Dj Chilu 
Mercedes-Benz is combining two classes of vehicle – each with its own distinct style – to make a new model, the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé. The sporty nature of a coupé dominates, imbued with the striking characteristics of a robust SUV. In addition to convincing on-road vehicle dynamics, the GLE Coupé looks impressive as well. With its flowing side contour, elongated and low greenhouse, striking radiator grille with central chrome louvre and rear end design, the GLE Coupé cites styling features typical of particularly sporty Mercedes-Benz models. The GLE Coupé is introduced with a diesel model – GLE 350 d – with an output of 190 kW of power and a petrol model – GLE 450 AMG – delivering 270 kW of power.
The top-of-the-range model GLE 450 AMG, is the first model of a new Mercedes-AMG product line – the AMG sports models – and is particularly attractive. In addition to the generous amount of standard equipment, the DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling control system, the Sports Direct-Steer system and the driver assistance systems typical of the brand, the GLE Coupé comes with the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive.
“Our GLE Coupé combines typical coupé attributes, such as sportiness, dynamism and agility, with the confident presence, versatility and robustness of an SUV”, says Florian Seidler, Co-CEO Mercedes-Benz South Africa & Executive Director, Mercedes-Benz Cars.
The GLE Coupé is the new addition to the successful portfolio of Mercedes-Benz coupés. Alongside the classic, two-door C, E and S-Class models and the four-door CLS and CLA-Class coupés, the new coupé displays a highly individual interpretation of the characteristics and light-footed approach typical of this family of vehicles.
“For Mercedes-Benz, the GLE Coupé is a leader for a versatile vehicle class. It will enable us to win new customers for our brand”, adds Seidler.
DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling control system:
highly variable – from racy and sporty to poised and comfortable
The GLE Coupé feels like a true sports coupé right from the word go. Despite the similarity to an SUV with its raised seating position and an all-round view that is expansive for a coupé, the driver and passengers will feel that they are in sports rather than off-road mode. The sound is reminiscent of powerful sports cars and, combined with the spontaneous and direct response to all commands, is guaranteed to get your pulse racing. On the other hand, it can also create a superior feeling of calm, coupled with unshakeably serene driving dynamics. These two different worlds can normally only be experienced in two separate vehicles – an agile, thoroughbred sports coupé and an easy-going, comfortable SUV. But the new GLE Coupé is different: DYNAMIC SELECT enables a wide spread in the driving dynamics and combines these diametrical worlds of experience in a single vehicle – an automobile premiere.
GLE 450 AMG – the first AMG sports model
The balancing act between extremely sporty yet still comfortable has been mastered especially well in the GLE 450 AMG. As the first AMG sports model, the V6 top-of-the-range GLE Coupé enables an attractive entry to the world of the sports car and performance brand.
“The GLE 450 AMG Coupé is our first sports model, and further highly emotional and performance-oriented models will follow in the near future. The new product line from Mercedes-AMG has allowed us to make true sports car technology and the fascination of motorsports more accessible”, says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “Every vehicle from Affalterbach honours the brand promise of Driving Performance.”
The new AMG sports models display impressive product substance and honour the promise of sports performance with a higher output class, standard all-wheel drive and also sophisticated chassis solutions. The DYNAMIC SELECT variable dynamic control system assigns fundamentally different characteristics to the five transmission modes of INDIVIDUAL, COMFORT, SLIPPERY, SPORT and SPORT+, which the driver is able to select using a rotary control on the centre console. The system networks all the control systems, generating different driving experience parameters. The names speak for themselves: SPORT and SPORT+ turn the GLE 450 AMG into a sporty, dynamic vehicle with pronounced longitudinal and lateral dynamics. COMFORT is the opposite end of the spectrum. Here the emphasis is on the feel-good parameters so typical of classic Mercedes-Benz sedans, for relaxed, effortless cruising with the greatest possible energy efficiency. SLIPPERY optimises the handling on surfaces with low friction coefficients such as snow or ice. In addition, INDIVIDUAL mode enables the driver to programme and store personal preferences in the individual control strategies, regardless of the engine variant.
In the GLE 450 AMG, DYNAMIC SELECT not only modulates the “hard skills” such as the chassis and suspension, steering or powertrain. It is also possible to experience the selected mode more intensively on an emotional level because various “soft skills” such as the engine sound, instruments or dynamic control of the driving lights also vary. To this end, the nature of the various displays on the COMAND screen and in the cockpit changes according to the selected transmission mode. At the same time, the active light function of the all-LED headlamps responds more spontaneously and the engine produces the whole range of sounds from sporty and dominant to poised and reticent:
- if the driver selects COMFORT mode, the displays take on lesser importance and, like the engine, the dial instruments such as the rev counter show a relaxed response to the driver’s commands. In combination with the comfort-oriented control of the powertrain and suspension, the result is a feel-good ambience at the level of a saloon. The engine sound is reduced to a pleasant timbre, and the feedback from the road surface and surroundings is considerably quieter in the interior.
- Things are very different when SPORT+ mode is selected. The character changes immediately, the gear changes performed by the 9G-TRONIC are acoustically accentuated, especially when downshifting with the double-declutch function, and the cockpit instruments respond faster and more “sharply”. The large central display visualises the longitudinal and lateral acceleration plus the steering angle with a photo-realistic motorsports graphic. The engine sound is powerful and acoustically underscores the sports mode. This setting removes any doubt: the GLE Coupé is a lively sports model of the highest order, and treats its occupants to a compelling world of experience.
A perfect combination: 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive and 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission
In the new GLE Coupé, the developers were able to show the possibilities of the new 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission in an all-wheel drive coupé with a longitudinal drive configuration. Depending on the mode selected for the DYNAMIC SELECT variable dynamic handling control system, the 9G-TRONIC impresses with great agility and responsiveness or poised serenity. The potential of the new transmission is exploited to the full. It offers an impressively high shift speed and perfect transitions for energetic sprinting as well as with gentle, barely perceptible gear changes for enjoyable cruising.
4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive always goes hand in hand with safe, harmonious and sporty handling. The GLE 350 d model features even torque distribution of 50:50 between the front and rear axles. In the particularly sporty GLE 450 AMG Coupé, this configuration is modified in preference of even greater agility and more pronounced dynamics around the car’s vertical axis, increasing the thirst for cornering. The drive is split in a ratio of 40:60 here. The DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes SPORT and SPORT+ deliver superior longitudinal agility and lateral dynamics – specifically as a result of the perfect interplay between the modified driving dynamics control systems ASR, ESP® with Curve Dynamic Assist, the electronic traction system 4ETS and the brake control system ADAPTIVE BRAKE.
Stability pact: AIRMATIC with ADS Plus, Sports Direct-Steer and ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM
In addition to the ground-breaking powertrain configuration, the newly designed AIRMATIC air suspension – available for the first time with the continuously variable damping system ADS Plus – guarantees extremely stable driving. The damping system changes its area of emphasis depending on the preselected DYNAMIC SELECT mode. SPORT+ focuses on the greatest possible lateral dynamics with the best possible ride comfort. Conversely, COMFORT mode enables maximum ride comfort with the best possible dynamics.
The current operating conditions are detected via a steering angle sensor, four turning angle sensors and the driving speed from the ESP® signal and the brake pedal switch. The control unit uses these signals for infinitely variable adjustment of the current damping force required for each individual wheel.
The ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM with active roll stabilisation is also part of the special sports systems that are activated when the driver selects SPORT or SPORT+. At the same time, the active anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles raise the comfort to saloon level and compensate for even heavy, one-sided excitation – for example when driving over potholes. In combination with the newly configured, degressive Sports Direct-Steer system, whose steering ratio is very direct at 17.4:1, and the compact sports steering wheel, the handling is outstanding in all operating conditions – whether manoeuvring in the city, at high speeds on the motorway, or with a swift style of driving on winding mountain passes.
The GLE 350 d 4MATIC model offers the AGILITY CONTROL steel suspension as standard with a amplitude-selective damping system. AIRMATIC air suspension is also optionally available with ADS Plus here.
Wide range of output from 190 kW to 270 kW
Alongside the appealing design, the exceptional suspension and drive technology, and also the assistance systems familiar from the C, E and S-Class, the GLE Coupé is also equipped with numerous standard or optional equipment details and packages that further enrich the GLE Coupé experience.
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