MERCEDES BENZGLE Coupe (C292) 2015 - 2019

　　Mercedes-Benz introduced a coupe version of its well-known GLE in 2015 at the North American International Auto Show and entered competition with the already famous BMW X6 SUV-Coupe.

　　When Mercedes-Benz introduced the four-door coupe CLS in 2004, it was the only automaker to offer such a vehicle. On the other hand, BMW answered with the X6, a sloped-back version of the X5 with a few different features. Then, the world financial crisis struck, and most automakers had to shrink their ambitions. Once those problems were gone, it was business as usual, with carmakers trying to steal some customers from their main competitors. In this case, Mercedes-Benz went after BMW buyers and tried to attract them with the luxurious GLE Coupe.

　　Unlike its main German rival, Mercedes-Benz used the GLE nameplate and just added the “Coupe” monicker behind it to differentiate the models. Still, the front fascia was slightly different, and the Coupe-shaped SUV featured organic-shaped, swept-back headlights at the front. A single horizontal double-slat trim adorned the grille, supporting the three-pointed star badge in the middle. On the lower bumper, the automaker added an A-shaped air intake flanked by large scoops. The hood sported a wide bulge in the middle.

　　From its profile, the massive SUV featured a raked windshield followed by a curved roof sloped towards the back of the car. Mercedes-Benz surrounded the windows line with a chromed trim, enhancing the car’s look. The flared wheel fenders created a muscular look for the vehicle, while at the back, a short deck created the impression of a three-box bodywork, although that was part of the wide-opening tailgate. Finally, at the back, Mercedes-Benz installed slim, wide taillights that emerged from the quarter panels onto the tailgate.

　　Inside, customers found a luxurious cabin fitted with high-bolstered front bucket seats. Between them, the automaker placed a wide center console that housed the controls for the driving modes and the rotary knob for the MBUX infotainment system. The driver fronted a three-spoke steering wheel and a binocular-styled instrument cluster similar to the one installed in the regular GLE. Atop the center stack, Mercedes-Benz placed the infotainment’s system screen. In the back, the automaker installed a split-folding (40/20/40) bench seat that could expand the trunk space if needed. To further enhance the driving experience of the luxurious SUV Coupe, Mercedes-Benz also offered a panoramic glass roof that could open above the front passengers while the rear panel was fixed.

　　Under the hood, the GLE received a wide choice of engines ranging between 258 PS (255 hp) and 367 PS (362 hp) paired to a standard nine-speed automatic transmission. Power went in all corners via an intelligent all-wheel drive system that could also lock the torque distribution between axles at a fixed 50-50 ratio.

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