New Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe arrives

Australian pricing and details for the new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe have been announced ahead of the bigger, sportier and higher-tech large German SUV’s imminent arrival in local showrooms.

All three petrol-powered all-wheel drive models are now available to order and while the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe is arriving in showrooms now, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC Coupe arrives in September, followed by the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupe in late 2020.

Opening the range at $137,000 plus on-road costs ($11,000 more than the $125,970 GLE 350d Coupe it effectively replaces) is the entry-level GLE 450 4MATIC.

It’s powered by a 270kW/500Nm 3.0-litre turbo-petrol six-cylinder engine boosted by a 48-volt battery that adds another 16kW/250Nm to the output.

Fitted with a nine-speed automatic transmission, Benz says the GLE 450 takes just 5.7 seconds to hit 100km/h and drinks a 9.2L/100km.

Standard equipment includes Benz’s latest MBUX infotainment system with ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control, a 360-degree camera, a Burmester surround sound system, Nappa leather upholstery with heating and memory up front, panoramic sunroof, 64-colour ambient lighting and wireless phone charging.

Keyless entry and start, an electric tailgate, multibeam LED headlights with adaptive high beam, AMG Line body styling and 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light alloy wheels are also standard.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 is also fitted with a host of safety and driver assistance features such as active steering assist, adaptive cruise control, brake assist, active lane change assist, active blind spot monitoring and traffic sign assist.

Meanwhile, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 (priced from $171,800 plus ORCs) replaces the current 43 AMG ($145,470 plus ORCs) and is powered by the same engine, but with higher 320kW/520Nm outputs.

Paired to AMG’s SPEEDSHIFT TCT nine-speed auto, it nails the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 5.3sec and a top-speed of 250km/h.

Extra GLE 53 features include AIRMATIC adaptive air suspension, AMG performance exhaust, an AMG spoiler lip, heat-insulating tinted windows, AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather, 21-inch light alloy wheels and more.

AMG Ride Control+ with AMG Active Ride Control comes standard on the GLE 53, and incorporates 48V active roll-stabiliser bars, to offer continuous variable damping.

Topping the new GLE Coupe line-up is the hot GLE 63 S 4MATIC+, priced from $222,700 plus ORCs – up from $203,570 for the outgoing 5.5-litre atmo V8-powered model.

Power in the top-spec GLE Coupe comes from AMG’s 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, which is also newly fitted with the aforementioned 48-volt EQ Boost tech.

Fitted with a nine-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT auto, the GLE 63 S can sprint to 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds, thanks to 450kW and 850Nm on tap.

Equipped with the same dynamic features as the GLE 53, the GLE 63 S MATIC+ adds an AMG electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential, AMG high-performance composite braking system, AMG Track Pace app and Driving Assistance Package Plus.

In addition, a heated windscreen washer system, 22-inch AMG cross-spoke light alloy wheels, Active Traffic Assist, power-closing doors and multi-contour front seats with armrest heating are also standard.

Compared to the model it replaces, the new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is 39mm longer, 7mm wider and has another 20mm added to its wheelbase, resulting in a more spacious cabin and 40 litres of extra boot space.

Like the new-generation Mercedes-Benz GLE that arrived here last August, the new GLE Coupe also brings improved dynamics, manoeuvrability and aerodynamics.

How much does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe cost?
450 4MATIC Coupe – $137,000
AMG 53 4MATIC+ Coupe – $171,800
AMG 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupe – $222,700
* Pricing excludes on-road costs