The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe’ is an example of the brand strategy to address all the requirements of customers in the premium-SUV segment in a targeted manner.”The GLE Coupé blends the imposing power of an off-road vehicle with the emotively appealing sportiness and elegance of a coupé”, says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer of Daimler AG. “The sensuous, reduced design idiom in combination with the extreme proportions creates a unique design statement.” The car is a stately 4939 mm long and 2010 mm wide (39 mm longer and 7 mm wider than its predecessor). The front view combines characteristics of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family with clear coupé attributes: the diamond radiator grille with the single horizontal louvre references the other coupés in the Mercedes-Benz range. The openings in the louvre, meanwhile, showcase the SUV character, as does the high-gloss chrome-plated underguard in the front apron.
The dynamism of the coupé line is especially evident from the rear design. Beneath the C-pillar a broad muscle protrudes from the surface of the vehicle side, starting in the rear side door and encompassing the rear lamps. This muscle lends the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe’ its powerful, read-to-pounce look. Together with the slim and elongated rear lamps it highlights the width of the tail end. The autonomous, two-part rear lamps fit the characteristic day and night design of the Mercedes-Benz SUV rear lamps with their hallmark rounded blocks in a slim outline. The flush transition from the tailgate to the bumper, the licence plate in the bumper above the high-gloss chrome-plated underguard and the integrated tailpipe trim elements complete the synthesis of coupé and SUV.
The interior of the new GLE Coupe’ shares numerous common features with the other models in the new premium-SUV family with a clear emphasis on the sporty aspect. The modern cockpit with two large screens in the format 12.3 inches /31.2 cm and the strikingly shaped instrument panel, horizontally divided by a trim element tier, and seamlessly flowing into the door trim, appear familiar. The sporty emphasis comes courtesy of the standard sports seats, offering particularly good lateral support and the new sports steering wheel with a nappa leather rim, which is also standard in the coupé.
The SUV touch, meanwhile, is added by the high centre console with the dominant grab handles. The high-quality styling and processing of all surfaces and features and the impressive ergonomics convey a contemporary and luxurious impression. Of course, there are extensive opportunities for individualisation in the selection of decorative features and materials, which can take the sporty theme in the GLE Coupé to a whole new level.
