Pathological test drives a small Chevy Crossover

The Chevy Trax has a lot to prove with heavy hitters like the Honda CR-V and Subaru XV.

The sole engine option is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder pumping out 138hp. You’d think that with the turbo that there is a bit more flexibility thanks to the high torque at low revs, but it still feels sluggish. Our guess is that our tester car came equipped with all-wheel-drive and that may have hampered acceleration slightly, we haven’t had the opportunity to test drive a front-wheel-drive version. The engine isn’t all bad though, running costs are low which does help make it appealing; while driving around town at normal speeds really does show how smooth and relaxed the engine can be when not rushed in the way we drove down the expressway. There’s something about a turbo engine car that we have to flat out flog it at least once to see what it can really do. It’s not a bad engine but just a little short on puff where some will find it a deal breaker and others won’t care at all.

Driving the Trax around town is actually fairly easy. Steering is light and offers decent feedback where it matters most when just darting through traffic or squeezing in and out of tight parking spaces. We just wish that the steering offered more feedback when on faster paced roads because it does feel a little disconnected at times. The ride comfort in our tester car was a little more on the firm side which is partially due to the 18-inch alloys that it came equipped with and well that didn’t translate well in road noise either because it did feel a little bit noisier than we’d like. Driving on the highway is also comfortable at relaxed speeds, we do feel that the tall and narrow body gets blown about a bit more than some of its rivals but it’s not a deal breaker in our books.

The infotainment screen is fairly easy to navigate, even though we do find that many of the menus can be distracting while on the go. The front seats offer plenty of adjustment and support while those in the rear may feel a little short changed on the space, it’s not bad but it’s not particularly roomy as well. The boot space is a little disappointing; some rivals of similar size have way more space to spare. Visibility is good all round.

Standard LS trim comes with rearview parking camera, remote keyless entry, auto headlights and Bluetooth audio streaming for your mobile device. LT trim adds 16-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lamps, integrated roof rails and remote start. Top of the range Premier trim (our tester car) came equipped with leatherette seating, 18-inch alloy wheels, Bose premium audio system and keyless entry and push button start.

The Chevy Trax is an okay option among the crowded compact crossover options. It’s not as versatile as the Honda HR-V and it certainly isn’t as fun to drive as a Nissan Juke. We do wish that Chevy used the turbo engine from the Cruze and we also wish that Chevy could’ve put alloy wheels on the standard LS trim because steel capped wheels on a car $20k or higher is just unacceptable in our books.

Likes: Low running costs. Exterior and interior looks have been improved. It’s quite easy to navigate around town and headroom is actually quite good.

Dislikes: The turbo engine is not as flexible as we’d like. The interior feels narrow and the boot space is disappointingly small.

Our pick: We’d go right for LT trim which adds alloy wheels, remote start and LED tail lamps. It may not have the fancy gadgets of the Premier trim but it’s cheaper and makes the most sense.

Devon test drives a VW CC sedan (Used)

Looking to spice up your company parking space? You have plenty of options from Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen. Yes Volkswagen wants a piece of the upscale sedan segment with the CC, but is buying one a false economy?

There are two engines to choose from with the CC. Standard 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 200hp while the top of the range 3.6-liter six-cylinder produces 280hp. Pick of the bunch is a mere matter of taste. The standard 2-liter turbo four is our favorite. It's smooth, flexible and the more attractively priced form of the CC. The V6 is rather expensive and the performance doesn't really live up to the expectations of its more expensive rivals Audi and BMW. But you do get 4-motion all-wheel-drive standard which may appeal more to those who really need to extra traction in snow belt areas.

The CC feels right at home where most buyers will use them on the highway. The overall ride comfort is smooth and handling is safe and secure. The R-line offers the looks but falls short on the feel which matters the most. Steering feedback is a bit of a let down too. At least refinement is excellent thanks to low wind and road noise at highway speeds. Plus both engines sound smooth under heavy acceleration and relaxed speeds.

It's quite easy to get comfortable behind the wheel. The driver's seat offers plenty of adjustment and the steering also adjusts for reach and height. Most of the control layout is shared with the Passat which means it's pretty simple to navigate through. While front passengers will enjoy plenty of headroom, rear passengers may suffer a bit due to the slopping roofline. This will also take a toll on rearward visibility which is vastly reduced. But at least the boot offers decent space for a couple of golf bags.

2.0T Sport Trim offers Bi-xenon headlights, LED taillights, 17 inch alloy wheels, rearview parking camera and heated front seats standard. 2.0T Executive includes hands-free easy open trunk, 18-inch alloy wheels and full leather seating surfaces. R-line 2.0T adds 12-way adjustable front comfort seats, automatic climate control and a sports suspension. Top of the range V6 Executive 4-motion offers front and rear parking sensors, keyless start system, massage feature for driver's seat.

The CC is a great option for those who don't want to pay the premium associated with the its rivals Audi, BMW and Mercedes. It is classy in its own right and that's enough for buyers who want a nice step up from the Passat.

Likes: 2.0T engine is smooth and affordable. Standard kit is pretty decent too.

Dislikes: The V6 engine is the only way you can option for all-wheel-drive and its the most expensive CC of the range.

It's still classy but some rivals are even classier. (used)

You'll be surprised that not everyone will find the BMW 5-series entertaining and the Mercedes E-class a bit too boring for their taste. What else could one consider? Well the Audi A6 certainly has the looks and the charm, but is that enough of a reason to buy one?

The standard 2-liter turbo four-cylinder offers decent flexibility around town and on the highway. It never feels short on pull thanks to loads of torque at low revs. You can option for a 3-liter supercharged six-cylinder that has all-wheel-drive fitted standard. Pick of the range goes to the 2-liter turbo with all-wheel-drive. Audi is known for it's Quattro all-wheel-drive system so it only makes sense to option for one with it, and of course that 2-liter turbo does such a good job that the 3-liter supercharged six-cylinder seems a tad bit pointless in our books. However, if you are willing to pay the premium for it then by all means go ahead because it is such a lovely engine.

The A6 doesn't feel as sharp to drive as the 5-series. It does handle quite nicely but you're constantly reminded that this is a front-wheel-drive chassis unlike the 5-series and E-class. You won't be tossed about as much on rough surfaces as the A6 ride comfort is smooth, the only other car that has the A6 beat on that aspect is the S90. You won't have too much to complain about with wind and road noise, as both are well hushed thanks to a well insulated cabin.

The interior feels classy and well sorted. The only car that may have the Audi sleepless at night is the Volvo S90 which has a far classier approach to its overall interior layout. The infotainment screen swings out of the dashboard and all the controls and dials fall right into your hand. The quality of them are top notch. You shouldn't expect anything less from Audi, especially at this price point. The front seats are comfortable and offer plenty of support, while those in the back may feel a bit shortchanged on foot room due to the large transmission tunnel. The boot space is decent but nothing really compares to a traditional wagon when it comes to versatility.

Premium Trim gets a navigation system, rearview parking camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a 7-inch driver information system. You'll have to step up to the Premium Plus trim to get Full LED headlights, power tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column and four-zone automatic climate control. Top of the range Prestige gets the 3-liter supercharged six-cylinder engine, head-up display, power trunk open & close, and surround view parking camera. Our tester car was the middle of the range Premium Plus trim which had an amazing Bose surround sound system and also large 20-inch alloy wheels. The overall package did seem a tad bit expensive considering there are so many options that are more compelling to look at and to drive.

You'll love the A6 as it is comfortable to drive and easy to live with. The styling is a bit on the boring side and the interior is lavishly designed with top notch build quality. It's hard trying to find fault in the A6 but it certainly is hard to find anything to like about it, especially when you look at rivals from Volvo and Jaguar. The A6 is a good car but we just expected a little more from it considering how far ahead some of its keen rivals have leaped. It's still a great choice but for how much longer?

Likes: Both engines are silky smooth, and the all-wheel-drive helps the A6 live up to the reputation Audi is known for. The interior is top notch and elegant. We love those LED headlights.

Dislikes: You're constantly reminded that it's front-wheel-drive bias. The exterior styling is a tad bit too dull when you look at the Jaguar XF and Volvo S90.

BMW 340i vs Jaguar XE 35t

BMW 340i vs Jaguar XE 35t AWD

This will be our first ever head to head comparison test. The BMW 3-series holds the benchmark for what a luxury sports sedan should be. It’s been the crème de la crème of the segment. However, the Jaguar XE is here and well it’s ready to shake things up. Let’s see how well these two go head to head and who the winner will be in the end.

Performance: The 340i uses a familiar 3-liter turbocharged six-cylinder pumping out 320hp, which is an increase of 20hp over the previous model year. We love this six-cylinder engine as it is smooth and offers amazing performance. It may seem like the tamer version of an M3, but if you desire all-wheel-drive and don’t want to pay the premium of the M3 this maybe your best bet. We had the opportunity to test drive both the manual gearbox and auto gearbox choices. The auto maybe faster but we would certainly stick with the manual as it is the more fun to drive configuration to have.

The Jaguar XE 35t AWD trim comes with a similar 3-liter six-cylinder but Jag went with a supercharger instead to pull an additional 20hp more than the 340i. The XE is quite literally fast and it doesn’t feel like its short on puff. We love how distinct the engine sounds compared to most turbocharged rivals and the flexibility is nothing to complain of. You’ll enjoy this engine the most because it’s distinct in character and really does match the XE.

Winner: We have to go with the XE on this one. The XE carried the slight edge over the 3-series that we couldn’t ignore. We love the 3-series with that engine but the XE won this by the closest margin we’ve ever seen.

Ride & Handling: The 340i came equipped with the adaptive M suspension which helps the 340i drive and handle like a dream. Steering input is precise and communicative and the suspension soaks up bumps well in comfort mode, while tearing up corners and bends in sport mode. You could quite literally take this to the track then drive it home. Everyone else who won’t drive this on the track will enjoy how easy it is to live with. It doesn’t beat you up on the daily commute and it is such a handsome car to look at.

The XE is also a track king as well. We love how well it handles and steering is actually better than the 3-series. We tried hard to find fault in the XE but came out enjoying ourselves. The XE did come fitted with air suspension which in comfort mode you’ll enjoy the most. We however kept it in sport mode because it felt like it livened things up a bit more. It’s quick in the corners and you feel confident pushing it harder into bends than you’d normally would do. The styling is more discrete compared to the 3-series but it has a level of charm that the 3-series doesn’t have.

Winner: We’d have to go with the XE here again. The 3-series may have the slight edge when it comes to daily comfort, but the XE is a doodle to drive. It really does make the daily grind a joyous experience.

Refinement: (Tie) Both are very refined when it comes to road and wind noise. The engines on both are smooth and the transmission pairing between the two of them are perfection. The 3-series has a slight edge when it comes to the stop/start technology; it seems slightly smoother than that of the Jag.

Behind the wheel: The 3-series has the better interior layout compared to the Jag. The minimalistic approach to the interior has a very classy feel to it while keeping everything within reach of the driver’s hand. The iDrive interface is much easier to use as well.

The XE has the British simplicity that we love but the quality of that infotainment system is what brings Jag down in this. The tester car we had for this review the infotainment system still felt fiddly to use and the several menus made it a tad bit more distracting. We had several issues with it in a previous review and so far things haven’t really changed much going into this one.

Winner: The 3-series hands down won this with flying colors. We hope that Jag does improve this because it would push the XE ahead of the 3-series.

Space & practicality: The 3-series again has the slight edge over the XE. The front seats offer plenty of support, while visibility is good all round. You may feel a bit shortchanged sitting in the rear seat but it is far from a deal breaker. The boot space is generous too.

The XE’s cabin feels narrow and cramped. The front seats offer the best in comfort while those in the back may not want to be back there for too long. While it does offer some space for two passengers, the slopping roofline means headroom isn’t generous and legroom is also in the same boat. The boot space isn’t as generous as in the 3-series either.

Winner: We’d have to go with the 3-series on this one as well. It doesn’t feel as cramped as the XE.

Equipment: Despite the XE being the most expensive between the two. You do get rewarded with plenty of kit standard. Navigation system, perforated leather seats, front and rear parking aids, blind spot monitoring system and adaptive xenon headlamps. The 340i trim we had, several of the features that are standard on the XE and were optional on the 3-series. We just don’t understand why parking sensors are optional on this BMW as it is the most expensive of the 3-series range.

Winner: The XE may be slightly more expensive than the 3-series but at least you are rewarded with more standard kit. The 3-series did mirror the XE in optional extras but parking sensors are optional and the rearview parking camera is an option as well. I know several indirect rivals that have a rearview parking camera standard and aren’t even nearly as expensive.

Quality & reliability: The 3-series holds yet another advantage over the XE. We’ve had several issues with the XE over the infotainment system and not to mention Jag doesn’t have the greatest track record when it comes to reliability. BMW is also in the same boat as well, but at least the BMW feels more substantial in areas that matter the most. The interior quality is far better and the overall impression of the 3-series gives it the win here.

Overall: Whether you choose the XE 35t AWD or 340i. You’ll be greeted with two fantastic vehicles to drive and own. The XE pretty much destroys the 3-series when it comes to performance, driving dynamics and overall value for money. Sadly however we’d have to go with the 3-series on this one. BMW maybe a bit stingy when it comes to standard kit, but the 3-series has the slight edge when it comes to practicality and overall user friendly interior. We were swayed by the XE as it is the best when it comes to overall driving satisfaction but the infotainment system is a nightmare, the cabin is too narrow for our tastes and reliability is still iffy. You’d buy the 3-series as the logical choice and the XE because it leaves you feeling satisfied. This is why we stated this several times, the XE is the only car that can give the 3-series a real run for its money. It truly is a gem.

Current voting status: We asked voters which one is better.

BMW 3-series: 63%
Jaguar XE: 38% 

Summary:

BMW 340i
Likes: The driving dynamics are what you’d expect from a 3-series. It has the slight edge in practicality and refinement.

Dislikes: You’ll pay an arm and a leg for options that should be standard.

Jaguar XE 35t AWD
Likes: Dynamically and performance wise the XE is by far the best choice. This really does give the 3-series a run for its money.

Dislike: The infotainment system is a disaster and reliability record is iffy.

Engines:

BMW 340i
3-liter turbocharged six-cylinder, 320hp ($59,140*)

Jaguar XE 35t AWD
3-liter supercharged six-cylinder, 340hp ($61,290*)

Devon is impressed with the Volvo XC90 (Used)

The previous generation XC90 was our favorite luxury 4x4. It wasn’t as sharp to drive as a BMW X5 and the interior wasn’t classy like an Audi Q7 but it had a charm that was hard to ignore. Now the newer XC90 really does have a lot to live up to; not only in terms of helping Volvo stay afloat but also stamping it’s mark in the ever crowded ever serious luxury 4x4 segment. Tough gig!

Volvo does start off on the right notes with the new XC90 because both the exterior and interior looks are absolutely stunning; both help the XC90 leap light years ahead of the previous generation. Dare we say the XC90 is the most handsome 4x4 in this segment? But how does this all translate onto the road?

The sole engine choice for now is a 2-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder pumping out a hearty 315hp with standard all-wheel-drive. You might think that a tiny four-cylinder isn’t up to the job in the XC90 but you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how flexible the engine really is. We haven’t tested the XC90 fully laden but we are pretty sure that it won’t struggle thanks to a maximum tow rating of 5,000lbs.

Our tester car came equipped with air suspension and 20-inch alloys and the ride quality is actually good. Large bumps won’t even send shutters into the cabin. Handling is okay it won’t defy logic like a BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne but it holds its own well. Steering is smooth and offers excellent feedback. Refinement is good in the XC90, when at relaxed speeds you can barely hear a peep out of the engine and road noise is virtually unheard of. There is a bit of wind noise around the side mirrors but it’s far from intrusive or annoying.

Volvo has the best seats in the auto industry hands down. These seats provide enough comfort for drivers of all sizes. The infotainment system is actually quite easy to use and of course you get a full nine-inch display which adds a bit of class to the overall look and feel. All the controls are within easy reach and your view forwards and backwards is good. Boot space is okay with the third row seat in place. Fold the third row seat down and you’ve got even more space, fold down both rows and you have so much space that you would need a transit van if you find the space lacking.

The third row seat is actually quite roomy for adults, even though most will only tolerate it for short journeys. The second row space is generous too, in fact this is one of the few seven-seat 4x4s we’ve ever driven where the balance between utility and people carrier is so good that we have to give it a standing ovation.

T6-AWD gets navigation system, rain sensing windshield wipers and lane departure warning. T6 R-design adds integrated body-kit with 20-inch alloys and full-LED headlights. T6 AWD Inscription adds Nappa leather seating, ventilated seating surfaces and keyless entry with hands-free tailgate opening system. The amount of kit you get standard for the money is actually much more generous then what you would typically get standard on a BMW X5 and Mercedes ML.

We challenge you to find a BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne with the same equipment for similar money and what you’ll find is all the reasons why the XC90 is the better buy. It may not have the resale value of both brands yet but this XC90 looks promising and we do predict that the value will hold very well. Running costs are similar to that of the BMW and Porsche and even though Volvo doesn’t offer a diesel engine it will eventually offer a plug-in hybrid option which is predicted to be one of the greenest seven-seat 4x4s on sale until the Tesla Model-X arrives of course.

Interior quality is superb and many of the plastics feel classy and upmarket; a far departure from the previous generation. Volvo has scored above-average in reliability and we do see this being a new trend for years to come. If Volvo had a middle name it would be safety and everything that you could ever possibly want in terms of safety kit Volvo has it. The most notable of these systems is the city braking which works at speeds up to 30mph, by slowing you down and bring you to a complete stop if the driver so happens to take his or her eyes off the road.

When you think of luxury 4x4s most will venture to the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne because well both are good in their own right. However, the XC90 is better than both in its own way. It may not be as sharp to drive or defy logic, but it is a comfortable cruiser with an outstanding interior and can really fit seven people aboard. Plus it is one of the most handsome looking 4x4s we have ever seen in a while. Volvo really did tick all the right buttons and play all the right notes with the new XC90. Hopefully the new looks and well equipped trim-levels will lure buyers in because passing one up without giving it a real gander is a real shame because this 4x4 is a gem.

Devon’s pick: T6 AWD R-design is where our money would go. It feels like you get a lot of car for your money and still somehow you undercut the X5 and you’re still way below what you would have to pay if you picked the Cayenne. It’s classy and stylish plus we just love those LED headlights.

Like: The XC90 is the most handsome 4x4 in the segment and that style carries inside too. Infotainment system is easy to use and those seats are the best. It can really fit seven people aboard and somehow manages to undercut the heavy hitters in kit and price.

Dislikes: The auto gearbox is a little sluggish to react.

Devon test drives a Mazda Crossover with #zoomzoom (Used)

You need a compact crossover that’s fuel efficient, stylish and doesn’t even ditch the fun to drive factor. There are quite a few of them to choose from, but not many of them can quite click the buttons well like the CX-5. With stiff competition and stronger rivals, can the CX-5 justify a reason to buy one? Or is it all style and a lost cause? Let’s find out.

Performance: The CX-5 comes with two engines. The standard 2-liter four-cylinder produces 155hp. Top of the range comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 184hp. Picking between the two all depends on tastes. Pick of the range is the 2.5 which has extra oomph without sacrificing gas mileage. Only tradeoff is you’re limited to an automatic transmission. The 2-liter trim is best left with a manual gearbox which works well with the little horsepower the engine has to offer.

Ride & handling: The CX-5 handles like a well balanced sports sedan. In the corners the CX-5 manages to remain perfectly flat. There’s plenty of confidence and really is quite fun to drive considering the size and weight. Ride comfort is a bit on the firm side. It stops short of being uncomfortable which is also welcome plus.

Refinement: The CX-5 does a fair job at ironing out wind and road noise. Some of its rivals do a better job at this. Both engines operate with finesse, the 2-liter can be heard at higher speeds or if you push it hard on the highway. If you option for the manual gearbox the shifts are smooth and precise, while the automatic is quite fun in manual mode.

Behind the wheel: There are plenty of adjustments for the driver’s seat and steering wheel. The dashboard has a no nonsense layout which gives it much more of a user friendly environment compared to the Ford Escape. The navigation system that’s offered isn’t as intuitive as some its rivals. Visibility from the rear is slightly hindered due to thick pillars.

Space & Practicality: There is plenty of space for four passengers inside the cabin. A fifth person can sit in the middle of the rear seat comfortably thanks to a flat floor where the transmission tunnel would most likely be. The boot space is nicely sized with the seats in place. With the seats down however the space is quite enormous for its size.

Equipment: The sport trim adds air-con, power windows, keyless entry and a fully functional trip computer standard. You’ll have to step up to the touring trim to add a 5.8inch touch screen display, six-speaker sound system and Bluetooth Technology. Top of the range Grand Touring adds rain sensing windshield wipers, auto lights, leather seats and 19inch alloy wheels.

Buying & Owning: The CX-5 is competitively priced with its keen rivals the Ford Escape and Hyundai Tucson. The fuel economy benefits between the 2-liter and 2.5 aren’t huge so both engines should be relatively cheap to run. Resale values and overall residual values should be average as well.

Reliability: Mazda generally enjoys strong reliability and build quality. The CX-5 is no exception to this and we think that long term reliability should be above average. Most of the materials used in the cabin are classy and feel long lasting.

Safety & Security: Front and side curtain airbags come standard across the range. All-wheel-drive is optional on both the 2-liter and 2.5 engines. Traction control, stability program and anti-lock brakes are all standard as well as brake assist. An engine immobilizer with anti-theft alarm is standard to keep theft at bay.

The CX-5 is a great compact crossover that’s stylish, spacious and fun to drive. The starting price is low and the overall driving impressions are all positive. This is a step in the right direction for Mazda. If you are looking for a compact crossover that’s fun, roomy and clicks all the right buttons in versatility and fuel economy. The CX-5 is a true winner.

Devon’s Pick: The CX-5 Touring trim adds the 2.5-liter engine which I think is your best bet if you want to get this car with an auto gearbox. The extra horsepower doesn’t feel sapped up and you won’t have to work it as hard. The 2-liter is best left with the manual gearbox which utilizes what the engine has to offer.

Likes: Low running costs thanks to fuel efficient engines. Stylish exterior and interior design, fun to drive thanks to responsive chassis and responsive steering.

Dislikes: Base engine feels gutless on the highway with automatic transmission. Ride comfort can be overly firm on some surfaces. Some interior bits don’t feel up to par with its competition.

Devon M

We question everything about the GLE Coupe

The Mercedes GLE Coupe is proof that money doesn’t buy taste. You can choose between two engines. Entry-level gets a 3-liter turbocharged six-cylinder producing 429hp. While the top of the range AMG GLE 63 S Coupe gets a 4-liter twin-turbocharged eight-cylinder producing 603hp. Both engines are paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The GLE is very expensive to begin with, so picking between the two engines depends upon how much money you are willing to spend on one. We reckon that most will be satisfied with the AMG GLE 53, which utilizes the turbocharged six-cylinder engine. However, if you desire that extra kick in your pants acceleration and don’t mind paying the premium. The AMGGLE 63 S is certainly worth the consideration. Driving the GLE around town provided a mixed bag of emotions. We were certainly happy that the air suspension was fitted standard. Which allowed us to slip it into comfort mode around town and when we felt like driving in a non-SUV tradition. We slipped the setting into sport mode and really pushed the GLE hard through corners and switchbacks. You’ll certainly enjoy the GLE if driving dynamics is what you are after. It might not be as sharp as the X6, however it’s not a complete dullard. When you aren’t driving like a hooligan, this Mercedes is certainly a comfortable companion for long distance cruising. You won’t notice much wind or road noise. However, what will be noticed is the smallish rear windscreen and how the corners are curved, which makes it tricky to park in tight parking spaces. However, the 360-view camera (which was fitted to our tester car) can take some of the sting out of that. Don’t buy a GLE Coupe thinking that it’s a practical SUV. It’s far from it to be honest. The boot space is hugely compromised compared to the non-coupe form of the GLE. It’s also not as practical in the rear seat. It’s more of a two-seater if anything. Space in the front seats are ample. There’s plenty of adjustments for both driver and front passenger to get comfortable. The interior is what you’d expect of a Mercedes. Plenty of high-quality materials used and the infotainment screen is easy to navigate through. The GLE Coupe in both trims are similar in standard-kit. Keyless-Go is fitted standard along with dual-zone climate control and 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is fitted as standard along with power-folding exterior mirrors and handsfree boot release. The GLE Coupe is certainly a distinct looking SUV. Its hunchback design means that practicality isn’t its strong suite. However, what the GLE does shine in is performance and road presence, and for anyone that’s looking for an SUV to be seen in. The GLE Coupe certainly is the one to go for. Likes: Both engines are extremely flexible. The interior is well-executed with many high-quality materials used. It has road presence that not many SUVS have. Dislikes: It’s not a ‘coupe’. It can get quite expensive with options. It’s not a car for introverts. The GLE Coupe isn’t a sensible choice. It’s more for about the driving dynamics and road presence. Which is why we say the AMG GLE 53 is the appropriate way to go. It’s flexible enough and expensive enough without being completely ridiculous like the AMG GLE 63 S.