Should you buy one?

Style may be the biggest single factor determining whether or not you’re interested in the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. It’s clearly not to everyone’s taste, and several of its rivals look less jarring. But if you’ve had a good look around the Coupe and you’re still keen, then you need to weigh carefully the different strengths and weaknesses of the different models.

All GLE Coupes have a cabin that’s a great mix of technology and comfort, of sophistication and edginess. But beyond their shared curves and mutual meatiness, the 350 de hybrid and the AMG 53 are very different cars to drive and live with. The hybrid makes a lot of sense if you can charge it regularly and cheaply, enabling you to take advantage of its excellent electric-driving range. A pity that its ride quality is compromised by the different rear suspension, and extra weight, that result from housing a huge battery under the boot.

The AMG is equally clever, but with the emphasis on enhanced performance rather than outright economy. It’s an engaging and exciting car, but it too is compromised to some extent by its weight and the height inherent in this style of car. In many ways a non-SUV with the same 53 powertrain is more attractive.

All of which tends to suggest that the 400 d and 350 d diesels strike a better balance. We’ve not driven the 350 yet, but the 400 is certainly a super-competent high-rise five-seater. It rides and handles well, it’s more than quick enough, and the economy is respectable in this context.

But then if your priority really is a sensible balance, then the boldly-styled GLE Coupe is a curious place to go looking for it. The massive Merc range has a wealth of bigger, smaller, faster, slower, lower-key, brasher and flasher alternatives – there’s really no need to settle for anything less than a package that’s completely right for you.