Mercedes is aimed at the fashion of the sportiest SUV with the new GLE Coupe. As a first test we start with the 350d Diesel AWD version.

The new Mercedes GLE 350d Coupe impresses with its proportions, shape and details of all our measurements, the good and the bad. From the first time you see it until you feel inside or drive it catches your attention as a different drive other models we see on our streets or you could drive before. Not intended to be practical, but despite its size it can come to be, it seeks to be different and therefore can not go unnoticed. SUV is not the only one who thinks so since before you start moving and was a pioneer in the market, the BMW X6, with which it shares the concept, proportions and side view, like two drops of water. Brands have realized that this segment High-performance SUV with coupe airs It has followers and thanks to the modular construction can afford them even if poor sales models. Soon we will see how this concept grows in different segments and brands; Audi has already taught the Q6 and Q8 speaking, BMW is working on X8, plus a more logical X7 (rival of Audi Q7) and Mercedes itself will draw the GLS, based on the GL. This hodgepodge of acronyms with which you probably have lost like me, come to explain that there are drivers who need the advantages of large SUVs but who do not accept the aesthetics of “family” car and prefer something more sporty or, if I may well qualify, youth.

The Mercedes GLE Coupe meets all these requirements, which provides technology and all the knowledge and Mercedes luxury. It is based on the previous ML, now after a facelift is called GLE. Thanks to this heritage and especially if you mount the extra air suspension (2,460 €) should provide a good frame for driving off-road, something not usually done with these cars. Nevertheless Mercedes has chosen not to offer the Offroad Package on it and bet on a sportier damping adjustment, plus a mounted pure asphalt tire, so at the end rarely come out of it, but the car can.

It measures 4.8 meters, 1.9 meters wide and 1.8 meters high, which suggests that theoretically is not an easy car to drive. Mercedes makes it easy yet difficult and from a direction with a large turning radius and peripheral vision cameras that generate overhead view of 360, the Mercedes GLE Coupe handled with relative ease. It does not offer a good view from the inside, since its height makes lose the reference of where the limits of the body are, hence we must not lose eye of the cameras. In any case, no matter how well you do at the end car is 4.8 meters long and nearly 2 meters wide and that is not parked anywhere. Such ratios translate into an interior in which You find no space problems. Even the rear headroom, who sacrifices himself looking coupe style, is more than enough. There is practically the same space as a GLE. Compared to its closest rival, the BMW X6 offers a centimeter in width and height back. Its trunk of 545 liters is enviable for many cars and also under the floor it offers an additional 90 liters gap in which many things fit. Its loading opening is immense and driving the gate is automatic, so handled well. The problem you have is that the loading mouth is so high that load is not suitable for everyone (Forces up the weight at higher altitudes than normal) and, if the object being transported sink to the bottom, hard to reach it. As well be careful with the final height of the gate, since its top reaches 2.19 meters. Automatic mode can be stopped at any time but be careful to remember to not hit the roof if it is low.

Enter the car may have some complication height depending on each. If you like this car and have trouble getting either because you take older people with mobility problems or high, I recommend the Airmatic suspension, with which you can lower the body to access or even upload to leave the asphalt. For the cost of the car it is not an expensive extra and will make the Mercedes GLE Coupe a better car. Excess height is not always a problem, since you can tie up the child in his chair without bending your back and you can be up a bit more comfortable to sit hip to lower it. Another advantage is the visibility of the environment that has the wheel, wrong maneuvers well in traffic, since see further than other drivers; yes, you can hold a fluent conversation with the bus driver to stop at your side without having to look up, or tickets for parking and tolls will be more comfortable.

Enjoy both space Mercedes GLE Coupe It is a luxury and if you have the highest quality of finishing and presentation at your service; in this It is a Mercedes and good. The driving position is very nice and behind all the seats are comfortable. Fold the backrests support to enhance the carrying capacity. The rear tray have to leave it at home in this situation because it is hard, but we must not manipulate when opening or closing the gate. Inside You can have all the usual extras imaginable comfort in large classes of Mercedes. Standard equipment is sufficient, since it has among others the two-zone climate control, parking cameras or LED headlights as standard, but you know you’ll want more and that involves expensive extras. I recommend active stabilizer (4,530 €) and the AMG Interior Line (935 €) and outer (3,667 €) finish.

It weighed a whopping 2,350 kilos and that, coupled with his height, you have to hold it in any way. Obviously it is solved based on a generous tire, powerful brakes and firm suspensions. The behavior is good, better than you would expect for such a mole, but the weight is there and you feel so much if you move slowly into the garage if you get to run on the road. There are good traction and I see no stability problems and helps work properly and a lot of quality in their work. It provides ride comfort in city or highway and is on reducing speed bump where even the passengers will appreciate certain dryness; Airmatic suspension solution. The engine delivers 258 horses and a magnificent performance and considering the overall weight. Your system Start / Stop works well and is refined although as expected consumption is high, It may be more than correct for both car but always managing high numbers, especially in town. Fortunately it has a huge reservoir that will allow great autonomy. 9-speed change seems to have improved over the previous seven, it is smooth and precise, despite what it costs to move the car at low speeds. As a curiosity 9th has a speed of almost 80 km / h to 1,000 laps motor, which is the highest we have encountered.

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