What's the news?
Mercedes-AMG has added the GLE 450 AMG 4Matic to its burgeoning line-up of high-performance SUVs. The use of the 4Matic all-wheel drive transmission means the GLE should have no issue transmitting its 367hp to the road regardless of weather.
At the heart of the GLE 450 AMG 4Matic is a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 engine that, in addition to the 367hp, generates 520Nm of torque. This is fed through a nine-speed automatic transmission that distributes torque in a 40:60 front-to-rear split. This enables the GLE 450 AMG 4Matic to reach 100km/h from a standing start in 5.7 seconds before going on to a top speed of 250km/h.
Despite the high levels of performance on offer, the engineers in Affalterbach have worked hard to make it relatively fuel efficient, with Mercedes-AMG quoting a combined fuel consumption figure of 8.6 litres/100km, while emissions are a less appealing 199g/km - enough to place it in Band F with an annual motor tax figure of €1,200 per annum.
Adding to the driving experience there are five different drive programmes: Individual, Comfort, Slippery, Sport and Sport Plus. These settings alter the car in a variety of areas such as throttle response, gear shift points and steering weight, as well as engine note and the appearance of the dashboard instruments.
Keeping the chassis in check is a sophisticated air suspension system that uses variable adaptive dampers and automatic level control to keep the GLE 450 AMG 4Matic composed. When Sport or Sport Plus mode is engaged the ride height is lowered by 15mm. The car is also fitted with 20-inch model-specific alloy wheels and these can be upgraded to 21-inch items.
Anything else?
The interior has also been given a more performance-themed style including a flat-bottomed steering wheel and brushed stainless steel pedals with rubber studs. There is also the choice of aluminium or gloss carbon fibre/black piano lacquer trim pieces inside.
You can read our review of the more frugal Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 d Coupé here or the stonking Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupé here.