The GLE Coupe is a very important car for Mercedes-Benz. Not too long ago, it was the automaker’s direct response to the well-established BMW X6, whereas now, it also acts as a rival to the Audi Q8 and Porsche Cayenne Coupe.

Like most comparison pieces we do, this one ought to be straight-forward from a technical standpoint. In fact, the all-new GLE Coupe should blow the old model out of the water, and here’s why.

The first-generation GLE Coupe was the sloped roof version of the W166 Mercedes-Benz GLE, which in turn was based on the same architecture as the third-gen M-Class – an SUV that entered its development stage back in 2006. In other words, the GLE Coupe was never as “fresh” as it might have looked.

Of course, that’s not an issue anymore, as the all-new model is based on the fourth-gen V167 M/GLE, which means better tech through and through. So for all intents and purposes, it should drive better, ride better and feature way more goodies inside.

Sure, but is it better-looking though?

Objectively speaking, it’s hard to say. The design of the new model is a little sharper, the shoulder line is more pronounced and so are the fenders. But whether or not the front and rear design is better, we’ll leave that up to you. The new GLE has a less angled front fascia design and its taillights are pointier and more modern-looking, but that’s about it.

From certain angles it looks prettier, but perhaps a little less rugged. Still, what we can tell you for certain is that it has grown in size. It’s longer by 1.5 inches (39 mm), wider by 0.3 inches (7 mm) and its wheelbase has received an extra 0.8 inches (20 mm).

What’s impressive though is trunk space, where you now have 23.1 cu.ft (655 liters) with the seats in place and 63.2 cu.ft (1,790 liters) with everything folded – that’s 2.5 cu.ft (70 liters) more than its predecessor and is sufficient to the new GLE Coupe at the top of its segment in terms of cargo room.

Now, if you care more about performance than you do about practicality with this type of vehicle, you should know that Mercedes have fitted the all-new GLE Coupe with a standard steel suspension that features “sportier and tauter tuning.” If that’s not good enough, you can always opt for the optional Airmatic or E-Active Body Control suspension, the latter being “the only system in the market that can individually control spring and damping forces at each wheel,” according to Benz.

Also read: 2020 BMW X6 Versus Its Predecessor – Should You Want To Upgrade

So far only a handful of engine configurations have been made available: a six-cylinder diesel unit for Europe with two different outputs, plus the GLE 53 Coupe model for the US.

The diesels are fitted to the 350 d 4MATIC and 400 d 4MATIC variants, the former with 268 HP (272 PS) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque, and the latter with 325 HP (330 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque.

As for the GLE 53, it packs a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder unit with 429 HP (435 PS) and 384 lb-ft (521 Nm) of torque, working alongside an EQ Boost starter generator that can add another 21 HP (21 PS) and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm). It’ll do 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.2 seconds, which makes it 0.4 seconds quicker than the current AMG GLE 43 Coupe, but a full second slower than a GLE 63 Coupe.

Is it nicer inside?

A lot. The dashboard of the new GLE Coupe carries over from the fourth-gen 2019 GLE, which means it features matching 12.3-inch infotainment displays. The old model, well, just look at those buttons for the radio and CD player. That’s decade old tech right there and can’t really compare to what Mercedes have been doing recently with their interiors.

There’s also no comparison to be made between the tablet style infotainment display of the old GLE Coupe and the new model’s twin-screen layout.

Last but not least we have comfort, which should be greater in the new model. The German automaker actually says that the new GLE Coupe has “tangibly more room” than the old one, resulting in a “comfortable amount of space” for up to five people.

In the end, one question we would ask current GLE Coupe owners is whether they would trade in their car for this latest model? We certainly wouldn’t be surprised if some would rather wait another 4-6 years for Mercedes to unveil something perhaps more revolutionary for this segment.