YOU are now looking at a 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE400d Coupé 4Matic AMG Line… and I can absolutely confirm that this quasi-coupé luxury SUV is as smooth, powerful, clever and luxurious as you think it is.
You should know: These types of vehicles – fancy soft-roaders with melting roof lines and restyled rear quarters – may have been pioneered by a rival brand but they’ve found a modicum of sales success, not just because they appear a tad sexier and individualist, but also because they offer a fast-back arrangement to the rear hatch opening.
More info: Although this presents a problem when opening the large lid in confined spaces (a fact cemented by the many paint chips in this white press vehicle’s rear spoiler) it does ease the entry of large or bulky objects. Like a mountain bicycle. Or marketing material for a Mercedes-Benz club meeting.
Why you should: Here you may stumble upon an unexpected fan base, where chrome and carburettors usually reign supreme. I was constantly surprised at the amount of adoring fans, primarily for this vehicle’s stylish looks, closely followed by the sophisticated interior with its well-executed balance of comfort and technology.
The 2.9-litre hybrid-turbo-diesel straight six is an absolute peach, shining with great power, hilarious torque from almost idle, a wonderfully dark voice, and in most scenarios, amazing fuel efficiency. Mercedes-Benz claims an average of around 7.5L/100km. With an 80L tank, open-road cruising should get you into 4-figure distances between fill-ups.
Why you shouldn’t: Its primary problem was the asking price of at least 2.3 million Rand, and I typed “was” because this iteration of the vehicle – the GLE 400d – is no longer available to buy. Its direct replacement is the GLE 450d, for a whisper under 2.4 million ZAR.
And just like the 400d, it only comes in the sporty AMG Line trim option.
What else? However, Mercedes-Benz has somehow managed to coax a beautiful amount of softness from the otherwise agile suspension. It never fails to amaze me, with every single GLE I have piloted, how gentle yet taught the ride of these vehicles is. In fact, every single one had me wondering if the optional air suspension had been fitted…
In summary: It may seem very expensive and ostentatious to some, yet I guarantee that just a few minutes in the cossetting luxury of this GLE Coupé will turn the harshest critics into, in the very least, smiling appreciators. Mercedes-Benz includes a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty and 5-year/100,000km maintenance plan with each new GLE 450d.
FULL SPEC LIST
| Engine: | 2,925cc i-6 turbo-diesel hybrid |
| Transmission: | 9-speed Automatic, AWD |
| Max. Power: | 243kW @ 3,600rpm |
| Max. Torque: | 700Nm @ 1,200rpm |
| Avg. cons.: | (claimed 7.5L/100km) |
| 0-100km/h: | 6.28 seconds (claimed 5.7) |
| Top Speed: | 240km/h (claimed) |
| List Price: | N.L.A. |