The big, plush Mercedes GLE SUV has been AMG-ified. Two models are available, called the GLE 63 and GLE 63 S, and both use the 4.0-litre biturbo V8 petrol... only, interestingly, here with the addition of a 16kW (22hp)/250Nm EQ Boost starter-alternator kit and 48-volt electrical system. The 63 therefore makes 571hp from its combustion engine and a peak of 593hp when the EQ Boost is working (peak system torque here is 750Nm), while the 63 S churns out a whopping 612- or 634hp, with max torque of 850Nm. AMG air suspension with adaptive dampers and an active anti-roll stabilisation set-up powered by the 48-volt system is fitted, as are 4Matic+ AWD with an electronically controlled limited-slip diff, massive AMG brakes (with carbon-ceramics an option), AMG speed-sensitive steering and an AMG Speedshift 9G TCT automatic gearbox. The exterior and interior are both beefed up with various AMG addenda and high-end tech, and... oh, you're waiting for the numbers? Fair enough. The GLE 63 will run 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds and go on to a limited 155mph maximum, with 24.8mpg and 261g/km of CO2 apparently possible. The GLE 63 S records 3.8 seconds, 174mph (limited), 24.5mpg and 262g/km, by comparison, although the non-S can be raised to that 174mph ceiling with the optional AMG Driver's Package. Something for the BMW X5 M and X6 M to think about then, eh?
Matt Robinson - 20 Nov 2019
