Mercedes Benz GLE350d coupe review, test drive

Impressions from behind the wheel of the sporty new GLE Coupé.

Published on Jun 23, 2015 04:52:00 PM

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Mercedes Benz GLE350d coupe review, test drive

The ride, in the softest damper setting, is excellent both around town and out on the open road. The overall control of the suspension over high-frequency bumps at lower speeds is very impressive, as is the car's ability to settle quickly on undulating sections of road. Road noise is also well suppressed; at least, that’s the impression we got on the smooth surfaced roads in Germany. The GLE Coupe gets standard steel spring suspension, although Mercedes expect the majority of customers will choose the optional Airmatic air suspension, which uses air springs and new ADS Plus adaptive damping system with an additional valve over the system used in the GLE until now.

A further notable feature is the standard Dynamic Select driving mode control system. It provides the driver with selectable driving modes; in the case of the GLE350d Coupé – Individual, Comfort, Sport and Slippery. Other models also get a Sport Plus mode that brings a double de-clutch function on the gearbox during downshifts. You step up higher into the GLE Coupé than you do in the regular GLE, due to an additional 12mm of ride height brought on by its larger wheels. When you settle into the broad driver’s seat, you quickly discover one fundamental downside to the swoopy exterior styling, namely, limited rearward vision because of the extreme angle of the rear window. This immediately makes it clear why Mercedes has decided to provide its latest model with a rear camera as standard.

Cost considerations mean the interior is largely shared with the newly facelifted GLE. The familiar-looking dashboard is a relatively busy affair, with a free-standing monitor set high and varying controls adorning the centre section. The latest generation of Mercedes' Comand infotainment system is mounted between the front seats along with the controls to alter the aforementioned driving modes.