SUV coupe. And this, the GLE Coupe, is Mercedes-Benz鈥檚 answer to the growing segment. Well, look at it. I for one have always been a fan of the coupe-esqe SUVs and the GLE Coupe is possibly the prettiest one of the lot. The one we have here is the AMG Sport variant and is the only one available in India and for once we are glad that Mercedes-Benz has only launched a higher spec version in India. As expected, the front fascia is dominated by the large blacked out grille which sports a single split-slat that prominently displays the three pointed star in the centre. Being the AMG sport variant, you also get the AMG sport bumpers with the silver scuff plate which in a sense is similar to what you get on the likes of the GLA45 AMG. And as with everything else these days, you get LED headlamps mated to LED daytime running lights.

SUV coupe. And this, the GLE Coupe, is Mercedes-Benz鈥檚 answer to the growing segment. Well, look at it. I for one have always been a fan of the coupe-esqe SUVs and the GLE Coupe is possibly the prettiest one of the lot. The one we have here is the AMG Sport variant and is the only one available in India and for once we are glad that Mercedes-Benz has only launched a higher spec version in India. As expected, the front fascia is dominated by the large blacked out grille which sports a single split-slat that prominently displays the three pointed star in the centre. Being the AMG sport variant, you also get the AMG sport bumpers with the silver scuff plate which in a sense is similar to what you get on the likes of the GLA45 AMG. And as with everything else these days, you get LED headlamps mated to LED daytime running lights.

Move around the side and the GLE coupe鈥檚 looks really start to come into play. The coupe roofline looks smooth and gives the GLE a great and extremely aggressive overall stance, especially in this deep red paintjob. You also get a set of 21-inch wheels that although are huge on paper, look a little smaller than they should on this car. We also like the overall level of smaller details on the GLE coupe. For example, the passenger side steps have a great brushed aluminum look to it that just gives the car a bit more character. Around the rear, the GLE coupe sticks to the new design language that all Mercedes-Benz coupes now adhere to. You get horizontal tail lamps that are connected with a thin chrome feature and a set of quad tail pipes that are inset into the silver scuff plates on the bumper. We also like the subtle yet effective lip spoiler on the boot although an electronic spoiler like the one on the AMG GT would have really been the icing on the cake!

For a SUV that looks this cool on the exterior, the interior is a tad bit disappointing in terms of sheer design. Sure, the overall look, feel and touch is extremely premium, but there is just that bit of drama missing and that is a real disappointment. That said, it isn鈥檛 all dull and gloomy in here. There are positives. Space for one is not short like you would expect on some of the coupe SUVs. At the rear, there is more than enough headroom for even the taller person to sit comfortably. The seats are wide and offer great under thigh support which would mean enough space and comfort for three passengers. At the front, the GLE coupe鈥檚 seats that can be adjusted electronically to get the perfect driving position are comfortable and offer great side support. And side support is definitely something you need in this SUV, as you will find out a little later. Other features of course include the likes of a large sunroof and the excellent large screen that is combined with the easy to use Mercedes-Benz control knob.

If we thought the interior was slightly drab and boring, all was forgiven once we fired up the GLE coupe. SUV comes alive almost as if it has received a shot of pure adrenaline. The engine responds much better to throttle movements and of course, the gearbox responds even faster to tugs on the paddle. But someone who buys a car like the GLE450 is not really looking for all out performance to scorch race tracks. And Mercedes-Benz knows this. Which is why we now come to the best part of the GLE450 coupe, the exhaust note. Now we all know how the thoroughbred AMGs snarl and growl. And although this isn鈥檛 really a full-fledged AMG, the GLE450 still does most of the same. In fact, the blip and crackle from the exhaust on an upshift is so addictive that it made us feel like little children watching Baywatch for the first time ever. Being an AMG Sport badged car, let us talk about the handling and braking aspects of the GLE450 AMG sport first.