Mercedes-Benz GLE 350d Coupe 4Matic AMG Line, motoring review: Merc's answer to the BMW X6 and Range Rover Sport

A big sports SUV coupe is always going to be a compromise

Tuesday 15 September 2015 08:57 EDT

The handling is reasonably controlled with lots of traction

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It’s certainly large and imposing, and for some that may be enough. It also has the proven and popular 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, but is that enough boxes to tick?

A big sports SUV coupe is always going to be a compromise, and the 21in alloys are part of that. They’re not going to give the best of rides on British roads, although they’re okay on the motorway. The ride never feels that settled, although the air suspension does its best.

With four-wheel drive, the handling is reasonably controlled with lots of traction, but understeer of that heavy body does build up quicker than you’d imagine. That combines with a lack of feedback to make for a decent but not pin-sharp handling package.

The engine works very well under normal circumstances

The engine, feeding through a new nine-speed auto box with torque converter, works very well under normal circumstances. It can riffle along feeling very calm, but if you press on the odd random gearchange can intrude and it does get a little bit rushed. At speed those big wheels bring in a fair bit of road noise too.

Inside, apart from tyre noise there is some wind noise to add, but it’s a refined and luxurious cabin, albeit with some quite complex infotainment options. Space is good in the front, reasonable in the rear, but tall rear passengers may not be that comfy and the boot, while big, has a difficult access lip.

Overall, this is an accomplished luxury SUV coupe. It does what it needs to do perfectly well, with a great engine and powertrain, luxurious interior and a certain presence on the road. But the competition is very fierce at this level, and the GLE 350d Coupe is perhaps not as accomplished as some rivals like the Porsche Cayenne Diesel S, the Range Rover Sport, or indeed the BMW X6 xDrive40d M Sport.