2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE Coupe GLE 43 4Matic Coupe Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's luxury mid-size SUV market has become increasingly intense. Consumers demand vehicles with strong identity characteristics while also expecting a balance of everyday practicality and driving pleasure. The Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe GLE 43 4Matic Coupe, as a representative model in this market segment, attracts its target audience with its coupe-like styling, AMG-tuned performance, and the legacy of the Mercedes brand. This test drive will focus on its design details, spatial practicability, performance, and daily driving experience, providing comprehensive references for potential buyers.

From the exterior perspective, the coupe SUV silhouette of this car is very distinctive. The front end adopts the AMG family design, with a large-sized vertical-bar grille paired with sharp LED headlight assemblies, creating a strong visual impact. The side profile of the car features smooth lines, and the sloping roofline extending from the A-pillar to the rear reduces the traditional bulkiness of SUVs. The 22-inch large wheels, paired with front 285/40R22 and rear 325/35R22 wide tires, further enhance its sporty attributes. At the rear, the AMG-style exhaust pipes and spoiler design echo the overall styling, while the LED taillights offer high recognition when illuminated.

Inside the car, the interior continues Mercedes' usual sense of luxury. The dashboard is wrapped in a large area of soft materials, complemented by metallic trims and piano lacquer panels, offering a refined tactile experience. The instrument panel features an electronic backlit analog design, with clear display; the multifunctional steering wheel comes equipped with paddle shifters and supports electric adjustment and memory functionality. The center console is fitted with a large display screen (exact size not specified in the configuration table, but it operates smoothly) and supports commonly used multimedia functions. The front seats are electrically adjustable with memory function and provide good support; the rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split to extend the trunk space. For storage, the center armrest box in the front row and the door panel storage compartments offer ample capacity, making daily use convenient.

In terms of space, the vehicle dimensions are 4918mm×2003mm×1719mm with a wheelbase of 2915mm, ensuring spaciousness inside the cabin. The front-row seating space is ample, and for a person 180cm tall, there is still a fist’s worth of headroom above after seating adjustment. The rear legroom allows for two fists' distance, while headroom feels slightly constrained due to the sloping roofline, but it does not feel cramped with a normal seating posture. The trunk has a standard capacity of 650L, which meets the needs of family outings or shopping trips; folding down the rear seats can accommodate larger items. In terms of configuration, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, rear LCD screen, and a 220V power outlet are all equipped, enhancing passenger comfort.

In terms of performance, it is equipped with a 3.0L V6 naturally aspirated engine, with a maximum power of 372PS and maximum torque available from 1800rpm (torque value not specified in the configuration table, but actual performance is robust), paired with an AT gearbox and full-time four-wheel drive system. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 5.7 seconds. In real-world driving, the initial response is swift, mid-to-late acceleration is strong, and during overtaking, pressing the accelerator deeply provides linear power output without noticeable lag. The gearbox shifts smoothly, and in sports mode, the shift speed increases, delivering a more direct driving experience.

The handling and chassis performance align with AMG's tuning style. The steering is precise with minimal play, light at low speeds, and stable at high speeds. The front double wishbone independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension effectively filter minor bumps during everyday driving. When passing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, the suspension provides good support, and the body shows no significant bouncing. During cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, and the all-wheel-drive system provides excellent grip and strong stability.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 8.9L/100km. During actual test drives, the fuel consumption on urban roads is approximately 11L/100km, and about 7.5L/100km on highways, performing moderately. The braking system consists of ventilated disc brakes at the front and rear, offering quick brake response and ample braking force, instilling confidence in the driver.

As for driving comfort, noise control performs well, with wind and tire noise well-suppressed during high-speed driving, not affecting in-cabin conversations. The seat comfort is good, making it less fatiguing for long periods of sitting. The rear seats are equipped with sunshades to effectively block sunlight. Features such as automatic parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, and keyless entry enhance the convenience of daily use.

In summary, the core advantages of the Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe GLE 43 4Matic Coupe are its unique coupe styling, luxurious interior ambiance, powerful performance, and comprehensive configuration. Compared with competitors in the same class, like the BMW X6 xDrive40i, its AMG-tuned dynamics and brand appeal are more attractive. Compared to the Audi Q8, it boasts a more aggressive coupe design. This vehicle is suitable for consumers who value luxury, driving pleasure, and family usage, especially those who appreciate unique designs and the Mercedes brand.

Overall, the Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe GLE 43 4Matic Coupe strikes a good balance between design, performance, configuration, and space, making it a worthy choice in the luxury mid-to-large coupe SUV market.