Firstly, of course, always interesting to try a new car, but in the case of the GLE Coupe my interest was not so easy. I wanted to understand how the product out of Stuttgart is similar / different from the corresponding product from Bavaria?
Frequent opinion on these two cars is to ensure that, they say, why Mercedes did the same car as the BMW? Why repeat it not possible to come up with something new?
You know what I think? This is a great marketing move — though a little late. A few years ago, engineers from Stuttgart had to build a car of the same class, and not to wait so long. Or, they could not believe the success of either a coupe, or SUV?
We must pay tribute to the company's BMW: X6, which became an instant best-seller, — their idea and brilliant performance. But who said that if one thought of something, the second can not take advantage of it? The fact that Mercedes released a similar car, only speaks about the right course of marketing: they are not afraid to repeat the success of his opponent and build a car that would satisfy the needs of fans of «guiding star». But now those fans will stay at home. And be happy.
However, I wanted to tell about the car.
GLE Coupe — a real SUV despite its provocative title. This is big, I would say, a very large car that looks a little slimmer due to its sporting silhouette. But still it is a four-door, high-grade interior and the second-row seat space above your head a little more than a competitor from Bavaria. And space is a little more spacious for the feet. However, the five of us here will not be as comfortable, although a trip to withstand the average distance is still possible — and with gusto.
The same applies to the boot volume: at 650 liters and the Mercedes 1720 with folded seats, while the BMW 550 and 1525 respectively.
Inside, at the Mercedes all in the best traditions: luxury leather, the overall quality of finish, well thought-out all details and trifles. Personally, I really like the treatment of wooden panels: this is not poison the imagination of lacquer, wood is only slightly covered with impregnation, and it seems that it is alive and breathing. Looking at it, I even agreed that the tree was in the car can be beautiful.
Trim quality is much richer than that of the BMW the X6, although for the sake of the truth to say that BMW never really never pursued a luxury. They have always been famous for its dynamic driving characteristics and, sportiness.
Mercedes sports have less. Vehicle Dynamics just became my one fly in the ointment, which, however, fell into this huge barrel of honey. V-shaped six 3-liter and even with two turbines like correct, powerful (333 hp), but it is very kind of verified and quiet. On the one hand, this is good: this car is not designed for some kind of crazy, «a joke», and on the other hand, buying a powerful machine, you count on the feeling of a certain drive.
The mode «sport» sensations becomes far more, but after all and want more! However, with a curb weight at 2180 kg 333 hp and do not look «too». It is enough, no more. And by the way one more time, because of which the GLE Coupe want to call... politically correct: it is absolutely quiet sound of the engine and exhaust — without ringing and anguish, so what is supposed to be the sound of a respectable citizen of the car.
Another difference from the BMW X6 — the comfort of movement. Suspension of the car is set up in such a way that both the driver and passengers feel most comfortable. Pits, bumps, cracks and bumps in the road, the lack of asphalt — all people within the GLE Coupe sees more than a feeling. Air suspension is focused on comfort, rather than the thrill. And this is probably the fundamental difference between the two German concerns. If you buy a BMW for the thrill, the Mercedes — for their own convenience. It is neither good nor bad, it's just different.
However, if desired mode «sport» is changing not only the impact of the engine, but also the physical sensations from driving. It becomes tougher, more dynamic and more aggressive. Six seconds before hundreds — an excellent result for such a machine; You do not have time to blink as all this great mass is literally flies forward. And most importantly, that the same mass and time to brake in time — in the case of such a need. Brakes work out perfectly.
In fact, despite the general external similarity are two completely different ideological vehicle.
One full of himself «incarcerated» on sportiness and dynamics, the other — promotes comfort and a reasonable power.
Compare them only superficially — on the outline of the body and the style of the overall concept. But anyone who buys a BMW X6, is unlikely soon look towards the GLE Coupe, and the Mercedes owner, on the contrary, will be lenient to the driver «X of the sixth.»
These cars — not competitors, their essence and clientele are too different. But... Mercedes also presented GLC, Bavarians closed another window. BMW X4 now also has a competitor.
