Mercedes GLE Coupe lands in Europe with diesel power

Mercedes has announced the new GLE Coupe that will also come in a Mercedes-AMG form. The rides combine the "elegance of a coupe" with the engineering of a new large, premium SUV. At launch, the GLE Coupe will offer a pair of six-cylinder diesel power options.

Launch models include the GLE Coupe 350 d and 400 d. A 4Matic version of the GLE is offered. GLE Coupe offers a wheelbase 60mm shorter than on the GLE SUV. The Mercedes-AMG version is called the GLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe and has a gas engine.

Mercedes plans to offer a plug-in hybrid version. The unveiling of the GLE for the first time will come at the International Motor Show in Germany and will land in dealerships in the spring of 2020. The exterior design of the GLE Coupe emphasizes the coupe-specific elegance and sportiness.

The vehicle has improved aerodynamics to cut wind resistance by 9%. The ride can be fitted with Airmatic air suspension and E-Active body control. The interior is sporty and designed for comfort. The vehicle has the latest MBUX infotainment system and features two large 12.3-inch screens inside. Amazon music streaming is supported, and the GLE has standard full-LED headlights.

The AMG version uses a six-cylinder inline gas engine with twin turbos and EQ-Boost that makes 435hp with an additional 22 hp of electric power for a short time. The 350 d GLE makes 272hp and 600 Nm torque while the 400 d makes 330 hp and 700 Nm of torque. The AMG version has AMG Dynamic Select drive programs and uses a Speedshift TCT 9-speed automatic. Mercedes promises "extremely short shift times." AMG offers an optional Track Pace system that can record data when on a race track, which doesn't seem like something most SUV buyers would ever consider.