Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S leads new GLE range

577bhp super-SUV arrives with all-new 2015 GLE range

Mercedes has lifted the lid on its new AMG GLE 63 S super-SUV. Sitting at the top of the new GLE range, it's powered by Mercedes’ 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8, which pushes as much as 560lb ft of torque to all four wheels from just 1750rpm.

The new AMG will manage 0-62mph in just 4.2sec, and continue on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. This grows to 174mph if the AMG Driver’s package is optioned.

A 549bhp non-S AMG is also available, but the new model’s biggest sellers will come in the form of two turbo-diesels: a 2.1-litre four-cylinder 250 d and 3-litre V6 350 d. These two powerplants produce 201 and 254bhp respectively, and are capable of as much as 49.5 and 44.1mpg combined.

Advertisement - Article continues below

All of the aforementioned engines send drive through nine-speed automatic gearboxes to 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive that splits torque 50:50 front to rear.

Perhaps the most interesting model to join the range is the GLE 500 e, because it’s Mercedes’ first plug-in hybrid SUV. Featuring a 3-litre twin-turbo V6 and electric motor, the hybrid produces a total output of 436bhp whilst also offering as much as 85.6mpg on the combined European cycle. CO2 output is rated at just 78g/km.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

The hybrid is capable of covering up to 18.5 miles in full-electric E-mode alone. The car defaults to a hybrid mode, but drivers can also switch to an E-save mode to preserve battery power, and Charge mode, which charges the battery when the car is moving or stationary.

The GLE range benefits from a Dynamic Select handling control system. It offers up to six drive programmes – Individual, Comfort, Slippery and Sport, Offroad, and an additional Offroad+ if buyers opt for the Off-Road Engineering package.

The system adjusts the Airmatic suspension, and can raise ride height to as much as 285mm and wading depths to 600mm. It also alters how the ABS, ESP and traction control works, to maximise performance for varying conditions.

Drivers can adjust the settings via the central media display housed on the dashboard. This screen also displays the GLE’s slope angle, tilt angle, steering angle or heading in real-time.

Other key features in the new GLE include the Airmatic ADS variable damping. This technology is further enhanced by the use of Mercedes’ Active Curve System, which uses the car’s anti-roll bars to compensate body roll through corners.

The new GLE has received updates both inside and out. Key features include the 7-inch display, a 360-degree reverse camera and traffic safety systems like Pre-Safe pedestrian protection braking and Cross Traffic Assist.

Overall, the range is some 17 per cent more efficient than the outgoing one. Sales are expected to pass 1.6 million when the new model arrives, with the GLE range having previously been named the M-Class.

Prices remain unconfirmed, but given the outgoing model’s values we expect them to start close to the £50,000 mark. AMG models should start from around £85,000. For reference, the AMG's key rival, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, starts at £92,628.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Mercedes-AMG CLE53 – two more cylinders for £25,000 less than a C63
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53
News

New Mercedes-AMG CLE53 – two more cylinders for £25,000 less than a C63

The new CLE coupe has gained a straight-six engined AMG version, with prices starting from £72,990
24 Jan 2024
Mercedes 190E Evo II to return as £700,000 HWA-built restomod
HWA EVO
News

Mercedes 190E Evo II to return as £700,000 HWA-built restomod

The firm responsible for AMG and numerous motorsport icons has offered a first look at its limited-run restomod of the iconic 190E 2.5-16 Evo II
9 Jan 2024
2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE63 S E Performance spied – 671bhp hybrid spotted in drop-top form
Mercedes-AMG CLE63 cabriolet
Spy shots

2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE63 S E Performance spied – 671bhp hybrid spotted in drop-top form

AMG's new four-seat coupe and cabriolet ranges will be topped by a 671bhp AMG flagship, spied testing in Germany
9 Nov 2023
The new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door gets a bigger grille and a £179,325 price tag
Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door – front
News

The new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door gets a bigger grille and a £179,325 price tag

The facelifted Mercedes AMG GT 4-door is available exclusively in 831bhp 63 S E Performance guise, sporting a series of design and tech updates
9 Oct 2023
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The Nissan GT-R has been updated yet again for 2025
Nissan GT-R 2025 – front
News

The Nissan GT-R has been updated yet again for 2025

The R35 Nissan GT-R refuses to die – this latest version gets engine enhancements and subtle cosmetic tweaks
15 Mar 2024
MST Mk1 2024 review – £174,000 Ford Escort recreation driven
MST Mk1 Ford Escort
Reviews

MST Mk1 2024 review – £174,000 Ford Escort recreation driven

The MST Mk1 is a brand new, 50-year-old, road-going rally car. It looks the business, but does it deliver? Strap yourself in…
15 Mar 2024
Used car deals of the week
Main used car deals
Advice

Used car deals of the week

In this week's used car deals, we've sourced everything from the TVR Tuscan to the CLS63 Shooting Brake
15 Mar 2024