Mercedes GLE 450 AMG Coupé launch on January 12, 2016

Display visualisation on the Comand screen

In the GLE 450 AMG, Dynamic Select not only modulates the "hard skills" such as the chassis and suspension, steering or drive system. It is also possible to experience the selected mode more intensively on an emotional level because various "soft skills" such as the engine sound, instruments or dynamic control of the headlamps vary too. To this end, the nature of the various displays on the Comand screen and in the cockpit changes according to the selected transmission mode. At the same time, the active light function of the all-LED headlamps responds more spontaneously and the engine produces the whole range of sounds from sporty and dominant to poised and reticent: If the driver selects Comfort mode, the displays take on lesser importance and, like the engine, the dial instruments such as the rev counter show a relaxed response to the driver's commands. In combination with comfort-oriented control of the drive system and suspension, the result is an exceptionally balanced drive on a par with a saloon. The engine sound is reduced to a pleasant timbre, and the feedback from the road surface and surroundings is considerably quieter in the interior.

Things are very different when Sport+ mode is selected. The character changes immediately, the gear changes performed by 9G-Tronic are acoustically accentuated, especially when downshifting with the double-declutching function, and gear shifting is faster and sharper. Appropriately the cockpit instruments also respond more immediately and "sharply". The large central display visualises the longitudinal and lateral acceleration, the vehicle level, plus the steering angle with a photo-realistic motorsport graphic. The engine sound is powerful and acoustically underscores the sports mode. In typical AMG style, every gear change is emotionally charged: partial cylinder suppression during gear changes by means of a momentary and precisely defined retardation of ignition and injection under full throttle speeds up the gear changes, and is also audible to the driver. The emotional double-declutching functions during downshifts and the "exhaust rumbling" in overrun mode provide the fitting accompaniment. As is customary for AMG, a special sports exhaust system was designed for the GLE 450. This fact removes any doubt: the GLE 450 AMG Coupé is a lively sports model of the highest order, and treats its occupants to an engrossing world of experience.

Pronounced dynamism around the car's vertical axis

The driver will sense this through a more pronounced thirst for cornering and more. High agility and dynamism around the car's vertical axis stem from an AMG speciality: the drive from the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive is not split evenly, but is biased more to the rear in a ratio of 40:60. The Dynamic Select transmission modes Sport and Sport+ deliver superior longitudinal agility and transverse dynamics – specifically as a result of the perfect interplay between the AMG-specific driving dynamics control systems ASR, ESP with Dynamic Cornering Assist, the all-wheel drive control system 4ETS and the Adaptive Brake control system.

Extremely sporty exterior design

The standard equipment for the GLE 450 AMG is fascinating from the first look: the special AMG body styling includes a specific front and rear apron, a spoiler lip in the colour of the vehicle and 53.3 cm (21-inch) AMG alloy wheels with a 5-twin-spoke design and tyres of size 275/45 R 21 (front) and 315/40 R 21 (rear). Optionally available are 55.9 cm (22-inch) AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels – also with mixed-size tyres. Excellent traction levels are guaranteed here by the impressive tyres of size 285/40 R 22 (front) and 325/35 R 22 (rear).

As standard, the vehicle comes with the Airmatic package including an air suspension, infinitely variable adaptive damping system (ADS Plus) and automatic level control. In Sport mode the body is lowered by 15 millimetres and a further 10 millimetres in SPORT+ mode. The optional Active Curve System boosts sportiness even further: this active roll stabilisation system reduces the roll angle when cornering dynamically so that the driver experiences increased transverse dynamics and driving enjoyment. Driving stability and safety are also increased, especially at high speeds, guaranteeing that inimitable AMG driving feel.

AMG-typical interior elements

The interior of the GLE 450 AMG is an impressive sight with sports seats and the 3-spoke black nappa leather sports steering wheel, as well as trim parts in light longitudinal-grain aluminium and brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs. Sporty round dials on the instrument cluster, including a 280 km/h speedometer scale, exude pure dynamism even while the car is at a standstill. AMG carbon-fibre and black piano lacquer trim enhance the appearance of the interior as an additional option.

 Courtesy: Mercedes-Benz AMG / Motown India