As divisive as the sloping rear design of Mercedes-Benz's "coupe" SUV models may be, it's hard to overlook just how fast they can be in AMG form.
For example, take the 2021 GLE 53 Coupe that we test drove. Some numbers haven't been released yet, but the ones that have are pretty impressive: 429 horsepower from a turbocharged, inline-six engine that can launch the roughly 5000-pound SUV to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. If you keep your foot in it long enough, you can even reach the electronically limited 130 mph top speed. (The spec sheet tells us that 155 mph can be reached if you get the optional summer tires, though.)
Of course, what do all those big numbers mean when it comes to driving the GLE 53 the real world? Keep reading to find out.
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It’s the typical AMG, which is to say really, really nice: plenty quick–even without the V8–nearly silent and all the comforts of home. The cliché is true in that everything–every control, every button, every stalk–feels just right.
The entire driving experience, from walking up to the machine to actually driving it, is nearly perfect. It has a presence sitting still which is fully realized once you get behind the wheel. It’s something you can drive from here to there and arrive refreshed and happy.
But let’s loop back to that word: Nearly.
Why the word “nearly?” Every time I got into it, I bonked my head. And I’m not that tall.
In fact, I even noticed a small scuff on the door seal. Duck down? It’s not a Miata.
So, no, it’s not the vehicle for me. But that doesn’t mean I’m not a customer. E-class wagon, please, with the AMG version still remaining my lottery car. If I had the scratch, I’d have the car. So same dealership, different transaction.
I'm not sure if there is any vehicle currently for sale in this country that I dislike as much as the GLE "Coupe." No amount of performance would make me think that fat pig is cool. Sadly, living in the DC area ensures I'll see several of these stupid things every day on my commute.....likely more in AMG trim than not.
Imagine my disappointment after opening this thread with Coupe in the title.....
gumby (Forum Supporter) said:Imagine my disappointment after opening this thread with Coupe in the title.....
wait, when you hear the word coupe you don't immediately think of a bloated 4-door SUV with reduced cargo capacity?
Welcome to the new norm. Once you're in it, the front seats are plenty roomy. And it does drive very nicely. But, yeah, that shape is all form over function.
David S. Wallens said:Welcome to the new norm. Once you're in it, the front seats are plenty roomy. And it does drive very nicely. But, yeah, that shape is all form over function.
isn't form over function supposed to actually have an *attractive* form? ;)
So pointless....
The actual SUV GLE is handsome but I can do without the Coupe-UV GLE. Do they make an AMG or the other GLE?
hmm.
2019 GLE"400" - 3.0L twin turbo, 10.5:1 c/r, 329hp/354lb-ft
2019 GLE"43" - 3.0L twin turbo, 10.5:1 c/r, 385hp/384lb-ft - so it's a 400 with another pound or two of boost
2021 GLE"53" - 3.0L twin turbo (with EQ boost...for all the bass/treble), 10.5:1 c/r, 429hp/384lb-ft - so it's just like the 43, but maybe EQ boost is adding yet another pound or two above torque peak.
and then there's the batE36 M3 GLE"63", which is still the old 5.5 biturbo with 6xx/6xx power/tq
seems, to me, like the plebian '19 400 model may be a relative performance bargain in 5-10 years. perhaps just a tune and big brake kit away from 43/53 performance levels. yupididit or cotton or wae may want to keep their eyes out :)
In reply to irish44j (Forum Supporter) :
Shockingly, in my neighborhood there are zero AMG coupe SUVs and zero M coupe SUVs.
There is an actual AMG GT coupe, and AMG GT sedan and an E 63 S sedan. I walk by the E 63 S every day and admire its center-lock wheels, which I think are also on the above abomination. I got curious about how you take your wheels off if you are not a Benz dealer, so I looked it up - the nut adapter is $200! Fun times.
Dave M (Forum Supporter) said:In reply to irish44j (Forum Supporter) :
Shockingly, in my neighborhood there are zero AMG coupe SUVs and zero M coupe SUVs.
There is an actual AMG GT coupe, and AMG GT sedan and an E 63 S sedan. I walk by the E 63 S every day and admire its center-lock wheels, which I think are also on the above abomination. I got curious about how you take your wheels off if you are not a Benz dealer, so I looked it up - the nut adapter is $200! Fun times.
Are those really centerlock wheels and not just a cap covering the lug holes?
That seems silly to put centerlock wheels on an SUV. Not to mention, you'd need more than just the nut adapter, centerlock wheels go on with north of 300 lb ft of torque, so you'd need a different wrench as well.
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