2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 Coupe (US-Spec)

Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 Coupe (US-Spec)

"For 2017 model year Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 Coupe replaces previous-year GLE 450 AMG. As a 'coupe' variation of the GLE-Class, the 43 Coupe is powered with 5.5-liter V8 engine that produces 577 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque. 2017 GLE 43 Coupe is the entry-level AMG model, standing one step below GLE 63 Coupe. Below is the press release from MB USA:" Ed.

Mercedes-Benz has combined two classes of vehicle – each with its own distinct style – to make a new model, the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. The sporty nature of a coupe dominates, imbued with the striking characteristics of a robust SUV. In addition to convincing on-road vehicle dynamics, the GLE Coupe looks impressive as well. With its flowing side contour, elongated and low greenhouse, striking radiator grille with central chrome louver and rear end design, the GLE Coupe cites styling features typical of particularly sporty Mercedes-Benz models. In the U.S. market, the Mercedes-AMG GLE43 Coupe (previously the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 AMG) features an AMG-enhanced 3.0L V6 biturbo engine that produces 362 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. Joining the AMG GLE43 is the Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe, featuring a handcrafted AMG 5.5L V8 biturbo engine producing 577 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque.

Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "We see great potential in this vehicle segment. The GLE43 and GLE63 Coupes are the logical progression of our ambitious growth strategy – after all, in 1999 with the first high-performance SUV, the ML55 AMG, we established a completely new segment. The new GLE43 and GLE63 Coupes will inspire SUV fans focused on dynamics while at the same time representing a new interpretation of driving performance."

2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 Coupe (US-Spec)

Sportiness of a coupe, strengths of an SUV

The Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe models combine the sportiness of a coupe with the strengths of an SUV. High agility, a distinctive engine sound and typical sports car acceleration are united with poise and assurance, tremendous pulling power and perfect traction.

The raised seating position and effortlessly unhurried superiority on the road, paired with typical AMG longitudinal and transverse dynamics and direct response to driver commands, result in an intense driving feel. The wide choice of different worlds of experience is based, among other things, on the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes, which for the first time permit such a wide spread of driving dynamics.

The five transmission modes of "Slippery," "Individual," "Comfort," "Sport" and "Sport+," which the driver is able to select using a rotary control on the center console, deliver fundamentally different driving dynamics. Be it the response of the engine, the shift strategy of the transmission, ESP® thresholds, power assistance for the steering or characteristics of the dampers, the system networks all the control systems, generating different sets of parameters for distinct driving experiences.

Introducing the AMG 43 Series

Auto enthusiasts the world over instantly recognize the three letters AMG as defining Mercedes-Benz performance. Many also recognize that 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of this performance division, which began as an independent tuner and racer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. An integral part of the company since 2005, Mercedes-AMG, has been preparing for its 50th year for quite some time. The aptly named "AMG 50" program, which began several years ago, bears substantial fruit with the all-new AMG 43 model lineup.

Positioned between the standard Mercedes-Benz models and the elite "one man, one engine" AMG45, AMG 63 and AMG 65 vehicles, the nine AMG 43 models will bring the number of Mercedes-AMG vehicles to 34 for 2017. Exclusively powered by an AMG-enhanced 3.0L V6 biturbo, the new series includes the C43 Sedan, Coupe and Cabriolet; E43 sedan (in early 2017); GLC43 and GLC43 Coupe; GLE43, GLE43 Coupe, and the SLC43 roadster. (Some of these models had been available in MY2016 as the 450 AMG models.)

Mercedes-AMG GLE43 Coupe boasts AMG Performance 4MATIC® permanent all-wheel drive and AMG-enhanced 9G-TRONIC transmission

In the Mercedes-AMG GLE43 Coupe, developers were able to show the possibilities of the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission in an all-wheel drive coupe with a longitudinal drive configuration. Depending on the mode selected for the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT variable dynamic handling control system, the AMG-enhanced 9G-TRONIC transmission impresses with great agility and responsiveness or poised serenity. It offers an impressively high shift speed and perfect transitions for energetic sprinting as well as gentle, barely perceptible gear changes for enjoyable cruising.

AMG Performance 4MATIC® permanent all-wheel drive always goes hand in hand with safe, harmonious and sporty handling. The sporty Mercedes-AMG GLE43 Coupe offers enhanced agility and more pronounced dynamics around the car's vertical axis with a torque split of 40:60. The AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes SPORT and SPORT+ deliver superior longitudinal agility and lateral dynamics – specifically as a result of the perfect interplay between the modified driving dynamics control systems ASR, ESP® with Dynamic Cornering Assist, the electronic traction system 4-ETS® and the brake control system.

Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe offers AMG SPEEDSHIFT® PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission

Depending on the mode selected for the variable dynamic handling control system AMG DYNAMIC SELECT, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT® PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission impresses with its great agility and superior responsiveness. The transmission has a wide-ranging potential. It offers an impressively high shift speed and perfect transitions for a sportier driving style as well as smooth, barely perceptible gear changes for enjoyable cruising.

The "M" button allows the driver to emphasize the sporty character and to shift gears exclusively using the steering-wheel shift paddles. In "M" or "manual" mode, the transmission will allow the driver to remain in control of the shift points and will not upshift or downshift automatically. Further specialties for the dynamically focused driver: the automatic double-declutching function when shifting down and the short-term M mode, which combines the performance of manual gear changes with automatic up- and downshifts. This allows the driver to enjoy the vehicle's impressive performance to its full potential. If the driver has shifted up or down manually using the shift paddle, the transmission independently switches back to the automatic shift mode after a set period of time.

The 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT® PLUS transmission features a dual-turbine torsional damper with speed-sensitive centrifugal pendulum, which minimizes vibrations while enhancing the passengers' comfort.

AMG Performance 4MATIC® all-wheel drive with rear-biased power distribution

With 4MATIC® permanent all-wheel drive, Mercedes-AMG uses a specially designed transfer case. This exclusive solution distributes the drive power in a ratio of 40:60 between the front and rear axles, resulting in greater agility about the vertical axis of the vehicle. The pay-off for the driver is even greater driving pleasure during high- speed cornering. The AMG Sport Suspension based on AIRMATIC®, consisting of air suspension, special damper struts, automatic level control and infinitely variable damping characteristics thanks to the Active Damping System (ADS), is combined with the active roll stabilization ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM (optional on Mercedes- AMG GLE43). This system employs active anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles to reduce the body's roll angle during cornering. The reduced roll angle and outstanding cornering properties make for enhanced transverse dynamics and driving pleasure. At the same time, the system provides increased driving stability and safety, especially at higher speeds.

Roll stabilization, damping and suspension adapt automatically to the prevailing driving situation, offering both optimum ride comfort and maximum stability. The damping system changes its area of emphasis depending on the preselected DYNAMIC SELECT mode. "Sport+" mode puts the emphasis on maximum possible transverse dynamics. Conversely, "Comfort" mode enables maximum ride comfort.

The fully load-bearing air suspension system is speed-sensitive, lowering the body at higher speeds in order to minimize drag while increasing driving stability. The current operating conditions are detected via the steering angle sensor, four level sensors, three body sensors, the driving speed as well as the positions of the brake and gas pedals. The control unit uses these signals for infinitely variable adjustment of the current damping force required for each individual wheel.

Successful design synthesis of Coupe and SUV elements

Sensuality and clarity are the two poles that have determined the design idiom of the Mercedes-Benz brand for almost 130 years and have their origin in the nature of the two inventors of the automobile, Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler. Carl Benz was more rationally oriented in his behaviour, whereas Gottlieb Daimler was driven more by his passion. The new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe demonstrates almost ideally how this bridge between intelligence and emotion, between tradition and modernity, blends into an attractive symbiosis.

The GLE Coupe not only skilfully embodies the firmly embedded principles of Mercedes-Benz design, but also focuses on the essential features of two entirely different automobile genres. On the one hand, the youngest member of the GLE family bears the decisive, essential stylistic feature of all modern Mercedes-Benz coupes: it combines sheer sportiness with a high-level aesthetic and sensual demand for modern luxury. At the same time, elements of the classic SUV are recognizable. With muscular fenders, large wheel arches, wheels of up to 22 inches, high belt line and generous ground clearance, this model takes the perception of a large, four-door coupe to the next level.

The extreme proportions with superior aesthetics of the new GLE Coupe have emerged from this stylistic gene pool. This is particularly due to the extremely exciting relationship between the low greenhouse and striking body; the silhouette signals sportiness and agility. The upright sports grille with single louver, framed by three-dimensionally designed LED headlamps, is the major feature of the front end with its short, stylish overhang. The forward-sloping hood with its typical Mercedes power domes underscores the membership of the GLE Coupe in the line-up of particularly sporty Mercedes-Benz models. A discreet reference to the SUV genes of the vehicle is provided by the harmoniously integrated, illuminated running boards, a typical feature of classic SUVs or off-roaders that is available as an option.

The coupe-like nature is also emphasized by the design of the rear end with its obvious elements of the design line first presented with the S-Class Coupe. The styling characteristics of this include the slim band of rear lights with their three- dimensional look, wide chrome insert fitted above and the license plate now incorporated into the rear bumper. Another feature that has distinguished the large coupe models from Mercedes-Benz for generations is the typical shape of the rear window which is rounded off at the top. A discreet SUV reference is made by the chrome-plated underride guard in the front and rear, here with the integrated twin tailpipe trim elements of the exhaust system.

The attractive sport front seats and the compact sport steering wheel, as well as the infotainment elements familiar from the C, E and S-Class initially catch your eye in the interior. The information display, which is not entirely free-standing but partially integrated into the instrument panel, attracts attention and is fitted in an optimum ergonomic position. The center air vents, with a high-grade silver shadow frame similar to the outer vents, are positioned next to the display. The head unit has the same appearance to underline the homogeneity of the interior. The center console houses the COMAND® with central controller and touchpad fitted above in an optimum ergonomic position. The equipment and appointments in M-B Tex and the trim elements in light longitudinal-grain aluminium are also impressive.

The interior of the GLE Coupe is an impressive sight with AMG sports seats and the Black Nappa leather AMG® sports steering wheel in 3-spoke design as well as the trim elements and sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs. AMG carbon-fiber trim and piano lacquer enhance the appearance of the interior as an additional option.

Attractive equipment packages and individual options

Popular equipment details are also combined in attractive packages for the GLE Coupe. The Premium 3 package includes Distance Pilot DISTRONIC® and Steering Pilot, Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist. The Parking Assist package (standard on the GLE63 S) with 360° camera and Parking Pilot guarantees an excellent overview and problem- free maneuvering into and out of parking spaces. Night-time vision is improved by the LED Intelligent Light System which is a standard feature on all models; adverse weather conditions with impaired view are defused by MAGIC VISION CONTROL® – the heated, adaptive windscreen wiper system (available on the Mercedes-AMG GLE43).

The extremely large interior for a coupe provides space for up to five people. The rear seat bench in the GLE Coupe is even the widest in its class. The standard Panorama roof rewards passengers with an even greater feeling of spaciousness. With a maximum of over 58 cubic feet, the coupe also offers the largest luggage compartment in its class and just happens to hold the world record for luggage compartments in coupes.

COMAND® offers perfect infotainment with an 8-inch color display and intuitive touchpad controller. The system also includes a DVD player. If required, the customer can equip COMAND Online with a Rear Seat Entertainment system with remote control or Bang & Olufsen BeoSoundTM premium sound system.

Well worth a look: color and material combinations for the GLE Coupe

There are almost limitless possibilities when it comes to customization of the GLE Coupe, and the equipment packages again play an important role. A Night Package is available on the Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S, in which the louver in the radiator grille and the exterior mirror housings are finished in high-gloss black. At the same time, the wide selection of solid and metallic paints and the almost limitless possibilities for interior design increase the potential for individual customization. A total of 11 paint finishes are available, of which seven are metallic colors and two are special paint finishes with special-effect pigments in designo Diamond White metallic or designo Cardinal Red metallic.

The interior radiates modern luxury and can be given a design ranging from ambitious and sporty to classic and elegant, depending on personal taste. The scope here ranges from single-tone black interior appointments to various combinations in which black is used with Ginger Beige, Crystal Grey, Saddle Brown or Porcelain. The interior of the GLE Coupe is particularly impressive in two-tone designo Exclusive Nappa leather in Porcelain/Black featuring seats with diamond- pattern stitching, instrument panel and door panelling in designo leather and the black DINAMICA roof liner.

Depending on personal preference, the trim elements shine in light longitudinal- grain aluminum, brown open-pore ash wood, brown eucalyptus wood, dark-graphite poplar wood or black AMG carbon fiber/piano lacquer.

(Mercedes-AMG Press Release)