-off from the GLE large wagon will offer.

It has declined only one model in the initial range, the V6 petrol GLE 400.

The range kicks off with the 190kW V6 turbo-diesel GLE 350d Coupe priced at $121,900, then rises through the 270kW twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 GLE 450 AMG priced at $141,900 and tops out with the ground-shaking 430kW 5.5-litre biturbo V8 Mercedes-AMG C63 S priced at $198,900.

The equivalent BMW X6s are the $115,400 xDrive 30d, the $120,700 xDrive 35i and the $194,700 xDrive M.

The GLE Coupe’s pricing is higher than the equivalent GLE, continuing the X6’s tradition of offering less space and functionality than the donor SUV wagon (the X5 in that case) at a higher price.

While the GLE Coupe is a new model and it has a new name, it is not a new car in the same way as the recently overhauled X6 is.

It shares its updated ML-Class architecture with the facelifted GLE wagon, while the name is part of a new strategy from Benz that aligns the SUV model with the equivalent passenger car relation. So for the GLE Coupe and GLE that’s the E-Class.

All cars are 4MATIC all-wheel drive, ride on air suspension and the AMG models use active roll stabilisation as part of its dynamic package. The two V6s run the new 9G-TRONIC auto, while the 63 sticks with a seven-speed. For more on the technical issues and developments integral to the GLE Coupe go here.

The GLE 450 AMG is the first model from the new AMG Sport line to go on sale. Effectively an Audi S Line and BMW M Performance equivalent, it is tuned — but not assembled — by AMG.

The GLE Coupe is also the last hurrah for the glorious 5.5-litre biturbo M157 V8 engine in a new vehicle line, although it will also find its way into the updated GL next year, which is to be renamed GLS.

While the GLE Coupe comes to market some seven years after the launch of the X6, which has proved to be a surprise niche hit for BMW, a Benz executive revealed at this week’s global launch in Austria that it could have been first on sale with a high-riding SUV coupe.

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman Jerry Stamoulis said one objective of the GLE Coupe would be to keep Benz drivers with the company.

“If people are leaving us to buy an X6 we want to be able to make them an offer… we want to offer them a model in our range.”

He said Mercedes-Benz Australia’s expectation was the GLE Coupe petrol models would outsell the single diesel, bucking the usual trend for SUVs.

“We see the 450 and 63 taking up the majority of orders, but it is a new model for us.

“We think from our perspective ML 63 does really well and for those customers wanting for something a little more sporty than the current ML, they might opt for the coupe version.”

But like the X6, which sells in far smaller numbers than the donor X5, the GLE Coupe will not come anywhere near the GLE on sales volume.

To the end of May, BMW had sold 258 X6s in 2015, while selling 1648 X5s.

The GLE Coupe’s safety kit will include nine airbags, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Distronic Plus with Steering Assist and Stop & Go Pilot, Pre-Safe Brake, Pre-Safe Plus, Crosswind Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, an Active Bonnet and an LED Intelligent Light System with Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus.

Standard GLE Coupe equipment will include AMG body styling, Dynamic Select transmission modes, 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, Airmatic air suspension, 21-inch AMG Wheels, Comand navigation, an Easy-Pack automatic power tailgate, Harman Kardon 14-speaker surround-sound system, Nappa leather upholstery and heated and electronically adjustable AMG Line sports front seats.  

In addition the 450 gets a panoramic sliding sunroof, AMG Line Nappa leather upholstery, 22-inch AMG Wheels, Active Curve System with anti-roll stabilisation and theft protection package.

The GLE 63 S Coupe also includes an AMG driver’s package, AMG performance exhaust, Air-Balance package, digital TV tuner and heated and ventilated multi-contour luxury front seats in exclusive AMG Nappa leather.

Watch out for our first drive of the GLE Coupe next Tuesday.