Mercedes GLE 350d Coupe by Chrometec
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.
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 and 700 Nm 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
(US$ 1562) tailpipes and a € 1,650 (US$ 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 (US$ 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 (US$ 3,249).
