Many people questioned BMW’s sanity when it launched the X6, because who the hell would want a coup combined with an SUV? Well, apparently a lot of people did, at least enough to warrant a second generation, according to Gizmag. Hoping to cut a slice of this unexpected success, Mercedes-Benz is releasing the X6’s first competitor: the GLE Coupe.
Previewed at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show earlier this year, the GLE Coupe follows the X6’s formula quite closely, with a low roofline draped over and existing SUV platform, which is the M-Class in this case, now known as the GLE-Class under the automaker’s new naming scheme. Some of the features include a crosswind assist, a dynamic handling system, a power tailgate, and a plethora of impressive safety features.
“Despite the similarity to an SUV with its raised seating position and expansive all-round view, the occupants are led to believe that they are in sports rather than off-road mode,” Mercedes writes, as quoted by USA Today. “The sound is reminiscent of powerful sports cars, while the spontaneous and direct response to all commands is guaranteed to get your pulse racing.”
The 2016 GLE 450 AMG 4Matic comes equipped with a 362-horsepower biturbo V6 engine that’s linked to a standard 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive. With peak torque available from 1,400 rpm, virtually all turbo lag is eliminated, and the 4Matic permanent all-wheel-drive system is always applying that power rationally thanks to the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission with Dynamic Select.
“The GLE 450 AMG Coupé is our first sports model, and further highly emotional and performance-oriented models will follow in the near future. The new product line from Mercedes-AMG has allowed us to make true sports car technology and the fascination of motorsports more accessible,” says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, on the company’s website. “Every vehicle from Affalterbach honours the brand promise of Driving Performance.”
The GLE coupe is set to become one of the company’s two introductory AMG Sport models. Information is still somewhat scare, but we’ll undoubtedly learn more at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. However, AutoWeek has been told that the AMG Sport is expected to be similar to the AMG Sports appearance packages.
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