Used 2017 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe

The 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe is the sporty counterpart to the more upright and traditional looking Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV. Note the nomenclature difference: Not only is the GLE Coupe, well, a "coupe," it also bears the AMG label in its name. This is because this year, the GLE Coupe is available only in two different AMG forms: the turbocharged-V6-powered Mercedes-AMG GLE43 Coupe, and the turbo-V8-powered Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe. The GLE Coupe goes against the likes of the BMW X6 by offering a sleeker body and better driving dynamics than the SUV upon which it’s based. The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is the sporty counterpart to the standard GLE SUV. Don’t expect much utility from this SUV though, as the GLE Coupe puts a priority on design.

There are two ways to drive the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe, be it in GLE43 or GLE63. One is as a Mercedes-Benz, with the Dynamic Select set to Comfort mode, the audio system playing your finest tunes, and you luxuriating in the comfortable interior. And in that role, the GLE Coupe is more than satisfactory. However, dial that Dynamic Select to Sport or Sport+ and head to the hills, and the GLE Coupe’s personality changes dramatically, and unfortunately, not for the better. While the GLE43 offers very good acceleration, and the 9-speed automatic transmission clicks off shifts without a thought, the suspension struggles to keep the 5,000-pound body in check. There’s plenty of grip from the big tires, but unless the roads are glassy smooth the GLE Coupe just isn’t satisfying to drive briskly as the suspension jerks its passengers around over every undulation.

The GLE Coupe shares much of its interior design with the regular GLE SUV, with one major difference: There’s a lot less interior space thanks to the sweeping roof and curvy shape. There’s decent cargo space behind the 2nd-row seats, but its 23 cubic feet pales next to the 38-plus found in the GLE SUV. In other words, in coupe fashion the GLE Coupe is better suited for a pair of well-heeled passengers than, say, a family of five. Naturally, the fit and finish in this Mercedes-AMG is extraordinary, although a quick cross-shop in the showroom reveals a certain amount of last-generation technology, particularly in the infotainment system.

There are four passenger doors on the GLE Coupe, so it is not, strictly speaking, a coupe. But the coupe-like roofline is a sharp contrast to the upright GLE SUV, so we’ll give it a pass here. You’ve seen this basic shape before on the BMW X6, and it comes with the same compromises to rear seat room and rear visibility. The rear end can look bulbous from some angles, and the smallish body rides high atop large wheels and tires, making it look awkward.

DYNAMIC SELECT
With a twist of the dial, the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe goes from a comfortable cruiser for around town to a stiff-legged, sharp-steering, growling and roaring sport machine. While the suspension is on the too-stiff side, an Individual mode lets you pick and choose which of the higher-performance characteristics you want.

MASSAGING FRONT SEATS
This is a pure indulgence, we admit, but then again, this is a luxury car so why not? The available massaging seats in the Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe allow for adjustment of intensity, placement and more, all of which can reduce fatigue and promote relaxation.

Beyond the "AMG enhanced" everything — ranging from the transmission to the steering to the suspension and all-wheel drive — the base GLE43 offers heated and power-operated front seats covered in MB-Tex faux leather, a power liftgate, power-adjustable steering wheel, navigation, rearview camera, dual-zone climate control and 21-inch wheels. The standard audio system includes Bluetooth streaming, USB/SD inputs and HD Radio, all operated through a Mercedes’ COMAND touch-pad control system and 8-inch display. Opt for the more powerful AMG GLE63 S and you get Nappa leather seating, active parking assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a harman/kardon premium audio system, along with the powerful V8.

There’s the bigger engine of course, in the GLE63 S Coupe, along with the aforementioned upgraded features. As for standalone options, there’s a cornucopia ranging from a Convenience package with soft-close doors and heated/cooled cup holders, to those massaging seats we raved about in Favorite Features. Optional safety and driving aids include active lane-keeping assist, dynamic cruise control and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. In addition to the harman/kardon premium audio system that is standard in the GLE63 S, an ultra-premium Bang & Olufsen system is available.

The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 under the hood of the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE43 Coupe puts out 362 horsepower through a 9-speed automatic transmission on its way to an all-wheel drive system with a serious 40:60 rear-drive bias. However, if you really just want to burn as much gasoline as possible, the GLE63 S Coupe puts out an astonishing 577 horsepower from its handcrafted 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8. The V8’s power goes through a 7-speed automatic. Note that this is a performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system — the GLE Coupe is not intended as an off-road machine. However, you can tow with it: A Class III hitch is available, and it can haul up to 7,200 pounds.

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6
362 horsepower @ 5,500-6,000 rpm
384 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23 mpg

5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8
577 horsepower @ 5,250-5,750 rpm
561 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-5,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/18 mpg

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.