Why do you love/own the GLE43 Coupe?
#1
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Why do you love/own the GLE43 Coupe?
Hi all!
This is my first post on any vehicle forum but curious to know your thoughts. The lease on our ‘14 ML is fast approaching, and we are currently in the process of considering a new vehicle for my wife. The original front runner was the GLE43 Coupe- we wanted something nimbler than our 350 but also more unique- we don’t see many Coupes around and no dealership seems to have them. However, also in the running are a tempting 2017 Porsche Cayenne S that the dealer has a special on, as well as the possibility of ordering a 2018 Range Rover Sport V6 HSE Dynamic.
I like the performance of the GLE43 Coupe, but my only gripe is that it’s too similar to our current ML- I understand the technical changes like the 9G-TRONIC, Biturbo V6 etc. but disappointed it doesn’t feature the nifty new interiors or tech infotainment that most other new models do.
So here’s the question: why do you love your GLE43 Coupe and why would you pick it over the other cars mentioned? It’s the best value proposition out of the three cars for sure, but the Porsche and the Land Rover are extremely reputable as well. It may be hard to compare them but just wanted an owner’s perspective about what’s great regarding the 43 Coupe and the daily driving experience, as I’m sure you were looking at other SUVs before settling on the benz.
If we do go for the GLE, we would do a MY2018 order. Have been scrolling through the rest of the forum to see what options might be must-haves. The ACS would be great, but here in Canada the upgraded wheels and Active Curve are $6K altogether. My wife will be driving the car and she isn’t really one for performance, but I am![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Thank you for your responses, and hopefully you can help me out with this decision.
This is my first post on any vehicle forum but curious to know your thoughts. The lease on our ‘14 ML is fast approaching, and we are currently in the process of considering a new vehicle for my wife. The original front runner was the GLE43 Coupe- we wanted something nimbler than our 350 but also more unique- we don’t see many Coupes around and no dealership seems to have them. However, also in the running are a tempting 2017 Porsche Cayenne S that the dealer has a special on, as well as the possibility of ordering a 2018 Range Rover Sport V6 HSE Dynamic.
I like the performance of the GLE43 Coupe, but my only gripe is that it’s too similar to our current ML- I understand the technical changes like the 9G-TRONIC, Biturbo V6 etc. but disappointed it doesn’t feature the nifty new interiors or tech infotainment that most other new models do.
So here’s the question: why do you love your GLE43 Coupe and why would you pick it over the other cars mentioned? It’s the best value proposition out of the three cars for sure, but the Porsche and the Land Rover are extremely reputable as well. It may be hard to compare them but just wanted an owner’s perspective about what’s great regarding the 43 Coupe and the daily driving experience, as I’m sure you were looking at other SUVs before settling on the benz.
If we do go for the GLE, we would do a MY2018 order. Have been scrolling through the rest of the forum to see what options might be must-haves. The ACS would be great, but here in Canada the upgraded wheels and Active Curve are $6K altogether. My wife will be driving the car and she isn’t really one for performance, but I am
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Thank you for your responses, and hopefully you can help me out with this decision.
#2
Super Member
Hi all!
This is my first post on any vehicle forum but curious to know your thoughts. The lease on our ‘14 ML is fast approaching, and we are currently in the process of considering a new vehicle for my wife. The original front runner was the GLE43 Coupe- we wanted something nimbler than our 350 but also more unique- we don’t see many Coupes around and no dealership seems to have them. However, also in the running are a tempting 2017 Porsche Cayenne S that the dealer has a special on, as well as the possibility of ordering a 2018 Range Rover Sport V6 HSE Dynamic.
I like the performance of the GLE43 Coupe, but my only gripe is that it’s too similar to our current ML- I understand the technical changes like the 9G-TRONIC, Biturbo V6 etc. but disappointed it doesn’t feature the nifty new interiors or tech infotainment that most other new models do.
So here’s the question: why do you love your GLE43 Coupe and why would you pick it over the other cars mentioned? It’s the best value proposition out of the three cars for sure, but the Porsche and the Land Rover are extremely reputable as well. It may be hard to compare them but just wanted an owner’s perspective about what’s great regarding the 43 Coupe and the daily driving experience, as I’m sure you were looking at other SUVs before settling on the benz.
If we do go for the GLE, we would do a MY2018 order. Have been scrolling through the rest of the forum to see what options might be must-haves. The ACS would be great, but here in Canada the upgraded wheels and Active Curve are $6K altogether. My wife will be driving the car and she isn’t really one for performance, but I am![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Thank you for your responses, and hopefully you can help me out with this decision.
This is my first post on any vehicle forum but curious to know your thoughts. The lease on our ‘14 ML is fast approaching, and we are currently in the process of considering a new vehicle for my wife. The original front runner was the GLE43 Coupe- we wanted something nimbler than our 350 but also more unique- we don’t see many Coupes around and no dealership seems to have them. However, also in the running are a tempting 2017 Porsche Cayenne S that the dealer has a special on, as well as the possibility of ordering a 2018 Range Rover Sport V6 HSE Dynamic.
I like the performance of the GLE43 Coupe, but my only gripe is that it’s too similar to our current ML- I understand the technical changes like the 9G-TRONIC, Biturbo V6 etc. but disappointed it doesn’t feature the nifty new interiors or tech infotainment that most other new models do.
So here’s the question: why do you love your GLE43 Coupe and why would you pick it over the other cars mentioned? It’s the best value proposition out of the three cars for sure, but the Porsche and the Land Rover are extremely reputable as well. It may be hard to compare them but just wanted an owner’s perspective about what’s great regarding the 43 Coupe and the daily driving experience, as I’m sure you were looking at other SUVs before settling on the benz.
If we do go for the GLE, we would do a MY2018 order. Have been scrolling through the rest of the forum to see what options might be must-haves. The ACS would be great, but here in Canada the upgraded wheels and Active Curve are $6K altogether. My wife will be driving the car and she isn’t really one for performance, but I am
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Thank you for your responses, and hopefully you can help me out with this decision.
- Style
- Exclusivity
- Safety Features
- Reliability
- Performance
- Handling
- All-wheel Drive
- Sport+ Mode
- AMG Exhaust Sound
- Harman/Kardon LOGIC7® sound system
- Fun Factor
However, none of that would matter if I didn't also love the above features. It's like meeting an attractive person for the first time. At first, you're enamored. You love their eyes, their hair, their physique or their scent, etc., etc., etc. That's what first lures you in. But, if beyond your initial impressions you discover they're obnoxious, cruel, rude or argumentative, you quickly lose interest. They must be the total package. The Coupe "is" the total package. It's sleek, sexy, unique and it has the performance to match all of those attributes. Sure, if your primary goal is practicability, then the SUV might better suit your taste. But I don't buy cars to be "practical". I buy cars that get my blood flowing....cars that excite me. Personally, I don't care about the loss of a few inches in cargo space. I don't need it, so that's a nonissue.
Where I live, the Porsche and Land Rover are a dime a dozen. They're so common, I'm tired of looking at them. The Ford Explorer looks just like a Land Rover. Why would I spend $100,000 for a car that's constantly confused with a Ford? There are cars that cost far more than the GLE Coupe, yet still don't have the same exclusivity. I love that. In fact, I regularly check my local dealer's inventory to make sure they DON'T have a lot of Coupes. If the Coupe is too similar to your ML and you want a new infotainment system, you might have to wait for the next gen. I don't expect the dashboard to get an upgrade until the next generation is released. It wouldn't make sense for them to release a completely redesigned dash and then a year or two later redesign the body. I used to ALWAYS look forward to the next gen of any model car. Now, I'm not so quick to do that. Sometimes, they take a step backward in design. In an effort to be different, they end up ruining the design. Have you seen spy shots of the 2019 GLE SUV? Fugly!
I'm not sure I would have bought this car without the Active Curve System. Tipping the scales at almost 5,000 lbs. and having a high center of gravity, I doubt I would like the way it takes curves without the ACS. I would certainly recommend you test drive one with and without this feature. Also, there are no winter or all-season tires that fit the 22" optional wheels. You need to know that if you live in Canada.
I hope this helps you make a decision. Ultimately, it's a personal choice. I still find myself sneaking out to the garage just to take a look at this gorgeous beauty, and I've had her for almost a year now. All I can say is that "for me", I know I made the right choice. I have absolutely no regrets. In the end, that's all that really matters.....that YOU are happy.
![](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/icons/icon7.gif)
Last edited by GLE43_Sube; 01-12-2018 at 09:28 AM.
#3
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Well, let's see. Here's my list of why I purchased the Coupe:
However, none of that would matter if I didn't also love the above features. It's like meeting an attractive person for the first time. At first, you're enamored. You love their eyes, their hair, their physique or their scent, etc., etc., etc. That's what first lures you in. But, if beyond your initial impressions you discover they're obnoxious, cruel, rude or argumentative, you quickly lose interest. They must be the total package. The Coupe "is" the total package. It's sleek, sexy, unique and it has the performance to match all of those attributes. Sure, if your primary goal is practicability, then the SUV might better suit your taste. But I don't buy cars to be "practical". I buy cars that get my blood flowing....cars that excite me. Personally, I don't care about the loss of a few inches in cargo space. I don't need it, so that's a nonissue.
Where I live, the Porsche and Land Rover are a dime a dozen. They're so common, I'm tired of looking at them. The Ford Explorer looks just like a Land Rover. Why would I spend $100,000 for a car that's constantly confused with a Ford? There are cars that cost far more than the GLE Coupe, yet still don't have the same exclusivity. I love that. In fact, I regularly check my local dealer's inventory to make sure they DON'T have a lot of Coupes. If the Coupe is too similar to your ML and you want a new infotainment system, you might have to wait for the next gen. I don't expect the dashboard to get an upgrade until the next generation is released. It wouldn't make sense for them to release a completely redesigned dash and then a year or two later redesign the body. I used to ALWAYS look forward to the next gen of any model car. Now, I'm not so quick to do that. Sometimes, they take a step backward in design. In an effort to be different, they end up ruining the design. Have you seen spy shots of the 2019 GLE SUV? Fugly!
I'm not sure I would have bought this car without the Active Curve System. Tipping the scales at almost 5,000 lbs. and having a high center of gravity, I doubt I would like the way it takes curves without the ACS. I would certainly recommend you test drive one with and without this feature. Also, there are no winter or all-season tires that fit the 22" optional wheels. You need to know that if you live in Canada.
I hope this helps you make a decision. Ultimately, it's a personal choice. I still find myself sneaking out to the garage just to take a look at this gorgeous beauty, and I've had her for almost a year now. All I can say is that "for me", I know I made the right choice. I have absolutely no regrets. In the end, that's all that really matters.....that YOU are happy.![](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/icons/icon7.gif)
- Style
- Exclusivity
- Safety Features
- Reliability
- Performance
- Handling
- All-wheel Drive
- Sport+ Mode
- AMG Exhaust Sound
- Harman/Kardon LOGIC7® sound system
- Fun Factor
However, none of that would matter if I didn't also love the above features. It's like meeting an attractive person for the first time. At first, you're enamored. You love their eyes, their hair, their physique or their scent, etc., etc., etc. That's what first lures you in. But, if beyond your initial impressions you discover they're obnoxious, cruel, rude or argumentative, you quickly lose interest. They must be the total package. The Coupe "is" the total package. It's sleek, sexy, unique and it has the performance to match all of those attributes. Sure, if your primary goal is practicability, then the SUV might better suit your taste. But I don't buy cars to be "practical". I buy cars that get my blood flowing....cars that excite me. Personally, I don't care about the loss of a few inches in cargo space. I don't need it, so that's a nonissue.
Where I live, the Porsche and Land Rover are a dime a dozen. They're so common, I'm tired of looking at them. The Ford Explorer looks just like a Land Rover. Why would I spend $100,000 for a car that's constantly confused with a Ford? There are cars that cost far more than the GLE Coupe, yet still don't have the same exclusivity. I love that. In fact, I regularly check my local dealer's inventory to make sure they DON'T have a lot of Coupes. If the Coupe is too similar to your ML and you want a new infotainment system, you might have to wait for the next gen. I don't expect the dashboard to get an upgrade until the next generation is released. It wouldn't make sense for them to release a completely redesigned dash and then a year or two later redesign the body. I used to ALWAYS look forward to the next gen of any model car. Now, I'm not so quick to do that. Sometimes, they take a step backward in design. In an effort to be different, they end up ruining the design. Have you seen spy shots of the 2019 GLE SUV? Fugly!
I'm not sure I would have bought this car without the Active Curve System. Tipping the scales at almost 5,000 lbs. and having a high center of gravity, I doubt I would like the way it takes curves without the ACS. I would certainly recommend you test drive one with and without this feature. Also, there are no winter or all-season tires that fit the 22" optional wheels. You need to know that if you live in Canada.
I hope this helps you make a decision. Ultimately, it's a personal choice. I still find myself sneaking out to the garage just to take a look at this gorgeous beauty, and I've had her for almost a year now. All I can say is that "for me", I know I made the right choice. I have absolutely no regrets. In the end, that's all that really matters.....that YOU are happy.
![](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/icons/icon7.gif)
Also, is the license-plate mounted trunk release a pain for loading large things? I don’t think the foot-operated tailgate opener is available on the car and my wife’s back isn’t the best, to say the least haha. She has told me she likes the sexiness of the car and the familiarity is becoming a plus as well. I applaud your passion and enthusiasm for the car, if we do decide on the GLE then you will be seeing a lot more of me on this forum
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#4
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Thank you so much for your response, that was a pleasure to read and definitely helping me lean toward the Coupe. How is the car dynamically? It’s been a mixed bag from auto journalists in terms of dyamism- I’ve driven the 43 SUV as no Coupes in my city to drive at all and loved the sound and quite solid handling- is the coupe any different? How about visibility?
Also, is the license-plate mounted trunk release a pain for loading large things? I don’t think the foot-operated tailgate opener is available on the car and my wife’s back isn’t the best, to say the least haha. She has told me she likes the sexiness of the car and the familiarity is becoming a plus as well. I applaud your passion and enthusiasm for the car, if we do decide on the GLE then you will be seeing a lot more of me on this forum
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#5
Super Member
Thank you so much for your response, that was a pleasure to read and definitely helping me lean toward the Coupe. How is the car dynamically? It’s been a mixed bag from auto journalists in terms of dynamism- I’ve driven the 43 SUV as no Coupes in my city to drive at all and loved the sound and quite solid handling- is the coupe any different? How about visibility?
Also, is the license-plate mounted trunk release a pain for loading large things? I don’t think the foot-operated tailgate opener is available on the car and my wife’s back isn’t the best, to say the least haha. She has told me she likes the sexiness of the car and the familiarity is becoming a plus as well. I applaud your passion and enthusiasm for the car, if we do decide on the GLE then you will be seeing a lot more of me on this forum
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![crazy](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/crazy.gif)
https://www.mercedes-benz.ca/en/dealers
I almost never use the license-plate mounted trunk release. I forget it's even there. As you mentioned, the button on the remote is more convenient. No, the foot-activated rear hatch release is not available on the Coupe. They're nice, but I ALWAYS prefer to open the rear hatch before I get to the car, so I would never use that. I guess I'm impatient. I don't want to have to stand at the rear of the car and wait five seconds for it to completely open. For reasons of security, I do love the fact that the release is so well hidden. The average thief would not even know it exists, as did the previously mentioned reviewer.
![rolf](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
If you do decide to get the car, I'll be right here to answer all of your questions. Good luck in whatever you decide to go with!
Last edited by GLE43_Sube; 01-13-2018 at 05:27 AM.
#6
Senior Member
In typical fine fashion, GLE43 knocked it out of the park again!
My list is pretty much the same as his:
Well, let's see. Here's my list of why I purchased the Coupe:
My list is pretty much the same as his:
Well, let's see. Here's my list of why I purchased the Coupe:
- Style - I love the fact that it's this HUGE car. I tell people that it's an SUV sized CAR. They don't understand what that means until they see it, and then they go, that thing's HUGE, and I just smile.
- Exclusivity - We live 30 miles from the dealership in po-dunkville, so there won't be any where we are. I personally have never seen another one in the city that we got ours in, a city of about 400,000, BUT my ex-brother-in-law told me recently that he had seen one in the city. I do know that there's at least one more in the city.
- Safety Features - We got every safety feature there was, except wipers and active roll (or whatever that's called). The wipers are probably a bigger safety feature than the suspension one
- Reliability
- Performance - Nice and quick for a 5000lb vehicle. I'm happy.
- Handling
- All-wheel Drive
- Sport+ Mode - 'Nuf said
- AMG Exhaust Sound - 'Nuf said
- Fun Factor - 'Nuf said
#7
Member
Style - I love the fact that it's this HUGE car. I tell people that it's an SUV sized CAR. They don't understand what that means until they see it, and then they go, that thing's HUGE, and I just smile
It's stylishly chunky,but my wife's Volvo S90 sedan is much longer (a negative for her)
Like the seat height for a 'car',both for drivers vision & easier to get in & out.
Turns the corner like it's glued to the rode.I don't feel the lean.
Thought I'd be the only one in my area with one.Turns out a guy three blocks from me got the same model,same color.What are the odds
It's stylishly chunky,but my wife's Volvo S90 sedan is much longer (a negative for her)
Like the seat height for a 'car',both for drivers vision & easier to get in & out.
Turns the corner like it's glued to the rode.I don't feel the lean.
Thought I'd be the only one in my area with one.Turns out a guy three blocks from me got the same model,same color.What are the odds
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
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#8
Super Member
It's stylishly chunky,but my wife's Volvo S90 sedan is much longer (a negative for her)
"Stylishly Chunky", I love that.![](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif)
Like the seat height for a 'car',both for drivers vision & easier to get in & out.
Another spot-on observation.
Turns the corner like it's glued to the rode.I don't feel the lean.
Do you also have the ACS? If so, I'm sure that's ACS kicking in. Without it, this would defy the laws of physics.
Thought I'd be the only one in my area with one.Turns out a guy three blocks from me got the same model,same color.What are the odds![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Good it's the same color. Now you can just say, "Yeah, that was me you saw driving."
"Stylishly Chunky", I love that.
![](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif)
Like the seat height for a 'car',both for drivers vision & easier to get in & out.
Another spot-on observation.
Turns the corner like it's glued to the rode.I don't feel the lean.
Do you also have the ACS? If so, I'm sure that's ACS kicking in. Without it, this would defy the laws of physics.
Thought I'd be the only one in my area with one.Turns out a guy three blocks from me got the same model,same color.What are the odds
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Good it's the same color. Now you can just say, "Yeah, that was me you saw driving."
![rolf](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
#9
Senior Member
Fast forward to the GLE... When it became apparent that we were not going to keep the VW, we decided to go back to MB, since our first experience was so good. My wife wanted to go BACK to a car. I told her that I didn't want any part of a car anymore, after owning an SUV. I liked the higher ingress/egress. She wasn't convinced, UNTIL we went and sat in a 2017 E-Class. She was fine getting in, but struggled getting out, and so the search was on for another SUV. I found the GLE and fell in love, and the rest was history.
As you age, you really appreciate the higher seats in SUV's. It will be hard for us to ever go back to a "car"...
#10
Senior Member
... I read a review where they called it the "Frankenstein Monster" of SUVs. That's kind of appropriate when you think about it. Frankenstein was made from the parts of different dead bodies. So MB took the sloping roof line from an E-Class coupe, the front end from a GLE SUV and those massive 22" wheels from a fire truck. LOL. I love it!
#11
Super Member
Fast forward to the GLE... When it became apparent that we were not going to keep the VW, we decided to go back to MB, since our first experience was so good. My wife wanted to go BACK to a car. I told her that I didn't want any part of a car anymore, after owning an SUV. I liked the higher ingress/egress. She wasn't convinced, UNTIL we went and sat in a 2017 E-Class. She was fine getting in, but struggled getting out, and so the search was on for another SUV. I found the GLE and fell in love, and the rest was history.
As you age, you really appreciate the higher seats in SUV's. It will be hard for us to ever go back to a "car"...
As you age, you really appreciate the higher seats in SUV's. It will be hard for us to ever go back to a "car"...
#12
Member
"Do you also have the ACS? If so, I'm sure that's ACS kicking in. Without it, this would defy the laws of physics.
"
Got me.I just turn the corner at speed,& the GLE stays glued to the street.
"
Got me.I just turn the corner at speed,& the GLE stays glued to the street.
#13
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This is actually one of the reasons that we ended up with a GLE43. 2 vehicles ago, we had an MB E320 CDI. Absolutely FABULOUS car. The wife wanted to get rid of it, and get an SUV, so we ended a VW Touareg TDI. That was an absolutely fabulous vehicle as well, and of all of the 4WD/AWD vehicles that I have driven, the VW was by far away the best in AWD situations. Unbelievable. But, the VW got caught up in Dieslegate, and when they give you 65% of what you paid for it, and you've owned it for 6 years, you let them have it back, without any questions.
Fast forward to the GLE... When it became apparent that we were not going to keep the VW, we decided to go back to MB, since our first experience was so good. My wife wanted to go BACK to a car. I told her that I didn't want any part of a car anymore, after owning an SUV. I liked the higher ingress/egress. She wasn't convinced, UNTIL we went and sat in a 2017 E-Class. She was fine getting in, but struggled getting out, and so the search was on for another SUV. I found the GLE and fell in love, and the rest was history.
As you age, you really appreciate the higher seats in SUV's. It will be hard for us to ever go back to a "car"...
Fast forward to the GLE... When it became apparent that we were not going to keep the VW, we decided to go back to MB, since our first experience was so good. My wife wanted to go BACK to a car. I told her that I didn't want any part of a car anymore, after owning an SUV. I liked the higher ingress/egress. She wasn't convinced, UNTIL we went and sat in a 2017 E-Class. She was fine getting in, but struggled getting out, and so the search was on for another SUV. I found the GLE and fell in love, and the rest was history.
As you age, you really appreciate the higher seats in SUV's. It will be hard for us to ever go back to a "car"...
I think we’re getting closer and closer to the Coupe- you all are very persuasive! Where the RR and the Cayenne are the Uber luxury and Uber sporty options, the GLE seems to be the happy medium; and it definitely stands out.
In response to GLE43_Sube’s previous comment about winter tires for the 22s, that’s really a shame- you’d think Mercedes would be diligent in knowing that people who live in bad weather might want to opt for the bigger wheels, and thus winter tires are needed. I understand the wonders of ACS, but for my wife’s taste I’m not sure that the $6K premium is justifiable- but it’s all in the drive.
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/glob...ticle25247520/
Here’s a neat little article on the car’s design.
#14
Super Member
CarNut, thanks for the link. The final release was not that far off from the prototype, which is rare. Usually, there's a drastic difference between the two.