The 2016-2019MY Mercedes GLE Coupe was a standout ride. Taking its roots from the GLE family that was born from the remnants of the departed ML-Class, the GLE Coupe looked the part of a proper coupe-SUV. Sadly, it didn’t perform like one, though that’s partly attributed to the presence of its AMG alter-egos: the GLE 63 Coupe and the GLE 63 S Coupe.

Still, the GLE Coupe remains a darling among Mercedes fans, crossover and SUV enthusiasts, and, in this case, aftermarket tuners. Ward International took a stab at creating an aftermarket package for the flashy Mercedes coupe-SUV, one that includes aesthetic improvements, performance upgrades, and, a flashy set of new wheels to boot. In other words, it’s a typical “Black Bison” project from the same tuner that gave birth to the name. The only caveat is that this isn’t a Black Bison kit; Wald instead calls it the Sports Line.

What’s the Sports Line program all about?

This kit was created for the 2016 to 2019MYs of the German coupe-SUV. With the GLE Coupe already featuring snazzy aesthetics, this explains why Wald opted for a more subtle look compared to some of its past projects. The unmistakable Panamericana grille remains a distinctive presence in the dressed-up GLE Coupe, but it’s now complemented by a blacked-out Silver Arrows logo and the horizontal bar that cuts across it.

Adding to the new menacing front section is a new apron that highlights the coupe SUV's wider bumper. The intakes are larger, too, and if you look closely, you’ll notice new LED daytime running lights lined up neatly below the air intakes.

Move to the rear, and you’ll hardly notice anything different. Only when you see the new rear four-fin diffuser that’s set up on opposite ends. Right smack in the middle is a motorsport-inspired brake light. It’s a subtle touch, but it’s effective in conveying a sportier look to the GLE Coupe.

Those wheels look massive, don’t they?

Those wheels measure a gargantuan 10.5x24 inches on all four corners. Ward specifically designed, developed, and created those wheels specifically for the GLE Coupe. That’s customer service at its finest. Added points to the polished lip and the black centerpiece that are both in keeping with the theme that the tuner wanted to present for the coupe SUV.

Are there any engine enhancements to the Sports Line program?

From the looks of it, Wald International did not add any engine upgrades to its Sports Line program for the Mercedes GLE Coupe. That’s a bit of a bummer, to be honest. On the bright side, the 2016 to 2019MYs of the Mercedes GLE Coupe are powered with a variety of engine options depending on the model’s trim level.

The GLE 400 4Matic, for example, is powered by a 3.0-liter V-6 engine that produces 333 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It’s not going to win any drag races, but it does have enough juice to impress even the most starved-for-speed driver. This trim can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive six seconds and its top speed peaks at 152 mph.

Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 4Matic specifications

How much is Wald International's Sports Line program for the Mercedes GLE Coupe?

No mention was made on how much the entire kit costs, but given that it includes a new set of wheels that were exclusively developed for the model from which the program is for, expect the total price tag to be steep. A safe estimate of around $20,000 to $25,000 for the program isn’t out of the question. Add the price tag of a Mercedes GLE Coupe — it starts at around $55,000 — and you’re looking at an overall cost of around $75,000 to $80,000, excluding tax and shipping costs.

Final Thoughts

Wald International is famous for its Black Bison program. That's the name it uses for all of its SUV kits, so it's a little surprising that the tuner opted for a different "Sports Line" for its program for the Mercedes GLE Coupe.

It's disappointing that the kit doesn't have more meat in it, but you also can't deny that where it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. There aren't that many aftermarket additions to the GLE Coupe, but the ones that are included in the kit all work in helping Mercedes' resident coupe crossover establish a more aggressive look and all-around profile. Those wheels look magnificent, too.