SUV Review: 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Coupe

One can’t write a review of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Coupe without mentioning BMW. When BMW pulled the wraps off its X6 SAV (sport activity vehicle) at the Frankfurt auto show over a decade ago, no one expected this head-scratchingly weird fastback X5 would spurn a whole new sub-species of SUV. But there you have it — now the swoopy-roofed and less functional “coupe” SUVs are aspirational rigs that command a premium over their boring boxy brethren.

For 2022, Mercedes introduces the coupe-ified version of its second generation GLE midsize SUV, and this 450 designation indicates there’s a 3.0L turbocharged straight-six under the hood that gets assist from a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Total output is 362 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque from 1,600 rpm. Running through a nine-speed 9G-Tronic auto and 4Matic all-wheel drive, this engine gives the GLE Coupe a claimed 5.7 second dash to 100 km/h.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and whether you think the GLE Coupe is a) dead sexy or b) resembles a manatee on wheels, it surely has undeniable presence. The sweeping rear roofline kicks up into a small duck tail spoiler, then curves down to a rounded derriere featuring black plastic lower facia and chrome strip with twin exhaust outlets. The front grill sports diamond-point accents and is bisected by a chrome bar housing a huge three-pointed Benz emblem. Standard wheel size for the GLE 450 Coupe is 20-inches, and that’s what this tester is riding on.

Inside, the cabin is an absolute showpiece — rich, beautifully rendered, and dominated by a swath of glass housing two 12.3-inch screens. The screen on the left is a configurable gauge cluster while the right is the window into Mercedes’ Mercedes Benz User Experience interface — or MBUX for short.

autos, cars, luxury, mercedes-benz, android, mercedes, mercedes-benz gle, android, suv review: 2022 mercedes-benz gle 450 coupe

2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Coupe Photo by Peter Bleakney

There are many ways to interact with MBUX — the touchscreen, thumb pads on the steering wheel, a track pad on the centre console, programmable gesture controls, or the voice command which follows the mould of Siri, Google Alexa, etc. Say “Hey Mercedes” at any time and the pleasant voice in the dash replies “What can I help you with?” Beware, you can’t utter the word “Mercedes” within the cabin without MBUX jumping to attention.

Utter “I’m freezing” and Ms. Mercedes will turn up the heat. This tester’s MBUX was not connected to the cloud, but if you owned this car it would be. Ask for the nearest steak house with a 5-star rating, and she’ll show you the way and read you the menu if such info is floating about the cloud. Ordering up a destination is simply a matter of saying “Navigate to…” Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is standard, as is a Wi-Fi hotspot.

2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Coupe Photo by Peter Bleakney

Although classed as mid-size, the GLE 450 Coupe rides high and feels big. Second row passengers enjoy a spacious environment, and while headroom remains generous, the rear sloping roofline robs about 140L of cargo space when compared with the regular GLE. Still, if you’re not carrying boxy items (or a big dog), the load floor behind the rear seat is wide and long, with space rated at a healthy 651L.

Merc’s 3.0L turbocharged straight-six is a sweetheart of an engine — not as eager or creamy smooth as BMW’s straight-six, but still a step up from the outgoing V6. Unlike the 4Matic system in the four-cylinder GLE 350 that runs with a 50:50 default torque split, the GLE 450’s 4Matic operates primarily in the more sporty rear drive mode, only bringing the front wheels into play when conditions dictate. But does this curvaceous ute show some real driver engagement? Not really. Yes it’s quick, smooth and handles competently, but it lacks the intrinsic dynamic harmony found in its rivals from BMW. On the highway, the 2022 GLE 450 Coupe is a champ, although its low-speed ride on rough surfaces is not as smooth as it should be.

2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Coupe Photo by Peter Bleakney

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Coupe starts at $86,600 ($8,000 more than the “non-coupe” GLE 450), and this tester was optioned up to $96,700 before freight and taxes. The requisite Premium package at $3,400 adds Burmester surround sound, foot-activated hatch, heated rear seats, heated arm rests, enhanced heated front seats, Keyless-Go, and 360-degree camera view. Getting the expected laundry list of Mercedes safety systems requires the $3,000 Intelligent Drive Package. Layering on the $2,400 Technology Package (HUD, MBUX interior assist, multibeam LED lights with highbeam assist), soft-close doors, and aluminum running boards gets us to our as-tested price. Would anyone spec’ing their GLE 450 Coupe forgo the optional ventilated front seats ($1,600)? Doubtful, but this specimen landing just shy of 100 large lacked that oh-so necessary indulgence.

As a large, luxurious, tech-laden, and fashion forward conveyance, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Coupe hits the mark. Its styling might not be to everyone’s taste, but it surely guarantees a degree of exclusivity, and the show-stopping cabin is one for the ages.

Keyword: SUV Review: 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Coupe

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

OTHER CAR NEWS