Mercedes-Benz roll-out the big boys: Mercedes GLE Coupe

Billed as the sports utility coupe, the GLE Coupe combines the exciting and athletic design of an SUV with the proportions and aggressive appearance of a Coupe. Designed to combine the stylistic features of Mercedes-Benz Coupes with the accomplished Merc’s brand of luxury ethos – the youngest member of the GLE family presents itself with two choices, the GLE 400 4Matic Coupe and GLE 450 AMG 4Matic Coupe.

There are two powertrain choices, sporting bi-turbo and direct-injected V6s – pumping out 333bhp at 5250rpm and 480Nm between 1600rpm and 4000rpm for the GLE 400 and a whopping 367bhp (5500rpm-5000rpm) and 520Nm of torque (from 1800rpm) in the GLE 450 guise. The Dynamic Select in the top-spec car will feature a Sport ‘+’ mode.

Both variants utilise the 9G-Tronic transmission endowing the GLE 400 Coupe with a 5.9s century sprint time and 247kph top speed while the GLE 450 AMG model only requires 5.7seconds to hit 100kph and will accelerate to a 250kph top speed.

Key visual highlights on the GLE Coupe include AMG-penned design elements on the exterior and an exhaust system with AMG tailpipe trim bits and massive 22-inch 5-twin-spoke AMG alloys that bling up the flanks and sends a commanding message.

The interior of the GLE 450 AMG is bestowed with AMG sports seats and the black Nappa leather AMG sports steering wheel in 3-spoke design as well as the trim elements in light longitudinal-grain aluminium and the sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs. AMG carbon-fibre trim and piano lacquer signs off the appearance of the interior. ARVIND KUMAR

The fine print for the GLE Coupe-class is as follows:

Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 4Matic Coupe (C292)

Engine: 2996cc, V6, 4 valves per cylinder, bi-turbocharged and direct-injected 333bhp @5250 - 6000rpm, 480Nm @ 1600rpm – 4000rpm Transmission: 9G-Tronic, nine-speed auto, electronically controlled all-wheel drive Performance 0-100kph 5.9s, 247kph Max Speed 8.9-8.7l/100km, 207 - 199g/km CO2 Price: RM630,888 OTR W/O Ins (GST Incl.)

Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG 4Matic Coupe (C292)

Engine: 2996cc, V6 , 4 valves per cylinder, bi-turbocharged and direct-injected 333bhp @ 6000rpm, 480Nm @ 1600rpm – 4000rpm Transmission: 9G-Tronic, nine-speed auto, electronically controlled all-wheel drive Performance 0-100kph 5.7s, 250kph Max Speed 9.4-8.9l/100km, 219 - 209g/km CO2 Price: RM699,888 OTR W/O Ins (GST Incl.)