2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE Coupé 43 Coupé with OrangeArt Edition Review

In Malaysia's luxury mid-size SUV market, models that emphasize a balance between sportiness and practicality have always catered to a niche yet stable demand—consumers desire the off-road capability and spaciousness of an SUV but are unwilling to compromise on the sleek design of a coupe. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE Coupé 43 OrangeArt Edition is a product aimed at this specific market segment. It not only inherits the performance DNA of the AMG series but also enhances its visual recognition through exclusive orange accents. This review will focus on the design details, daily practicality, and driving performance of this model to see whether it can meet the dual expectations of luxury family users and performance enthusiasts.

From afar, the fastback design of this GLE Coupé is already eye-catching, and the exclusive elements of the OrangeArt Edition further amplify its sporty appeal. The front features a large-sized diamond grille, with AMG's iconic vertical slats treated in gloss black. Combined with the sharp LED headlight group on both sides, the overall presence is impressive. The lower front bumper incorporates orange front lip and side skirt accents, which contrast strongly with the matte gray body paint, resulting in high recognition. From the side, the 21-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels are designed in a black-and-orange color scheme, with tires sized at 275/45 R21. The muscular lines around the wheel arches extend from the fenders to the rear, seamlessly connecting with the fastback roofline. At the rear, the smoked LED taillights feature intricate internal structures, with high recognition when illuminated; the lower section of the rear bumper is equipped with twin-dual round exhaust outlets, while orange diffuser accents echo the design of the front, striking a balance between the ruggedness of an SUV and the agility of a coupe.

Stepping inside, the familiar Mercedes-Benz luxury ambiance is unmistakable, but the OrangeArt Edition's exclusive design details make the interior more distinctive. The dashboard is wrapped in large swaths of soft-touch leather, complemented by carbon fiber panels and silver metal buttons, offering a tactile and multi-layered feel. The steering wheel features AMG's exclusive three-spoke design, with a firm grip; adaptive cruise control and voice control buttons are integrated on the left, while shift paddles and driving mode selection buttons are on the right. The center screen is an 8-inch floating design, equipped with the COMAND system, supporting basic functions such as Bluetooth connectivity and a reversing camera. The operation logic is clear, though its fluency is slightly inferior to the latest MBUX system. The instrument panel integrates traditional mechanical dials with a 4.5-inch color display, capable of showing speed, RPM, fuel consumption, and other metrics in an intuitive manner. The seats feature a sporty bucket design, using black leather with orange stitching. The AMG logo is embroidered on the headrests, and the front seats support electric adjustments and lumbar support. They provide excellent support, making long drives comfortable.

As a five-seat SUV, its space performance generally meets family needs. The dimensions of the vehicle are 4891×2003×1731mm, with a wheelbase of 2915mm. The front seating space is spacious, and for a 180cm-tall tester, there is still a fist and three fingers of headroom when the seat is adjusted. The rear legroom offers two fists of space, while headroom is slightly limited due to the fastback design, leaving about one fist of space, which is adequate for daily use. The rear central floor has a slight bulge, but the width is sufficient to accommodate three people on short trips. In terms of storage, the trunk offers a standard capacity of 650L, with the rear seats supporting a 4/6 split-fold, which expands the capacity to 1720L when folded, easily fitting a stroller or suitcases. Details such as door storage pockets, central armrest compartments, and storage nets on the back of the front seats make for practical daily storage, offering considerable convenience in daily use.

This car is equipped with a 3.0T V6 twin-turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum output of 390PS and peak torque of 520N·m. It is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, boasting an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.7 seconds. During actual driving, the power response is swift in the initial stage, and light accelerator input immediately delivers a sense of turbocharged thrust. When switched to Sport mode, the transmission’s shift logic becomes more aggressive, downshifting significantly faster. When the accelerator is fully pressed, the roaring of the engine blends harmoniously with the exhaust sound, providing an intense driving thrill. For daily commuting, using Comfort mode results in smooth power output, with the transmission upshifting actively. At a speed of 100km/h, the engine's RPM is only about 1800, making highway cruising very quiet.

In terms of handling performance, the steering wheel offers precise handling with minimal slack. It feels light and makes parking convenient at low speeds, while becoming steadier at high speeds, inspiring sufficient confidence. The suspension system features a front double-wishbone independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for sportiness. It provides clear road feedback without being overly bumpy. When crossing speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension quickly absorbs excess vibrations, keeping the body stable. On the test day, we experienced driving on suburban mountain roads, and the car demonstrated good body roll control during cornering. The tires provide ample grip, maintaining excellent tracking even when entering corners at relatively high speeds. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system adjusts power distribution between the front and rear wheels automatically based on road conditions. During daily driving, it primarily uses front-wheel drive, while under hard acceleration or on slippery roads, the rear wheels receive more power to ensure driving stability.

Regarding fuel consumption, we tested in mixed city and highway conditions over a total distance of approximately 200km, with city sections accounting for 60% and highway sections for 40%. The driving mode was primarily set to Comfort. The actual measured combined fuel consumption was 11.2L/100km, while highway sections averaged around 9.5L/100km, and urban congested sections reached 13.8L/100km. For a 3.0T V6 engine model, this fuel efficiency is within expectations. In terms of noise control, the vehicle exhibits excellent soundproofing performance. At speeds of 100km/h, wind noise and tire noise are well isolated, allowing in-car conversation without disruption. At high engine RPMs, the engine sound is clear but not overly loud, falling within an acceptable range.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE Coupé 43 OrangeArt Edition lie in its unique design, powerful performance, and Mercedes-Benz's luxurious quality. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the BMW X6 xDrive40i, it holds a power advantage (X6 xDrive40i offers 340PS). Additionally, the exclusive OrangeArt Edition package makes it more attractive in terms of personalization. However, it lags slightly behind the X6, which is equipped with the latest iDrive system, in terms of tech features. This car is suitable for consumers who value brand identity, seek sporty performance, and require a certain level of family practicality—for instance, middle-to-high-income individuals aged 30-45 who need a luxury SUV for commuting and family trips while also enjoying the thrill of driving during leisure moments.

All in all, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE Coupé 43 OrangeArt Edition is a model that allows you to "have your cake and eat it too." It combines the practicality of an SUV with the sporty feel of a coupe, while the exclusive OrangeArt Edition package makes it a standout on the road. If you're looking for a car that balances luxury, performance, and individuality, this model is worth considering.