Mercedes GLE63 AMG
HANDOVER
Words by Richi Mackie
Browsing through all the new Mercedes models, may seem a little mess, you really have to be sure about what you want and then get familiar with some new classifications and the multitude of versions offered; then it becomes a little ‘how to surf the Internet: ‘cause there’s everything you can possibly need and the only thing you have to do is to choose the right car. The ML SUV disappears, but only to pass the torch to the GLE, authentic new model of the historic SUV from the three-pointed star. It’s available since last year in both normal trim like the one we’re talkin’ about, or with the coupe variant, just not to let alone in the unending battle for luxury sport SUV’s supremacy the X5 and the X6. Here, of course, we like to talk about engines as big as the apartment that you rented at university, and so we give space to the AMG versions, narrowing the circle of possible choices to only high-end petrol models.
As for the GLE63 AMG Coupe, the SUV version lets you choose between two different powers, separated by about 30 horses from each other, thereby putting the S version on top of the range. Not that everyone would require 585hp under more than two tons of weight, I mean, your wife can get along with “only” 557hp, while having a torque of 700Nm will make you save at least ten thousand Euros, that you can then invest between different options. That’s right, the options’ list, an endless paper of accessories (more or less useful) to make your GLE unique, choosing from new colors, wheels, aluminum or wood profiles, seats more or less sporty, the fantastic navigation and infotainment system, and so on, until you want to comb through each item. After all, if your primary goal is composed of the three letters of the AMG department, you want to know how this last generation SUV drives and whether it will be able to keep up with the ultra-performance X5M and X6M, also with the same power and price.
I state that I have always been fan of the square lines and then, personal opinion, I prefer this version, compared to the fashionable GLE Coupe, too reminiscent of the arch enemy from BMW. In this case, in addition of having a bigger trunk, there are five real seats, with three rear occupants that won’t have to sacrifice their comfort in favor of a design that can’t help but wink at last years’ trends. Big, squared, as if to make the eco to the immortal G-Class, the AMG GLE63 is proud to be generous in every corner, from the inevitable 5.5cc engine: a V8 with two turbos and able, as I said earlier, of delivering 557hp and 700Nm of torque. The all-wheel-drive has two characteristics: it first downloads on the ground this orgy of power without dispersion, letting you climb any road and in all conditions like a wild animal in the hunt for its meal. The roar of the V8 is steady and its tone is as fierce as a battle cry: you will literally bewitched by its brutality and you will be equally enchanted by the ease with which this 2.3 tons pachyderm can gain speed. Once launched, you would even be able to break through a wall. No joke! No half measures, no waivers: the off-road utility of an SUV is like that of a beautiful cleaning lady. You can take advantage of that, but at the expense of the relationship with your own wife; it’s up to you to decide. If you will use it on road, it will be your faithful partner, able to entertain and take you from A to B in comfort and safety. Certainly it does not consume little, but it’s a sacrifice that you will endure, by virtue of an enthusiastic drive, that few SUVs are able to offer. The ML is still living, in the guise of this GLE, its sporting spirit has remained untouched, while the interior has taken another step forward. The steering wheel is one of the most pornographic episodes: one of the smallest in its class and with a crown so thick that it will be really hard not to hold it in your hands, while you keep an eye on the speedometer that goes up to crazy speeds. It exudes luxury and sportiness, generous size and practicality. Once again, the recipe for the perfect SUV is served and no matter if an X5M is a few seconds faster, because through a bunch of things, the interior on the Mercedes-AMG is a complete upper level.
MERCEDES GLE63 AMG S (2015-)
Layout – front-engined, all-wheel-drive
Engine – V8 cylinder 5461cc – twin-turbo
Transmission – 7-speed automatic gearbox
Power – 557 hp @ 5750 rpm
700 Nm @ 1750-5500 rpm
Weight – 2345 kg
Acceleration – 4,3 sec.
Top Speed – 250 kph (limit.)
Price – from 130.000 €