Mercedes has introduced the GLE63 Coupe at the Detroit Motor Show. Tipped for sale in European markets for middle 2015, the Mercedes GLE63 is the most powerful version of Merc’s all-new performance SUV and the latest to challenge the BMW X6 M and Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo.
Similar to the ML63 both on price and on chassis design, the Mercedes GLE63 will utilise the same 5.5-litre twin turbo V8 but because we’re in an age where one engine must be tuned several times over for different purposes, this one comes in two states of tune. They don’t differ dramatically (20kW and 40Nm) but the more powerful GLE S Coupe has 430kW and should manage 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds compared to a dismal 4.3 seconds in the regular version. You just need to know its 10kW and 10Nm more than the BMW but 40Nm less than the Porsche, although sprint times are nearly identical.
You know it has all-wheel drive and gizmos to adjust the electronics within its 60/40 power split and that for the very best ride one needs the optional air suspension. But the Mercedes GLE63 is one of the first models to be equipped with Active Curve which deploys hydraulic motors on the stabilizer bars for better handling from those 325/40R19 alloys. That’s important given its peers are renowned for benchmark sportiness.
