Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coupe debuts at Detroit Show
585bhp Mercedes GLE AMG 63 S super-suv-coupe is shown for the first time in Detroit
Mercedes’ new BMW X6 rival, the GLE Coupe, has been unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show – and stealing the headlines was a storming AMG 63 S model.
The 577bhp powerhouse, which will officially be called the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S-Model Coupe under the company’s new naming strategy, will be a direct rival for the X6 M, which makes do with 567bhp. A less powerful AMG 63 will also be offered, with 549bhp.
Auto Express has already been given an early preview of the standard GLE Coupe, which - like the X6 - mixes coupe and SUV styling cues.
But this is the first time the flagship of the new range, which uses the brand’s 5.5-litre V8 twin turbo, has been seen.
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As you’d expect, the figures for such a big car are impressive – 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds, a 174mph top speed (with the optional AMG Drivers’ Package) and 760Nm of torque.
Other upgrades include AMG Ride Control sports suspension , Sports Direct steering and roll stabilisation all included as standard. Plus, Mercedes’ four-wheel-drive 4MATIC system is fitted to keep things in check.
Styling highlights include muscular bodywork with a deep front bumper, the familiar AMG dual-bar grille and large air inlets. At the back there are four rhombus shaped tailpipes.
The car will go on sale in the UK in June, with prices yet to be announced.
New details on Mercedes GLE Coupe
Mercedes also finally confirmed engine details for the standard GLE Coupe. It’ll come as a GLE 350d or GLE 450 AMG Sport – the latter heralding the arrival of a new sub-brand to rival BMW’s M Performance and Audi’s S models.
The 350d produces 254bhp and 620Nm; the twin-turbo V6 450 AMG Sport 364bhp and 520Nm. Both are fitted with Mercedes’ 9G-Tronic nine-speed auto and 4MATIC four-wheel drive.
Among the standard equipment are Dynamic Select handling, a powered tailgate and a reversing camera with dynamic guidelines.
These models arrive in May, and again prices are still to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, marketing boss Ola Kallenius announced that the GLE Coupe would have a starring role in the Jurassic World movie due in summer.
And he confirmed two more all-new SUVs are on the way this year from Mercedes in the shape of the GLC (the rebadged GLK) and GLS (the rebadged GL).
