2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe Review

Name: 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe Review
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

Price Range: $71,998 - $94,995

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV Exterior

+182

The GLE Coupe isn't the quickest in the class, but it handles very well and is exceptionally easy to drive in every situation. It also boasts a modern and luxurious interior. Our main complaint centers on the stiff ride and compromised cargo capacity.

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2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe Review

by Christian Wardlaw^{Correspondent
Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at Edmunds and was the first editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.}

Pros

Classy and well-built interior
Superb technology and driver assist features
Stable handling

Cons

Roofline compromises backseat headroom and cargo space
Ride quality can be bumpy at times

What's new

GLE 63 S version is back in the lineup
Metallic paint is now standard, not extra
Discontinued high-end 25-speaker Burmester audio system
Part of the second GLE Coupe generation that debuted for 2021

Overview

Like other SUV coupes, the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe sacrifices rear passenger room and cargo space for a fastback roofline that conveys sportiness and style. And though it costs more money in exchange for less practicality, it does have standard AMG performance tuning to back up its looks with athleticism. This version of the midsize GLE SUV is also less common on the road than the standard version, lending it an air of exclusivity.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe for sale near you

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AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV
MSRP: $73,995
23 mi away
AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV
MSRP: $73,995
23 mi away
AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV
MSRP: $69,497
190 mi away

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Better yet, Mercedes has returned the AMG GLE 63 S to the lineup, which brings a hand-assembled, turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine to the party. It reappeared during the 2022 model year after a short production hiatus. Other changes for 2023 include making metallic paint standard and the discontinuation of the 25-speaker Burmester high-end audio system. The GLE Coupe keeps its standard 13-speaker Burmester surround-sound system.

There are a few alternatives to the 2023 GLE Coupe. You could choose an Audi Q8 or a BMW X6 and save thousands of dollars, or you could spend about the same money and instead get a less powerful version of the Porsche Cayenne Coupe. From the traditional luxury SUV camp, you might find the rakishly handsome Jaguar F-Pace or Land Rover Range Rover Velar enticing. But if your heart is set on getting a Mercedes, you should check out our detailed Expert Rating below for more analysis of the GLE Coupe.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Great

8.1

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8/10

How does the GLE-Class Coupe drive? We tested the AMG GLE 53. It feels quick around town but, ultimately, acceleration is average for a sporty SUV. Our test vehicle covered 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Braking performance is solid, with consistent stops from 60 mph in just 113 feet. The AMG GLE 53 also has impressive handling limits, allowing you to drive this big SUV with confidence.

We wish the steering had more feel to it, but the AMG GLE 53 is easy to steer and demands little effort from the driver, even at higher speeds. Also making this SUV easy to drive is the ultra-smooth turbocharged inline-six engine with its hybrid assist. The stop-start system is unobtrusive, as are the shifts from the nine-speed automatic transmission.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the GLE-Class Coupe? The AMG GLE 53 Coupe's interior is serene and quiet. The heated front seats, plus our test vehicle's ventilated and massaging versions, provide excellent all-day comfort. The rear seats don't slide or recline but are pleasant for adults, even on long road trips. Our test vehicle had the optional Acoustic Comfort package, which features extra insulation and specially coated glass, and we found it suppressed noise quite well. The four-zone climate control system is strong, and once set, you can forget it. The optional heated armrests are a must-have for colder climates.

Alas, the ride quality isn't so great. It's overly stiff, especially at lower speeds and on less than perfect roads. Things smooth out at higher speeds, but the trade-off at lower speeds makes the AMG GLE 53 feel less elegant.

Interior

8/10

How’s the interior? The front row of the GLE's cabin is near perfect. It exhibits excellent build quality and offers very good usability. The driving position provides a commanding view of the road with plenty of adjustability. The cabin is quite roomy up front, but due to the low roof styling, second-row passengers will need to duck their heads to get in. Once there, they'll have ample legroom. The low roofline reduces rearward visibility, but the optional surround-view cameras do a good job of filling in the gaps when you're parking.

We like the GLE's controls, from the touchscreen and hard buttons to the intuitive touchpad controller. Functions such as track/preset skipping, home and back are right on the pad, and it has useful haptic feedback. The steering wheel touchpads are also useful but are too easy to brush inadvertently.

Technology

9/10

How’s the tech? Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system is a technological tour de force. It's easy to use and capable of controlling most every function through voice commands. The Burmester audio system in our test vehicle fully enveloped the driver in rich music, but we wish the volume could go a tad higher.

One exceptionally helpful feature is the nav system's (optional) augmented reality that overlays street names and arrows atop a live front-view video when making turns. For safety, a number of advanced driver aids are standard. Semi-automated driving features are available through the Driver Assistance package. We found the features easy to use, and they help reduce fatigue in stop-and-go traffic.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? The GLE Coupe's cabin is well designed. Cubbies and compartments abound for stashing drinks and items. The cargo area is compromised somewhat by the coupe-like styling compared to the regular GLE. Still, its 27.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats is decent for this class of vehicle. You'll be able to load multiple pieces of carry-on luggage upright with no problem.

Got kids? The rear seats have plenty of room for even the bulkiest child safety seats and four easy-to-access anchors. The GLE's max towing capacity, even in AMG trim, is pretty strong at 7,700 pounds when equipped with the Class III trailer hitch option.

Fuel Economy

7/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the AMG GLE 53 Coupe will get 19 mpg combined, which is about average for a midsize luxury performance SUV. We got 20.1 mpg on our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route, indicating that the EPA's numbers are realistic.

Value

7.5/10

Is the GLE-Class Coupe a good value? The GLE Coupe can get pretty expensive, but in general you'll feel like you're getting your money's worth. Impeccable build quality is a must for this price range, and the Mercedes absolutely delivers. The leather, aluminum and impressive technology all help justify the expense.

The four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is average, but the same coverage for the powertrain is less than what most competitors offer. Roadside assistance matches rivals in years but comes with a 50,000-mile cap.

Wildcard

8.5/10

Despite the AMG badge, the GLE 53 is not as athletic as others in the class. But it is plenty competent going around curves and quick enough for most people in a straight line. All that capability does come at the expense of a more relaxed ride, but if you want the AMG, you're already willing to accept a few compromises for higher performance.

To that performance, the AMG GLE 53 adds loads of refinement both inside and out. You will be hard-pressed to find this amount of luxury and cutting-edge technology among the competition.

Which GLE-Class Coupe does Edmunds recommend?

While a 603-horsepower SUV sounds like fun, you'll pay plenty for the privilege of driving the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe. That's why we recommend the AMG GLE 53 Coupe, which offers satisfying performance and plenty of standard features. With your savings, you can install options like the AMG Night package for its blacked-out trim, the Driver Assistance Package Plus for added safety features, and the AMG Dynamic Plus package for better handling.

Compare 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe models

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe has four doors and five-passenger seating, similar to the standard GLE SUV. What makes it a "coupe" is the low, swept-back roofline that trades rear headroom and cargo space for a more stylish look.

Two versions of the GLE Coupe are on sale this year: the AMG GLE 53 Coupe and the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe. A turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with mild hybrid technology (429 horsepower, 384 lb-ft of torque) powers the GLE 53 Coupe, while the GLE 63 S Coupe uses a hand-built turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine (603 horsepower, 627 lb-ft of torque). Both models have performance-tuned AMG hardware including a nine-speed automatic transmission, the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, adaptive air suspension, braking system and exhaust system.

Additional highlights from the standard equipment list include:

AMG GLE 53 Coupe
Starts you off with:

21-inch wheels
Adaptive LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Power-folding exterior mirrors
Hands-free liftgate
Hands-free keyless entry
Panoramic sunroof
Ambient interior lighting with 64 colors
12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Synthetic leather upholstery
Power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
Power-adjustable, heated front sport seats
115-volt power outlet
Wireless charging station
Five USB-C ports
13-speaker Burmester surround-sound system

The standard MBUX infotainment system equips the SUV with:

12.3-inch central touchscreen
Natural voice recognition system
Navigation system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Satellite radio (complimentary six-month subscription)
Connected services (complimentary one-year subscription)

The GLE Coupe's safety features include:

Forward collision mitigation (warns if a front collision is imminent and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't respond in time)
Blind-spot warning (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Driver attention monitor (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
Mercedes' Pre-Safe system (quickly adjusts seat belts, head restraints and windows if an imminent collision is detected)
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)

AMG GLE 63 S Coupe
This more powerful version of the SUV upgrades you to:

Summer performance tires
Electronic locking differential
Active suspension upgrades to further limit body motions
High-performance braking system
Performance exhaust system
Synthetic suede headliner
Premium leather upholstery
Ventilated front seats
AMG Track Pace performance data tracking program
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the GLE Coupe and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

Primary option packages for both versions of the GLE Coupe include:

Driver Assistance Package Plus
This collection of advanced driver assist and collision avoidance systems includes:

Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Mercedes and the car in front and can react to traffic signs)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Blind-spot intervention (automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot)
Collision mitigation braking with cross-traffic function (warns the driver of vehicles entering an intersection and can apply braking force to prevent or reduce a collision)
Evasive steering assistance (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
Emergency stop assistance (detects when the driver is no longer holding the steering wheel and is unresponsive to alerts, and can bring the Mercedes to a safe stop with the hazard lights flashing)
Pre-Safe Plus and Impulse Side (adds collision preparation for rear-impact and side-impact collisions)

Air Balance package
Like a breath of fresh air, this upgrade installs:

Interior air purification and fragrance system

Warmth & Comfort package
Perfect for people who live in a chilly climate, this package adds:

Rapid front seat heaters
Heated armrests
Heated upper door panels

Acoustic Comfort package
Enjoy the silence with this option:

Extra sound insulation
Acoustic and heat-absorbing glass for the windows

In addition, the GLE 53 Coupe offers:

AMG Dynamic Plus package
This upgraded performance option includes:

AMG Active Ride Control with Roll Stabilization to enhance cornering ability
AMG high-performance brakes with red calipers
AMG performance steering wheel with synthetic suede
AMG Track Pace records and stores performance data during track use
Steering wheel controls to adjust drive modes and suspension settings

Depending on the model, additional stand-alone options may include:

Carbon-ceramic brakes
Soft-close doors (catch as they're being closed and gently pull shut)
Upgraded wood, metal and carbon-fiber trim
Leather or premium leather upholstery
Four-zone automatic climate control
Heated steering wheel
Ventilated front seats
Massaging front seats
Heated second-row seats
Heated and cooled cupholders
Gesture control (allows you to use hand gestures to operate certain infotainment functions)
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Augmented video for navigation (overlays navigation instructions on front camera video feed to make it easier to find a destination)
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the GLE Coupe and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.79 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$252/mo

$220/mo

Avg. Large SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.3

8 reviews

5(62%)

4(0%)

3(38%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Perfect sporty SUV

JerryO, 02/01/2021

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)

Previously had a GLE 450 and GLC 63. The 450 was a good smooth ride and fine handling but a bit slow. The GLC 63 was a racer but had some issues with it....loose panels in back rattled and had to be re-set/taped and the ride was rather bumpy but of course it was fast. Took a test drive of the GLE53 and was quite impressed. Yeah it's a mid-size SUV but handled like a dream and had that …

MB

MB, 11/22/2020

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)

This is my third MB (previously owned ML 350, GLE 450), and the best so far. I was initially debating between Cayenne S and this vehicle. After testing both models, in my opinion, this is much better choice overall. Very sporty look, an amazing interior and a very powerful engine. My kids love it.

5 Stars

John, 02/19/2021

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)

I was looking for my first SUV after driving an MB CLS 550. I tried the comparable BMW and Porche Cayenne but went for the GLE 53 AMG Coupe, smooth ride great suspension, silky smooth V6. Just the right amount of sportiness and practicality, made my transition from the CLS much easier.

Overstuffed , flawed tech, clunky transmission

Dan, 10/17/2021

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)

Seductive GLE 53 AMG Coupe interior lures the buyers. The driving experience is not at all rewarding. AMG? NOT. The transmission lags and actually clunks into a gear at slow speed in stop and go . That drives me crazy. It feels very large and truck like compared to competitors in this class like Porsche or BMW which shift, steer and ride better. The tech is so complicated and …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe, so we've included reviews for other years of the GLE-Class Coupe since its last redesign.

See all 8 reviews of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe

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2023 GLE-Class Coupe Highlights

Trim:

AMG GLE 53

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$81,200
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	19 MPG
Cost to Drive	$252/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	17.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the GLE-Class Coupe models:

Emergency Call Service: Provides fast access to help when an SOS button inside the cabin is pressed or activated by sensors. It is free of charge for as long as you own your Mercedes.
Pre-Safe Sound: Protects your hearing during a collision by emitting a specific tone through the stereo speakers just before impact.
Active Emergency Stop Assist: Identifies an unresponsive driver who may be sleeping or suffering a medical problem, and brings the SUV to a safe stop with the hazard lights flashing.

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2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe Review

Price & Payment

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which GLE-Class Coupe does Edmunds recommend?

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe models

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Trending topics

Perfect sporty SUV

MB

5 Stars

Overstuffed , flawed tech, clunky transmission

2023 GLE-Class Coupe Highlights

Safety

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