Mercedes GLE 450 AMG Coupe review, test drive

What’s it like to drive?

Who would have thought that a big, powerful, fuel-guzzling petrol is politically more correct than a torquey and frugal diesel? But with the anti-diesel sentiment at an all-time high and a ban on big diesels in Delhi, that’s just how it is. Mercedes has cleverly launched the GLE Coupe with a petrol only option (for now), and it’s not just any petrol but the 450 AMG version. But don’t let the AMG badge completely mislead you. This isn’t the completely mental 63 AMG version with the no-holds-barred 550bhp 5.5 litre twin-turbo V8, but the much milder three-litre turbo-petrol that delivers a more sedate 362bhp.

First impressions when you lean on the nicely sprung throttle pedal is that it's not madly quick but then this heavy crossover weighing a portly 2.2 tonnes isn’t going to take off like a sportscar. That said, the V6 will wind quite freely to its 6,200rpm redline propelling this four-door coupé to 100kph in a more than respectable 5.7 seconds What was seriously impressive though was the 53kgm of torque and the creamy way its delivered from as low as 1,400rpm.

The nine-speed automatic gearbox responds quite well and is quick to kickdown. The last two gear ratios are seriously tall which allow for very relaxed cruising at highway speeds but all it takes is a small flex of the right foot for the 9G-Tronic transmission to rapidly shift two, even three gears down for a quick overtaking  manoeuvre . It’s only at city speeds, when you’re on and off the throttle, that the gearbox gets caught out and feels a bit hesitant.

The V6’s sound track is a bit of disappointment – it isn’t AMG enough. There’s a bit of a burble but you miss the throaty growl of the full-fat V8. Truth is that the GLE in its 450 AMG version has all the power you need but it doesn’t feel exciting enough even in the most aggressive ‘Sport +’ mode and is a bit too soft for true enthusiasts.

The ride and handling balance too is tilted towards comfort and that was immediately obvious in the first 100 metres of driving the car. Even on 21-inch wheels shod with low profile rubber the GLE Coupe soaked up potholes and bumps with remarkable ease. There’s plenty of ground clearance which can be further increased with the suspension lift mode that is standard. Clearly this is a car that’s well suited to Indian conditions.

The trade-off, however, is a bit of a wallowy ride on uneven surfaces and a fair bit of body movement. It also tends to rock from side to side and doesn’t feel as settled, especially at the speeds the car is capable of.

This doesn’t suggest the GLE Coupe is unwieldy, it’s just that in this echelon it's up against some rivals that are dynamically far more accomplished – the Porsche Cayenne Turbo being a good example.