The Mercedes GLE Coupe will be back in its second generation on September 23, 2020. It will be launched in 435hp AMG 53 4Matic+ guise, and bookings for this high-performance hybrid GLE Coupe will commence on September 8, on Mercedes-Benz India’s online sales portal and at its dealer network.
- Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe prices to be revealed on September 23
- Powered by a 435hp, 3.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid assist
- Rivals will include the BMW X6, Audi Q8 and Porsche Cayenne Coupe
What is the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe?
The GLE Coupe, as its name implies, is the Coupe-SUV version of the latest Mercedes GLE that’s on sale in India. Mercedes-Benz India has opted to introduce the all-new GLE Coupe to our market in six-cylinder, mild-hybrid AMG 53 form; only the full-fat, V8-powered GLE 63 sits above it. The previous-gen GLE Coupe was available in India from 2016 onwards in AMG GLE 43Coupe form, with a 365hp, 3.0-litre V6 turbo-petrol engine, and this AMG GLE 53 is the direct successor to it.
The new-gen GLE 53 Coupe will be available with a 3.0-litre, twin-turbo, straight-six petrol engine that produces 435hp and 520Nm of peak torque. A 48V mild-hybrid system – branded EQ Boost by Mercedes – adds up to 22hp and 250Nm of torque on demand. Power is sent to all-four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission and Merc’s 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. The German brand claims a 0-100kph sprint time of 5.3 seconds and a top speed limited to 250kph.
What does the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe look like?
From the front, the Coupe-SUV looks like its standard SUV sibling, apart from the incorporation of the vertical-slatted ‘Panamericana’ AMG grille, but from the sides and the rear, there’s a marked difference. The GLE Coupe sports a steeper windscreen and rear window rake to account for that sloping roof, along with a bespoke rear-end. 20-inch alloy wheels are standard, though 21-inch and 22-inch wheels are expected to be on offer as options. The AMG badge also means that there are some design elements that add a sporty flair, like the twin tailpipe AMG exhaust, side skirts and spoiler.
What does the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe’s interior look like?
The cabin of the GLE Coupe is quite similar to the standard GLE; in fact, you’d be hard pressed to find differences. Both have the same dashboard layout that’s dominated by two 12.3-inch screens (for the infotainment and the instrument cluster) and a raised centre console with integrated grab handles. The GLE 53 Coupe is expected to get sports seats at the front and a nappa leather sports steering wheel.
Compared to the previous-gen GLE Coupe, the new model is more spacious on the inside – the wheelbase is a bit longer and boot space is also up by about 50 litres. The rear seats split and fold (40/20/40) to liberate even more room for luggage.
Expect the equipment list on the GLE 53 Coupe to feature the likes of nine airbags, a six-way adjustable powered rear seat, autonomous emergency braking, a 360-degree camera, a head-up display, adaptive suspension with active anti-roll bars, and a 13-speaker, 590W Burmester sound system.
Considering the powertrain and features on offer, expect a price tag north of Rs 1.25 crore (ex-showroom) for the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe. The GLE Coupe, will find competition in the form of the BMW X6, Porsche Cayenne Coupe and Audi Q8, among others.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
