The GLE 63 S AMG Coupe is for the buyer who wants more of everything from their everyday drive. It's lush with power, looks like it wants to steal your lunch money, and has a wonderfully luxurious interior. That said, despite being both fast and technically capable, the GLE experience doesn't quite come together as cohesively as we'd expect for such a lofty as-tested price. We expected a more refined driving experience than the one we got and were left waiting for the AMG charm that never materialized. If you absolutely must have the quickest, most expensive version of the GLE then this AMG is the only one that will fit that bill. But if you can stomach not having everything not turned up to 11, there are plenty of more well-rounded Mercedes SUVs we'd sooner recommend.Read full review
Roofline compromises backseat headroom and cargo space
Ride quality can be bumpy at times
What's new
Minor styling update
Latest MBUX infotainment system
Long list of new features and expanded availability
Part of the second GLE Coupe generation that debuted for 2021
Overview
by the Edmunds Experts
12/12/2024
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE is our favorite midsize luxury SUV. The GLE Coupe is the sporty and sleek variant that features a sloping roofline and is only offered with higher-performance AMG engines. The GLEs are bookended by the compact GLC and larger GLS in the Mercedes lineup. The standard GLE is also offered with the same AMG engines as the GLE Coupe, but it doesn't suffer the Coupe's reduced rear headroom and cargo space, a byproduct of that roofline. If you're attracted to the GLE Coupe's shape and are willing to sacrifice some utility, it's an excellent choice.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $5.22 per gallon for premium unleaded in California.
Three years after the last redesign, the GLE Coupe receives a midcycle refresh for 2024 to maintain its competitive edge against rivals. Styling updates are slight and are mostly limited to the exterior lighting and bumpers. The big news this year is an update to the already praiseworthy MBUX infotainment system that now comes with augmented reality video overlays to better help you navigate unfamiliar roads. There are also more standard features, including premium leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a sport exhaust system and several other luxury conveniences. These updates should keep the GLE Coupe among the top models in its class. Check out our Expert Rating to find out more about its strengths.
Competitors to consider
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe's most direct rival is its own sibling, the standard GLE. It holds an edge over the GLE Coupe with greater interior space and similar performance in comparable trims. The Porsche Cayenne Coupe offers many of the same traits, but it's more focused on ultimate performance. It's also quite a bit more expensive. The BMW X6 essentially started the "coupe-like" craze and continues to be a strong choice, alongside the Audi Q8.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
7.9
out of 10
We drove the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Performance
8/10
How does the GLE-Class Coupe drive? As you might expect from an AMG with a big V8, the GLE 63 S Coupe is ballistically fast. It takes just 3.5 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standstill, a number that ties it with class leaders. Acceleration is always effortless, but occasionally pulling away from a stop is a clunky affair in the big AMG. The transmission occasionally slams its way into first, resulting in a nasty thump to the back of your head.
Braking is impressive from a numbers standpoint but similarly unrefined in everyday use. The GLE 63 S needed just 109 feet to stop from 60 mph, and the brakes bit hard at first. However, the brakes seem to trail off in strength and the GLE has trouble maintaining traction as the antilock braking system chatters away at the brakes and shakes the cabin around. Those tires were also part of the GLE's woes when it came to grip and handling. Pushing the AMG results in understeer, and the Yokohama tires our test car wore clearly had trouble managing this car's 5,500 pounds.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the GLE-Class Coupe? Comfort and AMG don't always meld in perfect harmony, and the GLE is no exception. The GLE 63 S is loud in all the wrong ways, with too much road and tire noise constantly disturbing the cabin and almost none of the glorious V8 soundtrack you'd expect from an AMG. It also rides far too harshly in any setting that isn't Comfort, and even in that mode you get too frequently jostled around.
Luckily, the rest of the AMG's experience is largely the same as it is in other high-end GLEs. That means you get plush seats that are heated, cooled and massaging. The leathers are soft and lovely to the touch, too. In fact, the seats very nearly make up for the rock-hard ride and noisy cabin; they're that good. The climate control works well, too, and the fans are strong — plus that big engine is never labored by having the A/C on full blast.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? As with most other GLEs, the coupe's interior is a sublime place to be. It's well built and easy to get in and out of, and the AMG features an excellent driving position for an SUV. There are a few compromises that you make for going with the coupe, however. Visibility in all directions is far worse than in the standard GLE. A more steeply raked windshield and huge rearward blind spots mean you'll be craning your neck a lot more to get a view out of the back than in the standard car. Additionally, the coupe version features less headroom for rear riders, which means taller passengers are going to have a harder time getting comfortable in row two.
When it comes to tech, MBUX might be dense and full of features, but after a week of use it becomes totally intuitive. The touchpad is easy to get the hang of, but you never have to use it if you prefer tapping the screen itself. That said, we don't love Mercedes' touch-sensitive steering wheel controls, as those are too easy to accidentally activate.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $13,362 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $13,362 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the AMG GLE 63 S trim.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe pricing in San Francisco, CA
How’s the tech? Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system sets a new bar for functionality. It's easy to use and robust to the point you can alter just about every car setting through it. The optional Burmester audio system has a surround-sound option that fully envelops the driver in hi-fi lusciousness. You'll want to crank up every song for an immersive experience — too bad max volume isn't higher.
Another neat feature is the nav system's (optional) augmented reality feature that overlays street names and arrows atop a live front-view video when making turns. For safety, a number of driving aids are standard. Semi-automated driving features are available through the Driver Assistance package. We found the features easy to use, and they helped reduce fatigue in stop-and-go traffic.
Our tester had five USB-C ports to help ensure you're always charged up, but it's worth noting there is no regular USB-A style port. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? The GLE's sizable cabin is well designed. Cubbies and compartments abound for stashing drinks and items. The cargo area is large and flat with no wheelwell intrusion, but the coupe-like roofline means there's far less cargo in the back than there is in the regularly shaped GLE. The regular GLE offers 33 cubic feet of free air to work with, while the coupe has just 27.5 cubic feet. The BMW X6, the GLE Coupe's main rival, offers just over 24 cubic feet of cargo space.
Got small children? The back seat has easy-to-access car seat anchors, and there's plenty of room for even the bulkiest child safety seats. The GLE will also work out well if you plan to tow a trailer. Properly equipped, it's rated to tow up to 7,700 pounds, which is enough to handle most small or midsize trailers.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
6/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA says the GLE 63S Coupe will net 16 mph on the combined cycle (15 city/19 highway). On our highway-heavy 116-mile evaluation look we got 18.1 mpg out of the AMG, so you can expect to match or even better the EPA's figures in typical driving.
Value
7/10
Is the GLE-Class Coupe a good value? The GLE Coupe is a pricey proposition to start with, but moving up to the full-on AMG model with its fire-breathing V8 and go-fast addenda seriously ups the ante. The GLE 63 Coupe starts at a hair over $130,000 and the model we tested was optioned up to over $147,000. If that hefty price tag is worth it likely comes down to what you want out of your SUV experience. If you're the type of person to turn everything up to 11 and want the most out of every drive, only the full-on AMG will do the trick — but truth be told, a regularly shaped GLE 580 (which also features a V8 and build quality that is equally as top-shelf) is likely the sweet spot for most buyers.
The GLE's warranty is solidly average for its class. Mercedes offers a four-year/50,000-mile warranty that offers basic, powertrain and rust coverage. There is also four years/50,000 miles of roadside assistance, but sadly Mercedes doesn't include any complimentary maintenance for GLE buyers.
Wildcard
7.5/10
The big bad V8 under the GLE 63's hood makes it more entertaining, raucous and generally more hilarious to be in and drive than nearly any other SUV in this segment. That said, it isn't exactly what you'd call "fun."" You simply can't escape this car's mass, and it has one trick that's truly worth exploiting: Grip and then go. Without that, the rest of the AMG's driving experience falls apart. Its body jostled around on its suspension and scrambles around over rough surfaces, the 63 S isn't so much fun as it is hard work. It's rewarding work if you get it right, but you aren't always left with a smile.
Which GLE-Class Coupe does Edmunds recommend?
Most drivers, even those with a penchant for speed and performance, will be well served by the AMG GLE 53 Coupe. It has more than enough power, while the AMG 63 S Coupe is meant for the rare driver who can legitimately use the added oomph. We also recommend opting for the Driver Assistance package to get adaptive cruise control along with several additional driver assist features.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
Previously had a GLE 450 and GLC 63. The 450 was a good smooth ride and fine handling but a bit slow. The GLC 63 was a racer but had some issues with it....loose panels in back rattled and had to be re-set/taped and the ride was rather bumpy but of course it was fast. Took a test drive of the GLE53 and was quite impressed. Yeah it's a mid-size SUV but handled like a dream and had that … smooth MB ride and plenty of power. The interior is spectacular. Got a red one with night package, 22" black wheels for an even smoother ride, red calipers and a red/black interior. It's not only a great rich ride but turns heads. Had a guy driving a BMW X5 ask me if he could take pics and gave me a thumbs up. Pricey like most MBs but worth the indulgence.
MB
5 out of 5 stars
MB, 11/22/2020
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
This is my third MB (previously owned ML 350, GLE 450), and the best so far. I was initially debating between Cayenne S and this vehicle. After testing both models, in my opinion, this is much better choice overall. Very sporty look, an amazing interior and a very powerful engine. My kids love it.
5 Stars
5 out of 5 stars
John, 02/19/2021
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
I was looking for my first SUV after driving an MB CLS 550. I tried the comparable BMW and Porche Cayenne but went for the GLE 53 AMG Coupe, smooth ride great suspension, silky smooth V6. Just the right amount of sportiness and practicality, made my transition from the CLS much easier.
Overstuffed , flawed tech, clunky transmission
3 out of 5 stars
Dan, 10/17/2021
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
Seductive GLE 53 AMG Coupe interior lures the buyers. The driving experience is not at all rewarding. AMG? NOT.
The transmission lags and actually clunks into a gear at slow speed in stop and go . That drives me crazy. It feels very large and truck like compared to competitors in this class like Porsche or BMW which shift, steer and ride better. The tech is so complicated and … redundant that it’s maddening. The vice is the fourth and only easy way to do things while driving. Three trackpads!! None that lock so touch one and you are done. The ride is jarring in the city. You have to climb up to get in. The Burmeister is not great for rock and pales compared to my Porsche Bose. No AMG performance at all. It has a stunning interior but so lovely to dump it after 8 months due to COVID scarcity.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe, so we've included reviews for other years of the GLE-Class Coupe since its last redesign.
Our experts’ favorite GLE-Class Coupe safety features:
Emergency Call Service
Provides fast access to help when an SOS button inside the cabin is pressed or activated by sensors. It is free of charge for as long as you own your Mercedes.
Pre-Safe Sound
Protects your hearing during a collision by emitting a specific tone through the stereo speakers just before impact.
Active Emergency Stop Assist
Identifies an unresponsive driver who may be sleeping or suffering a medical problem and brings the SUV to a safe stop with the hazard lights flashing.
FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 GLE-Class Coupe both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 GLE-Class Coupe gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 8 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the GLE-Class Coupe has 33.3 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe:
Minor styling update
Latest MBUX infotainment system
Long list of new features and expanded availability
Part of the second GLE Coupe generation that debuted for 2021
To determine whether the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the GLE-Class Coupe. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the GLE-Class Coupe's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 GLE-Class Coupe and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 GLE-Class Coupe gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 8 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 GLE-Class Coupe is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe?
The least-expensive 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $89,800.
Other versions include:
AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $89,800
AMG GLE 63 S 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $129,050
What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe?
If you're interested in the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe, the next question is, which GLE-Class Coupe model is right for you? GLE-Class Coupe variants include AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A), and AMG GLE 63 S 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). For a full list of GLE-Class Coupe models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more