2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe Review

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe is an all-new model, though it shares many components with the previous M-Class SUV.

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe boasts the sizable dimensions and curb weight of its regular GLE-Class sibling but without its generous cargo and rear seat space. The GLE Coupe is more distinctive-looking, but we're not convinced that the trade-off makes sense.

In 1824, English writer Charles Caleb Colton wrote that, "imitation is the sincerest (form) of flattery," effectively giving generations of people and companies a carte blanche retort when accused of ripping something off. Well, hopefully BMW is feeling pretty darn flattered, because the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe is a mighty fine imitation of its Bavarian rival's X6 "sport activity coupe."

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe has a much more rakish shape than its regular GLE-Class sibling.

The GLE-Class Coupe is based on Mercedes' new midsize SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, (a.k.a., the old M-Class). From there, Mercedes slices off a good portion of the cargo area to create a coupelike profile (hence the name), contributing to the creation of a sleeker, more distinctive-looking vehicle than the comparatively anodyne GLE. Unfortunately, in the process, cargo space and rear seat headroom are significantly reduced, essentially removing the "U" from SUV.

Just as with the BMW X6, it's a concept we don't entirely comprehend, especially since the GLE Coupe is far from what we'd consider attractive enough to seemingly warrant a form-over-function purchase. And yet, the X6 has apparently found enough takers to merit a second generation and a flattering imitator, so let's consider those aspects that may be deemed appealing.

Like the regular GLE, the Coupe boasts a beautifully made cabin with high-quality materials and an attractive design that can be augmented further by Mercedes' special-order "designo" customization range. It also gets the latest Mercedes COMAND interface along with most of the high-end comfort, convenience and entertainment features it controls. Then there's the impressive array of standard and optional safety features.

Unlike the regular GLE, though, the Coupe is only available with the most powerful engines available in the confusingly named duo of GLE450 AMG and AMG GLE 63 S. Essentially, the former one is an "AMG Lite" model pulling in some styling and mechanical elements from Mercedes' high-performance wing without the full, high-calorie AMG experience provided by the GLE 63 S. Power is abundant, but a less bonkers (and less expensive) version probably wouldn't be a bad idea.

If you want a sleekly styled SUV but aren't enamored of the GLE Coupe, the BMW X6 is probably the best place to start — and perhaps end. It's the more dynamically gifted of the two, though as both are so big and heavy, neither is what we'd consider a true sporting alternative to a real coupe, sedan or even smaller SUV. Otherwise, comparatively normal sport-tuned SUVs like the Range Rover Sport and Porsche's Macan and Cayenne would be good to consider, along with the non-coupe BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE-Class. They may not be as stylish (we suppose), but in the long run, we think shoppers will likely consider them to be wiser choices.

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 AMG is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic and "4Matic" all-wheel drive are standard. According to Mercedes, the GLE450 will go from zero to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 20 mpg combined (17 city/23 highway).

The 2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S has a turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 good for 577 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque. It also has 4Matic standard as well as an AMG-tuned seven-speed automatic. In Edmunds testing, a GLE 63 S sprinted to 60 mph in an extremely rapid 4.0 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 15 mpg combined (14/18).

Every 2016 GLE-Class comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front seat side airbags (regular and pelvic protection), a driver knee airbag and full-length side curtain airbags. Also included are a driver inattention warning system (Attention Assist) and a forward collision warning system with automatic braking (Pre-Safe) and rearward collision detection with safety preparation.

The mbrace telematics system includes automatic collision notification, emergency assistance, stolen vehicle location, geo-fencing, alarm notification and remote door lock/unlock.

Optional on the GLE450 and standard on the GLE 63 S are a blind spot monitoring system and lane departure warning and intervention system. The optional Driver Assistance package includes cross-traffic alert, enhanced blind-spot monitoring with intervention and an enhanced forward collision system that can detect pedestrians.

In Edmunds brake testing, a GLE 63 S stopped from 60 mph in 112 feet, a short distance indeed for such a hefty vehicle.

Unlike the regular GLE, the GLE Coupe comes only in high-performance AMG guises, meaning you have no choice but to revel in their respective abundance and over-abundance of power and torque. These engines are easily capable of motivating the GLE's hefty mass, with the GLE 63 S in particular producing exceptionally swift acceleration. It also does so with an exhaust that emits a pleasing baritone grunt and audible pops when changing gears or abruptly lifting off the throttle. Really, there are equal parts show and go to be found in the GLE Coupe.

Even the "base" 2016 GLE450 AMG Coupe can sprint to 60 mph in a swift 5.6 seconds, per factory estimates.

Handling is stable and surprisingly adept for such a large vehicle, but it is a large vehicle, and no amount of engineering magic can change that. You just can't expect a tight end to go as deep as a wide out, and despite its straight-line thrust, the GLE Coupe is not a legitimate substitute for the driver engagement offered by a sport sedan or (real) coupe. Adjustable drive mode settings accessed through a dial on the center console at least make appreciable differences in driving behavior. This is especially true in regards to the standard adaptive air suspension, which utilizes a variety of sensors to automatically adjust the air springs and dampers to deliver a suitably comfortable or sporty ride depending on your selected setting.

You may come to the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe for its richly appointed and high-end cabin, but you may leave upon discovering there's not much room to be found in the back. Even if your head isn't grazing the roof, there's a good chance you'll feel a bit claustrophobic relative to other midsize SUVs -- including the regular GLE-Class. At the same time, there are only 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the backseat (a regular GLE has 38.2) due to the extremely slanted roof line. Lowering the backseat produces only 60.7 cubic feet of space, a number that would be subpar even for compact crossover SUVs. In other words, you get a small SUV interior within a big SUV exterior.

Putting utility, or its lack thereof, aside, the GLE's cabin is quite appealing. Materials quality and workmanship are excellent. Models fitted with any of the available grades of genuine leather, especially the optional "designo" diamond-quilted leather upholstery and genuine burled wood trim, in fact, make the interior seem downright posh. Available multicontour front seats are highly adjustable and add several massage programs to the supremely comfortable thrones.

Like other Mercedes models, the GLE gets the latest COMAND system that consists of updated menus and graphics as well as the familiar large knob now topped with a new redundant touch-sensitive pad for clicking and swiping. Though the seemingly endless number of features and customization possibilities make this revised system overwhelming at first, it ultimately works fairly well and allows the driver to choose his or her own preferred method of control.