Mercedes-Benz’s naming convention for its sports utility vehicles (SUVs) makes a lot of sense. The GLA is based on the A-Class, the GLC on the C-Class and the GLE on the E-Class.
Unlike the GLA and GLC, however, the GLE is not an all-new model. Here’s a quick summary of Mercedes’ new mid-size SUV.
What is the GLE?
It used to be called the M-Class, and it had variants such as the ML250 and ML400. After the M-Class was updated, it was rebadged as the GLE and there are two versions – a “regular” GLE and the sportier version you see here called the GLE Coupe. The name is a misnomer, though. This is still a hulking SUV.
Why does it look like a BMW X6?
It’s meant to compete with the X6. But we’re not sure if the styling similarities were done on purpose or purely accidental. If it’s the former, then Mercedes-Benz just has paid its rival a huge compliment. If it’s the latter, we’re guessing that perhaps the design team paid too much attention to the competition and ended up with a similarly styled vehicle.
Given its AMG badging, is this a fire-breathing model?
It’s certainly more muscular than the GLE400, but it’s no dragon. True-blue AMG models have a Mercedes-AMG designation (Mercedes-AMG C63 S, Mercedes-AMG GT S).
If the “AMG” comes after the vehicle’s name, then it is an AMG sports model. The performance of AMG sports models is between that of regular Mercedes-Benzes and Mercedes-AMGs. They rival Audi’s S models and BMW’s M Performance cars.
How does the GLE450 AMG perform?
The GLE450 AMG has a twin-turbo 3-litre V6 that pumps out 367bhp and 520Nm. That’s 34bhp and 40Nm more than what the GLE400 (which has the same engine) produces. Despite weighing 2.2 tonnes, the GLE450 AMG finishes the century sprint in 5.7 seconds, or 0.3 of a second quicker than the GLE400.
How much of a premium does the GLE450 AMG Coupe command over the GLE400 Coupe?
The GLE400 Coupe is listed at $351,888. You’ll have to fork out $30k more for the GLE450 AMG.
