Whether or not you just like the seems to be, there is no denying the GLE53’s efficiency.
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The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE53 Coupe is surprisingly enjoyable, however I must get the styling out of the best way first. No matter what your emotions are on crossover-coupes — right here at Roadshow we wish to name them “coupeovers” — we are able to all agree that the brand new GLE53 Coupe is a lot better wanting than the previous-generation GLE43 Coupe. This is partially due to the truth that the outdated GLE was by no means designed with the coupe variant in thoughts at first, however this new technology was. The new Coupe’s roofline is sleeker, the proportions are nicer and the rear finish as an entire simply seems to be so much higher.

LikeFantastic ranges of gripShockingly enjoyable to driveAll the tech you would ask forGreatly improved styling

Don’t LikeChoppy rideGrabby brakesGets costly shortly

Mercedes solely gives the brand new GLE Coupe in AMG types, with the GLE53 getting the requisite Panamericana grille with an aggressive entrance bumper, body-color wheel arches, quad exhaust ideas and somewhat lip spoiler. My GLE53 check automobile is completed within the $1,515 Designo Diamond White shade, which seems to be good however is not fairly particular sufficient to warrant the value tag.The Coupe’s powertrain is identical as the conventional GLE53 SUV and thus the identical as AMG’s different 53-badged fashions. It’s obtained a 3.0-liter inline-six with a turbocharger, an electrical supercharger and an EQ-Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system that gives an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft. Total output is 429 hp and 384 lb-ft, and the engine is mated to a nine-speed automated transmission and all-wheel drive. As with each different utility of this engine, the I6 within the GLE53 is easy and responsive. (Mercedes quotes a 5.2-second 0-to-60-mph time, and that feels conservative.) This GLE53 has the $1,250 Performance Exhaust system, which is the correct amount of loud and makes some nice pops and bangs.

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE53 Coupe seems to be an entire lot higher than earlier than
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Big wheels make and break itWhile the GLE53 comes with 21-inch wheels as customary, this one has a $2,750 set of staggered-width 22s, sized 285/40ZR22 up entrance and a whopping 325/35ZR22 on the rear. Wrapped in Yokohama Advan Sport summer season tires, these big wheels give the GLE53 an aggressive stance and are each the perfect and worst a part of the automobile. Let me clarify.As you may surmise from the wheel measurement the GLE53’s trip will be fairly uneven, particularly on unhealthy Michigan roads, however in Comfort mode the air suspension does a reasonably good job absorbing even the worst bumps and potholes. Worse than the trip, although, is the tramlining that happens on the freeway, particularly if it is a tough floor. I’ve to do extra steering correction than traditional when I’m simply driving in a straight line, although it is not as annoying with the adaptive cruise management and steering help activated.

These huge guys price $2,750.
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But on the flip facet, it is frankly loopy how good this SUV is on a twisty street. There’s a lot grip from the broad wheels and sticky rubber, and the GLE53 at all times feels surefooted with the variable all-wheel-drive system in a position to cut up torque between the axles. There’s near-immediate energy out there while you’re popping out of corners, and the nine-speed transmission fires off fast shifts. You can carry a lot pace by means of turns — much more than you’d anticipate.

To assist cease its 5,300-plus-pound heft, this GLE53 is provided with the $2,500 AMG High Performance Braking System. The GLE53 has 15.8-inch entrance rotors with two-piston calipers and 13.6-inch rear rotors with single-piston calipers as customary gear, however this elective setup provides six-piston entrance calipers and will increase the rear disc measurement by an inch. The brakes are fairly jerky at low speeds round city and the wheels accumulate a ton of mud, however the elevated stopping energy whereas driving quick is tremendously appreciated.Everything you would ask for, and extraI’m often vehemently in opposition to interiors with easy, all-black shade schemes, particularly on a style-forward automobile just like the GLE Coupe, however this check automobile no less than has the $4,800 Exclusive Nappa leather-based possibility with contrasting stitching and $160 Grey Oak wooden trim with a pleasant matte end. It seems to be good, and the whole lot contained in the GLE is of top of the range. The seats are cozy, particularly with the massaging perform that is a part of the $2,100 Energizing Comfort Plus Package. The Coupe’s sloping roof means you get much less cargo house than the usual GLE SUV, however not by that a lot, and rear headroom and legroom remains to be nice. MBUX stays one in every of my favourite infotainment programs, and the GLE53 will get some nice AMG-specific shows and settings.The GLE53’s inside is not too flashy, however that is OK.
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This GLE53 is provided with a ton of elective options and packages — there are actually 22 extra-cost objects on the window sticker — a few of that are vital, a few of that are frivolous and foolish, however all of which I get pleasure from. The $1,950 Driver Assistance Package Plus brings helpful active-safety options just like the aforementioned adaptive cruise, whereas the completely vital $500 Parking Assistance Package provides the 360-degree digital camera system, which features a good over-the-wheel view. The most ridiculous objects on the choices record are most likely the $350 Magic Vision Control (fancy windshield wipers) and the $200 MBUX Interior Assistant (motion-activated inside lights). But my favourite possibility is the $180 heated and cooled cupholder bundle. That may sound pointless, however like heated armrests — which coincidentally are a part of a separate $1,050 bundle on this GLE53 — as soon as you have used them, you may by no means need to drive a automobile with out them.A Toyota Camry’s value of choicesIt will get more durable to rave about how good this GLE53 is when you get to the as-tested value. While the GLE53 Coupe begins at $77,550 together with vacation spot — already $4,150 greater than an everyday GLE53 — this one tops out at $104,564. Admittedly it has nearly each doable possibility, however that is nonetheless quite a lot of scratch for a midsize SUV with a six-cylinder engine. Then once more, if you would like a V8, the 603-hp GLE63 Coupe begins at an even-more-expensive $117,050 earlier than choices, so…If you’ll be able to’t get previous the Coupe’s seems to be, it can save you $4,150 and get the common GLE53.
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The GLE53 Coupe’s closest opponents are the BMW X6 M50i and the Porsche Cayenne S Coupe. While the X6 M50i has a twin-turbo V8 engine with nearly 100 extra horsepower than the GLE53, it prices 10 grand greater than the Mercedes to start out and would not drive as nicely or look practically pretty much as good. The Cayenne S, then again, is somewhat sharper to drive and somewhat better-looking than the GLE53, however the Porsche’s base value is over $90,000 and it would not come near being as nicely geared up because the AMG.The GLE53 is my decide of the present coupeover litter. It’s essentially the most well-rounded car in its class, and when optioned accurately, the value is not too astronomical. Sure, individuals won’t perceive your fashion-forward crossover-coupe selection, however no less than you may have the final snort from behind the wheel.