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Mercedes-Benz Australia has released pricing and specification for the new-generation GLE Coupe, with the style-focused large SUV more expensive but better equipped than before.
Due in September, the new entry-level GLE450 Coupe is priced from $137,000 plus on-road costs, meaning it commands a $19,966 premium over its traditional wagon counterpart. For reference, the previous range started at $125,970 for the discontinued GLE350d Coupe.
Meanwhile, the mid-range AMG GLE53 Coupe on sale now is $26,330 dearer than its GLE43 predecessor and $5464 more expensive than its wagon sibling, at $171,800.
Expected late this year, the flagship GLE63 S Coupe checks in at $222,700, which is $19,230 more than its forebear. Mercedes-Benz Australia is yet to release pricing for the equivalent wagon.
The GLE450 is motivated by a 270kW/500Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder petrol engine, which is supplemented by Mercedes-Benz’s EQ Boost 48V mild-hybrid system. Its integrated starter-generator provides 16kW/250Nm of electrical boost under acceleration.
The AMG GLE53 is powered by a 320kW/520Nm version of the GLE450’s powertrain, while the AMG GLE63 S comes armed with a 450kW/850Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with the same EQ Boost technology.
All variants of the BMW X6 rival are mated to a nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, although the AMG versions use a variable 4Matic+ version.
Standard equipment in the GLE450 includes an AMG Line body kit, 21-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights and a power-operated tailgate.
Inside, Mercedes-Benz’s latest MBUX multimedia system powers a pair of 12.3-inch displays (central touchscreen and digital instrument cluster). It supports natural voice recognition, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and digital radio.
A Burmester surround-sound system, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and start, a wireless smartphone charger, heated front seats, ambient lighting and Nappa leather upholstery are among the other features found inside.
Advanced driver-assist systems extend to autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep and steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, surround-view cameras and traffic sign recognition plus nine airbags.
The AMG GLE53 adds air suspension with adaptive dampers and active anti-roll bars, a sports exhaust system, an AMG body kit, rear privacy glass, cooled front seats, a sports steering wheel and illuminated scuff plates.
To justify its positioning, the AMG GLE63 S also picks up 22-inch alloy wheels, a sports brakes package, a rear limited-slip differential, power-operated doors, heated armrests, extended Nappa leather upholstery and a Dinamica-trimmed sports steering wheel.
For reference, the GLE450 completes the zero-to-100km/h sprint in 5.7s, 0.4s behind the AMG GLE53 and 1.9s adrift of the AMG GLE63 S.
The former’s fuel consumption on the combined-cycle test (ADR 81/02) is 9.2 litres per 100 kilometres, 0.1L/100km and 3.4/100km better the latter two respectively.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe pricing before on-road costs
| Variant | Transmission | Cost |
| GLE450 | automatic | $137,000 (NEW) |
| AMG GLE53 | automatic | $171,800 (+$26,330) |
| AMG GLE63 S | automatic | $222,700 (+$19,230) |
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