The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé is yet to arrive in Ireland, but already the former range topping AMG Sport 450 has been usurped by the 585hp Mercedes-AMG GLE 63. Unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show today (January 12, 2015), the GLE 63 will arrive on this side of the Atlantic by June.
Exterior
Over and above the standard GLE Coupé the AMG 63 model gains swollen arches, filled with 21-inch alloy wheels (22-inch for the S model), the familiar two-bar AMG grille above oversized air inlets, a deep front bumper and a rear diffuser punctuated by four rhombus shaped exhaust pipes.
Interior
Inside, the GLE 63 gains unique sports seats with perforated Nappa leather and AMG badging. The flat bottomed steering wheel is also covered in Nappa leather and sits in front of aluminium paddle shifts that Mercedes says have a "precise pressure point", which act as an invitation to change gears yourself rather than letting the AMG SpeedShift Plus 7G-Tronic do it for you.
The dashboard is swathed in black Artico man-made leather while the dials have a carbon-fibre look, a 320km/h speedometer scale and red pointers. The instruments also show a manual gear indicator, AMG start-up screen and Racetimer for when you take your SUV-cum-coupé to the track.
Mechanicals
The GLE 63 clearly has the BMW X6 M in its sights but, whereas the BMW uses a 4.4-litre twin turbocharged V8 engine to produce its 575hp, the GLE features Mercedes' tried and tested 5.5-litre biturbo AMG engine. Capable of 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds and an electronically controlled top speed of 250km/h it should be no slouch. Transmitting the engine's power to the road is the aforementioned 7G-Tronic transmission with switchable modes and Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive system, but this time with a rear bias. Using a specially designed transfer case, power is split 40:60 resulting in greater agility about the vertical axis of the vehicle, Mercedes says. The AMG Ride Control sports suspension and Airmatic air suspension are joined by Merc's Active Curve system that uses active roll bars front and rear to reduce body roll while cornering.
Anything else?
Prices and specification are yet to be announced, but if the standard GLE 63 is not enough for you there is always the S model, which features an upgraded interior, bigger wheels, some unique detailing and a host of standard equipment. It offers no more power, but if a 585hp SUV is too slow for you we recommend seeking professional advice.