2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe

　　

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　Like other SUV coupes, the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe sacrifices rear passenger room and cargo space for a fastback roofline that conveys sportiness and style. And though it costs more money in exchange for less practicality, it does have standard AMG performance tuning to back up its looks with athleticism. This version of the midsize GLE SUV is also less common on the road than the standard version, lending it an air of exclusivity.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$251/mo  for GLE-Class Coupe AMG GLE 53

　　GLE-Class Coupe AMG GLE 53

　　AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) (Most Popular) - $81,200 MSRPAMG GLE 63 S 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $120,700 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　Better yet, Mercedes has returned the AMG GLE 63 S to the lineup, which brings a hand-assembled, turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine to the party. It reappeared during the 2022 model year after a short production hiatus. Other changes for 2023 include making metallic paint standard and the discontinuation of the 25-speaker Burmester high-end audio system. The GLE Coupe keeps its standard 13-speaker Burmester surround-sound system.

　　There are a few alternatives to the 2023 GLE Coupe. You could choose an Audi Q8 or a BMW X6 and save thousands of dollars, or you could spend about the same money and instead get a less powerful version of the Porsche Cayenne Coupe. From the traditional luxury SUV camp, you might find the rakishly handsome Jaguar F-Pace or Land Rover Range Rover Velar enticing. But if your heart is set on getting a Mercedes, you should check out our detailed Expert Rating below for more analysis of the GLE Coupe.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the GLE-Class Coupe drive? We tested the AMG GLE 53. It feels quick around town but, ultimately, acceleration is average for a sporty SUV. Our test vehicle covered 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Braking performance is solid, with consistent stops from 60 mph in just 113 feet. The AMG GLE 53 also has impressive handling limits, allowing you to drive this big SUV with confidence.

　　We wish the steering had more feel to it, but the AMG GLE 53 is easy to steer and demands little effort from the driver, even at higher speeds. Also making this SUV easy to drive is the ultra-smooth turbocharged inline-six engine with its hybrid assist. The stop-start system is unobtrusive, as are the shifts from the nine-speed automatic transmission.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the GLE-Class Coupe? The AMG GLE 53 Coupe's interior is serene and quiet. The heated front seats, plus our test vehicle's ventilated and massaging versions, provide excellent all-day comfort. The rear seats don't slide or recline but are pleasant for adults, even on long road trips. Our test vehicle had the optional Acoustic Comfort package, which features extra insulation and specially coated glass, and we found it suppressed noise quite well. The four-zone climate control system is strong, and once set, you can forget it. The optional heated armrests are a must-have for colder climates.

　　Alas, the ride quality isn't so great. It's overly stiff, especially at lower speeds and on less than perfect roads. Things smooth out at higher speeds, but the trade-off at lower speeds makes the AMG GLE 53 feel less elegant.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below