2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe Is A Big Brute With A Soft Side

• The SUV will be showcased at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show.
• The 350d and 400d makes use of an inline-six 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine.
• The GLE 53 4MATIC+ gets an inline-six 3.0-litre petrol engine good for 435PS and 520Nm.
• Global sales to begin from the first half of 2020.

Mercedes-Benz has pulled the wraps off the new GLE Coupe which is slated for its global premiere at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. As the name suggests, the GLE Coupe is the bulky cousin of the standard GLE complete with a flowing roofline. The Germans have only unveiled a set of oil burners along with the GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe which puts out 435PS.

The Coupe looks similar to the standard GLE Coupe from the front with nominal differences to the grille and headlamps. But the same cannot be said for the side profile. Gone are the SUV like tall stance and boxy design and in comes a sweeping low roofline which leads all the way to the bootlid. The Coupe in comparison to the GLE looks hulking and feels like it has gained some weight, especially around the rear wheel arches. Styling being a subjective topic, we’ll leave you to draw your own conclusions. 

The new GLE Coupe is 9mm longer and 7mm wider than its predecessor, while the wheelbase has also gone up by 20mm comparison. Nevertheless, the wheelbase is still 60mm shorter than that of the standard GLE, which will help hide its bulk in corners.

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Two inline-six 3.0-litre force-fed diesel engines will be offered -- the GLE Coupe 350d makes 272PS and 600Nm while the 400d produces 330PS and a solid 700Nm of torque. Transmission duties are taken care of by a 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox.

These figures, although impressive for an SUV that weighs over two tonnes, pale when the GLE 53 4MATIC+ comes into the picture. 435PS and 520 Nm are the standard figures from the inline-six 3.0-litre engine of the 53 AMG. There is also a mild-hybrid tech with the help of the EQ Boost starter-alternator that produces an additional 22PS and 250 Nm of torque for a short burst, while also powering the 48V onboard electrical system. 0-to-100kmph comes up in 5.3 second while the top-speed is electronically limited to 250kmph. Power is sent to all four corners with the help of a TCT 9G 9-speed automatic transmission.

The big brute also gets various drive modes --  Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual and two off-road-specific settings: Trail and Sand. Some notable kit includes MBUX infotainment system, active stop-and-go assist, AIRMATIC suspension, AMG active ride control roll stabilisation, and more. 

Both iterations will go on sale from spring 2020 in markets abroad while the prices are yet to be revealed. Closer to home, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 43 AMG is the only version available in the coupe body style. It is priced at Rs 99.2 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Meanwhile, the fourth generation standard GLE SUV is due for India launch soon. Given the German carmaker's exceptional track record in India, expect the new GLE Coupe to land on our shores sometime next year.