2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 AMG Coupe: Still a Head-Turner?

The SUV-coupe. It’s a segment that still raises eyebrows for some purists. The idea of sacrificing practicality for a sloping roofline on a vehicle already designed for utility seems counterintuitive to many. Even understanding the four-door “coupe” classification, pioneered by models like the Mercedes-Benz CLS, can be a mental hurdle. Luxury automakers tout “exclusivity” and “personalization,” but let’s face it, often you’re paying more for less car. Take the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe; it offers less passenger and cargo space than its standard GLE SUV sibling, all while commanding a higher price tag. The sloping roof, while intended to be stylish, can appear awkward, almost like an oversized, puffed-up armadillo, challenging entry and exit for taller occupants. So why would anyone choose this over the standard SUV?

Despite these initial reservations, the GLE Coupe, alongside its main competitor, the BMW X6, has successfully carved out its niche. This segment’s popularity has even spurred smaller iterations like the GLC Coupe and BMW X4. While the sport-utility-coupe concept might not resonate with everyone’s practical sensibilities, beneath the GLE Coupe’s distinctive roofline lies the fundamentally excellent Mercedes GLE platform, offering a compelling blend of luxury and performance.

The Positives: Why the 2016 GLE450 AMG Coupe Still Appeals

Potent and Refined Engine

The heart of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 AMG Coupe is its 3.0-liter biturbo V6 engine, enhanced with AMG tuning. This engine is a gem, also found in models like the C450, and now proliferating throughout the AMG 43 lineup. Producing 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, it propels the nearly 5,000-pound GLE450 Coupe with smooth, effortless power. While it might not deliver neck-snapping acceleration, the power delivery is exceptionally silky and responsive, devoid of any noticeable lag. This engine is a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s engineering prowess, offering a refined and robust driving experience.

Seamless 9-Speed Transmission

Finding a truly enjoyable nine-speed automatic transmission can be rare, but Mercedes-Benz’s 9G-Tronic transmission in the GLE450 AMG Coupe is a standout. The highest praise for a transmission is when it operates so seamlessly that it becomes virtually invisible to the driver. This in-house designed nine-speed outperforms even the respected ZF-sourced units found in vehicles like the Chrysler 200 or Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. Its smooth shifts and intelligent gear selection contribute significantly to the GLE450’s overall refined driving character.

Engaging and Comfortable Driving Dynamics

Despite its size and coupe profile, the 2016 GLE450 AMG Coupe offers surprisingly enjoyable driving dynamics. The steering is nicely weighted and responsive, providing a good sense of connection to the road. The suspension, even in the Sport setting, manages to strike a balance between sporty firmness and comfortable compliance, avoiding harshness. The GLE450 Coupe moves with a composed grace and delivers a smooth ride quality, making it a pleasant vehicle for both city driving and longer journeys. It’s worth noting that the test vehicle was equipped with 20-inch wheels fitted for winter tires, and it remains a question how the standard 21-inch or optional 22-inch wheels might affect the ride.

A Step Above the Competition

While the BMW X6 pioneered the SUV-coupe segment, the GLE Coupe arguably offers a more compelling package. When comparing the two, the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe edges out the X6, particularly in interior ambiance and driving feel. The GLE’s interior boasts a more luxurious and special feel compared to the X6, and subjectively, the GLE Coupe provides a more engaging and refined driving experience. For those considering an SUV-coupe, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 AMG Coupe presents a strong case against its primary rival.

The Drawbacks: Areas Where the 2016 GLE450 AMG Coupe Falls Short

Compromised Visibility and Styling Practicality

While subjective, the styling of the GLE Coupe does lead to practical compromises. The sloping roofline, the defining feature of its “coupe” designation, significantly impacts visibility. Despite the elevated driving position, the low roofline and thick pillars create noticeable blind spots. Rearward visibility through the hatch glass is particularly limited. Furthermore, in a questionable decision for a vehicle with compromised rear visibility, the GLE Coupe omits a rear windshield wiper, a feature that would be highly beneficial in wet weather conditions.

Interior Showing Its Age

While undeniably luxurious with high-quality materials and comfortable seating, the interior of the 2016 GLE450 AMG Coupe feels somewhat dated compared to newer Mercedes-Benz models. This generation GLE-Class, along with the larger GLS-Class, shares this characteristic. While materials are premium and comfort is excellent, the switchgear and overall design aesthetic lag behind the contemporary Mercedes-Benz design language found in their newer offerings. This doesn’t detract significantly from the luxury experience, but it is a noticeable aspect for those familiar with the brand’s latest interiors.

Price Premium for Style

The as-tested price of the GLE450 in this review reached $88,035. In today’s luxury car market, this price point isn’t necessarily exorbitant. However, it’s crucial to remember the price premium associated with the coupe styling. A similarly equipped, more practical, and only slightly less powerful standard GLE400 4Matic SUV would cost approximately $10,000 less. This price difference highlights the “style tax” associated with the coupe variant, a factor potential buyers need to consider against the practical compromises.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 AMG Coupe: Key Specifications

Conclusion: A Stylish Statement, But at a Price

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 AMG Coupe remains a compelling, if somewhat niche, offering. It delivers a potent and refined driving experience, thanks to its excellent engine and transmission, and offers a luxurious interior. It even manages to outshine its main rival, the BMW X6, in key areas. However, the compromises inherent in its coupe styling, particularly regarding visibility and practicality, along with its dated interior and price premium, are factors that potential buyers must carefully weigh. For those prioritizing style and exclusivity and less concerned with ultimate practicality, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 AMG Coupe still makes a bold statement.