[Manalishi]

One of mans oldest questions, chocolate or vanilla, blondes or brunettes, BMW or Mercedes? Years after BMW first broke the ice with its sloped SAC, Mercedes has finally got around to bringing their own 'coupe' to the market. Opinions are bound to be split on the GLE, much as they were for the original X6, either you want one or you want to burn one. Grey is a dull shade regardless.

While the towering Teutonic duo share basic form factor, there will be no confusion as to which camp you belong to. The GLE shares the current Mercedes design language, organic rounded shapes and slimmer wraparound lights are the hallmark of current gen Benzes. The cabin is familiar and should live up to Mercedes impeccable interior level. Grudgingly (being a BMW boy) I must admit they are clearly head and shoulders over BMW and Audi in terms of touch points and aesthetics.

Aside from the 362 horsepower Turbo V6 GLE 450 AMG Mercedes has not offered any details on a base level GLE 350, or perhaps an up market GLE-400 and non AMG 450.

 

[Glen]

It is pretty crazy how similar the two vehicles look, especially at the back. Look at the tail lights. Both even have that white streak going through them.

I think that the GLE could benefit from getting rid of some of the mesh that seems to be filling in the gaps in the grille and fascia. Either with nicer mesh or with something more purposeful like actual metal.

Sometime in the future we may get presented with something from Audi, possibly based on this Audi TT Offroad concept presented in 2014 in Beijing.

 

[SuperMerc]

It definitely looks very similar to the X6, which is a great SUV. Not sure why Mercedes has design something so similar. Maybe trying to steal some of BMW sales. One thing I must say is it does have a much cleaner and more streamlined look.

 

[HDGFND]

It definitely looks very similar to the X6, which is a great SUV. Not sure why Mercedes has design something so similar. Maybe trying to steal some of BMW sales. One thing I must say is it does have a much cleaner and more streamlined look.

That's just how the world works, it's how the automotive industry works.
Ever era has a type of design commonly seen across multiple brands or even most.

 

[Glen]

I think that many cars look alike but we just notice it more with these ones because the body type is so new. If the group of comparable vehicles were bigger, we would be able to see more differences, but with not many around we notice more of the similarities.

 

[Manalishi]

This is interesting on GLE vs X6, courtesy of AutoExpress

Pricing for the range reflects the GLE Coupe’s exclusive nature, but the entry-level model here is significantly more expensive than the equivalent BMW X6 – and the BMW’s 30d 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbodiesel engine is even more efficient and slightly more powerful.

 

[Glen]

I have to say that comparing the X6 and GLE Coupe on paper makes it hard not to choose the BMW at a lower price and qith a more powerful and efficient engine. I could see Mercedes-Benz rejigging the price after the first model year.

 

[stephen]

I have to say that comparing the X6 and GLE Coupe on paper makes it hard not to choose the BMW at a lower price and qith a more powerful and efficient engine. I could see Mercedes-Benz rejigging the price after the first model year.

BMW is ultimate the value vehicle.

BUT as always, there will be those loyal to MB that will go for the MB

 

[AWID]

Does anyone have any comparison information on the GLE vs the X5? People seem to only be focusing on the Coupe...

 

[Manalishi]

we'll be happy to hear its just as good http://www.mercedesgleforum.com/forum/2-mercedes-benz-gle-news/1498-gle-coupe-just-good-x6.html