It’s barely two weeks into 2016, and Mercedes-Benz has already launched its first car, the GLE 450 AMG Coupé at Rs 86.4 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai).
The crossover-coupe is based on the recently launched regular GLE SUV, and sports a distinctive swooping roof-line. The nose features a single-slat grille flanked by LED headlamps and an aggressive looking bumper, while the roofline terminates into an S-class coupé-like rear end. Plastic body cladding, splashes of chrome up front and at the rear, a dual exhaust system and 21-inch wheels complete the 2.2-tonne crossover’s aggressive design.
The coupé carries over the standard GLE’s interiors, but is more luxurious, given the generous use of perforated Nappa-leather all around the cabin. Other highlights of the interiors include carbonfibre trim, a sport steering wheel, sport seats, stainless steel pedals and the latest Comand infotainment system.
The 450 AMG is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that churns out 362bhp and 53kgm of torque, which enables the crossover to complete the 0-100kph dash in a sportscar-like 5.7 seconds. Power is sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic gearbox that offers five driving modes – comfort, slippery, sport, sport+ and individual. Each mode modulates chassis, suspension, steering wheel and powertrain settings as per driving and terrain conditions.
The GLE 450 AMG Coupé will go up against the BMW X6 and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo.
Mercedes GLE 450 AMG Coupe review
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
Lenny D'sa
Dipan Sur
Glenn Noronha
