Compared to its rivals, the GLE Coupe’s aesthetics aren’t as much aggressive as they are imposing. This is one reason the model is slowly becoming a favorite among tuners.
Although viewed as a blank canvas for those aftermarket specialists trying to transform it into a monster, this particular GLE 350D is actually quite restrained. You’ll need a second look to tell it has been modified, which makes it even more interesting.
The work of German tuner Chrometec, the GLE sports a revised front lip, new side skirts that double as side steps, and a modified rear diffuser embedded in the rear bumper, with new quad tailpipes. However, the tuner also offers hand-made carbon-fiber elements (grille, diffuser, and spoiler), in case some customers want to further emphasize the SUV’s inner sportiness.
With the 3.0-litre, single turbo V6 under the hood now developing 300 PS (296 hp) and 700 Nm (516 ft-lb) of torque, the 350d GLE Coupe’s performance is on par with its gasoline-powered sibling. Moreover, another module can be added which enhances the throttle response, and offers three different driving modes – all depending on the driver’s needs.
The modified powerplant is backed up by those €1,390 ($1562) tailpipes and a €1,650 ($1854) active-sound system that delivers a rich and muscular V8 sound for both gas and diesel engines – according to Chrometec. Even so, the active sound module is also available in stronger, pricier versions, with two sound generators and a control unit from the Maserati Ghibli – all for €2,950 ($3316).
Completing the offering is the set of 22-inch alloy wheels by Concave, which are actually cheaper than the top-of-the-range sound unit; €2.890 ($3,249).
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