Mercedes Benz GLE 400d Coupé. A behemoth with the highest quality of performance to match its aggressive and unique exterior.
In the 400d Coupé, Mercedes has packaged performance and luxury without sacrificing the utility expected of an SUV. The German manufacturers have hit the mark with a stunning SUV coupe.
The ambient lighting, leather upholstery and widescreen infotainment system which stretches nearly the length of the dashboard make you feel as if you’re in a spaceship. Observing the car from the outside, one would not be amiss to assume it is a spaceship. Close to five meters and sitting on top of 22-inch AMG alloys, the sheer size combined with sleek styling suggest more a trip to Saturn than to the Spar. The 655l boot was a welcome addition too.
Also read: Audi Q7 and Mercedes GLE Coupé become rubies in the rough
Fitted with 3.0l inline six turbodiesel engine, and producing a hefty 243kW and 700 N.m of torque, the 400d felt like the sweet spot between entry level and upper echelon of performance. The power output and handling are a distinct level up from many of Mercedes’ other models, however the model doesn’t contain the almost unnecessary performance potential of the AMG range.
It was a perfect drive. Seamless gear changes allowed by the 9-speed automatic, as well as a mean set of 285/40 tyres make the Merc a joy on the highway, while the feedback from the steering wheel was notable too. Sensitive, of course, but brilliant in its ability to accommodate for the performance of a sports care with the body of an SUV.
While it’s not a vehicle one would buy to use solely off-road, it offers families a sporty urban cruiser with more than enough capability in tougher terrain. It is also just a beautiful design, and one of my favourite silhouettes to date.
Last year I was also lucky enough to take the Mercedes GLE 6 up to Barrydale. Read about it here.
