Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d Coupé 4Matic

A fresh face with the sleeker coupé roofline lifts the GLE's appeal, especially in 450d guise

- Kyle Kock, Siyavuya Mbaduli

Price: R2 365 509 0-100 km/h: 5.52 seconds Top speed: 240 km/h Power: 270 kW Torque: 750 N.m CAR Fuel index: 9.00 L/100km CO₂: 210 g/km

Recently, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has received something of a mixed reception at CAR. While both the GLE 300d and 400d -tested in the February and October 2020 issues - were appealing in their own respects, they met with criticism for such elements as cabin fit and finish, and the ride quality of both models was surprisingly harsh and crashy, which didn't help with the rattles and squeaks inside.

The GLE 450d Coupé 4Matic arrived for testing shortly after the model range received its midcycle facelift and we were suitably impressed with the execution. Elements such as new LED headlamps, three-pointed star design grille and revised nose bring the GLE and GLE Coupé visually closer to its stablemates. The AMG Line exterior body kit is now standard, and comprises an AMG front apron, side sills, bodycoloured whee-arch cladding and a faux diffuser in the rear bumper.

Inside, the more eagled-eyed among you will note that some of the trim is now available in a different colour, depending on the pack selected when purchasing, along with a sportier three-spoke steering wheel in the same styles as smaller AMG Performance models. The infotainment system has also seen upgrades to its operating system, improving responsiveness, and now incorporates features such as wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Although undeniably striking in its execution, the coupé roofline does impact on the GLE's interior packaging. The rear passengers make do with 78 mm less headroom and 173 mm less kneeroom than in the standard GLE, but there is some consolation in the form of 40 litres of additional boot space.