The new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.

Picking up on the design theme first revealed in the form of the Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupe, the Teutonic automaker is giving us a first official look at the all-new GLE Coupe it will introduce at next month’s Detroit Auto Show.

For those who haven’t been keeping up with the news in recent weeks, Mercedes has decided to confuse – er, clarify – things by restructuring its model nomenclature, a move that primarily impacts its coupe and SUV models. So, GLE is a new name for the old M-Class. And, for 2016, the familiar four-door will now be joined by a coupe.

Well, make that a coupe-like SUV, the GLE Coupe adopting the sort of rounded roof line we’ve been seeing on recent BMW models such as the X6 while maintaining the convenience of keeping those rear doors. The overall look is more of a tall wagon than a traditional SUV.

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe does tone things down a bit from the Concept Coupe shown in Beijing last summer. The headlamps, for example, are a bit more conventional in appearance, as are the split taillamps. But the overall look is sportier and more aggressive than the traditional M-Class – which will adopt its new name when it gets a refresh of its own for 2016.

The GLE Coupe picks up on the design cues Mercedes showed on its Coupe Concept in Beijing.

Both GLE versions will share the same underpinnings – and powertrains. That includes the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 in the GLE 400 Coupe expected to make 329 horsepower, as well as the upgraded, 362-horsepower biturbo-six going into the GLE 450 AMG Sport Coupe.

That will be one of two new models Mercedes will use to launch its all-new, mid-range performance line-up, AMG Sport.  (The other will be a version of the compact CLA.)

(Mercedes launching more affordable AMG Sport line. Click Here for the inside story.)

For those who will want peak power, there’ll be the GLE63 AMG, powered by a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V-8 making a hefty 570 horses.

“The GLE 450 AMG Coupe is our first sports model, and further highly emotional and performance-oriented models will follow in the near future,” said Tobias Moers, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG. “The new product line from Mercedes-AMG has allowed us to make true sports car technology and the fascination of motorsports more accessible.”

The GLE 400 Coupe will be offered with a choice of front- or 4Matic all-wheel-drive.

The interior of the GLE 450 AMG Sport.

All versions will offer such niceties as the Dynamic Select handling Sports Direct Steer systems. The GLE 450, meanwhile, will add a 9-speed automatic gearbox and 4Matic permanent all-wheel-drive.

Using Dynamic Select, a motorist can adjust the AMG Sport model’s chassis, suspension, steering and powertrain for more aggressive driving. The system also impacts “soft skills,” says Mercedes, such as engine sounds, instrument panel displays, and even the function of driving lights. In Sport+, for example, the instrument cluster shows both longitudinal and lateral acceleration, as well as steering angle.

(Mercedes concept hints at a driverless future. Click Here to check it out.)

There’s also a new version of the Mercedes Airmatic air suspension with a newly developed continuously variable damping system, dubbed ADS Plus. And the Active Curve System improves cornering.

There will be three powertrain options for the GLE Coupe, including the full AMG treatment.

Inside, the GLE Coupe gets sport seats and a revised instrument cluster. There’s an updated COMAND infotainment system that shares the combination rotary control knob and touchpad first seen in the new Mercedes C-Class.

The GLE 450 gets AMG sports seats, a Napa leather sport steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and aluminum trim, among other details.

Look for the new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe to reach showrooms next summer.

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