2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63

Mercedes GLE News

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While "performance SUV" might sound like a funny category to enthusiasts?remember, it's relatively recently that the vehicles have become a hot item in the new car market?the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 injects even more testosterone into what's currently a booming segment.

No one has ever accused Mercedes' tuning wing of delivering under-powered product, and the AMG GLE63's 4Matic, based on the M-Class-replacing GLE, has the beans to match up to its brethren. Its 5.5-liter twin turbo pumps out a robust 550 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, and will hurl it to 60 in a scant 4.3 seconds. Buyers looking for even more poke can opt for S variants, which add an additional 27-hp and 45 lb-ft to the already potent package, while shaving a tenth of a second off the zero-to-60 sprint. Predictably, electronic limiters kick in a 155 mph.

To insure that high-performance GLE63 models are more than just standing-start tools to impress the carpool, AMG engineers employed a transfer case tuned to deliver power with a 40:60 split between the front and rear axles. And while customers don't pick up a crossover coupe with the intent to spend their weekends carving corners in the canyons, the bias should make the big Merc feel driver-focused and increase agility in the bends.

Of course, even from a block away, there will be no mistaking that the wizards of AMG have had their way with GLE63 4MATIC models. The twin-blade grill, flared wheel arches, 20-inch titanium gray rims, black rear diffuser, and dual chrome exhaust will announce that the beauty of Mercedes-Benz's new arrival is more than skin deep. The cabin will also see traditional AMG badging, along with a flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminum and carbon-look trim, and beefy seat bolsters.

How the market will react to the latest evolution of Mercedes formidable AMG line remains to be seen. But on paper, the AMG GLE63 looks to be a fine machine for the group of grownups who haven't grown out of troublemaking.

Stay tuned for live shots of the AMG GLE63 and AMG GLE63 S next week. Until then, head to our dedicated New York Auto Show hub to check out what else will be on display in the Big Apple.

 


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