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Tested: Mercedes GLE63 AMG Coupe
by Marco Mancino
The BMW X6 will not have goodnights anymore. In fact, the segment of the SAVs, so far exclusive of the stylish BMW, now welcomes the new GLE Coupe, leaving aside the smaller Evoque. Same story for the top performing versions, the X6M (tested a couple of months ago), will have to deal with the GLE63 AMG, which also comes with a few extra horses, if you opt for the “S” version.
The line is pretty much the same of the Bavarian opponent, but if you want to know which one to choose between these two, you have to analyze it more deeply. First, having to talk about pure aesthetic taste, (by discreet lover of SUVs and similar) I find it far more harmonious, despite not having the lower part of the bumper painted, as in the case of the X6; the GLE is better proportioned, it appears to offer better visibility and more interior room for the rear passengers. In theory, it should be a useful car too, but when it comes to the AMG department, what interests us most are performance. And so, after enunciating the exceptional work done by designers, who have literally created the sexiest 4×4 ever seen so far (though I do not forget anything), I open the bonnet and find the famous twin turbo 5.4cc V8, able to download on the four-wheels the beauty of 557 horses. These are supercars-like numbers, there is little to say, and the weight, despite just reach the 2.3 tons, seems much lower, thanks to its 700Nm of torque available almost immediately, the moment you press the accelerator. The note of the AMG V8, always signed by the man who packed it, is something unique and very rare on other cars of the segment. If you then add a highly refined interior, much more closer to the ultimate luxury than sobriety, you can easily imagine where my preference is. Cayenne and Range Rover, be very careful, because in terms of style, you risk getting beaten heavily. The engine comes to life, driving position is excellent, although the ride height remembers that you’re not behind the wheel of an AMG GT, but you’re dealing with its cousin with stilts. The 7-speed automatic transmission’s sportier mode always wants to reach the limiter, before increasing gear, without you even noticing all the work that its unit put in place in order to manage the best consumption possible.
You won’t buy the GLE63 AMG for a pure matter of convenience, but you will do that if you’re looking at something very close to a flashy accessory, well finished and with performance worthy of a Ferrari with Botox, able to go on vacation, at work and exploit every meter of free asphalt, letting scream the bloody eight-cylinder, which when turned off will continue to invade your eardrums. Driving it is a pleasure, it even looks good like no big Mercedes in recent years, perhaps since the first CLS, just not to go too far back in time. Could it be the best SAV or SUV ever? Never mind all these categories, segments and stupid nomenclatures only useful for car dealers: everything that the GLE63 represents, is something stupidly beautiful, regardless of its actual usefulness. It will take a minimum € 125,000, which with the usual things, will grow faster than your grandmother’s cake, but for once money are no option. It’s a matter of style and you’re in to play.
MERCEDES-BENZ GLE63 AMG COUPE (2016-)
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 – 2350 kg
Acceleration – 4,3 sec.
Top Speed – 249 kph (limit.)
Price – from 124.000 €
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