NAIAS 2015 Preview: Mercedes releases images of GLE 63 AMG

After giving a preview of their latest AMG-spec vehicle last week, Mercedes-AMG has just previewed the official photos of the GLE 63 AMG S Coupe ahead of its debut at the 2015 North American International Show in Detroit. Mercedes-AMG says that the vehicle was designed to have the sportiness of a coupe while having the strength of an SUV, and is their first attempt at building a high performance crossover.

“We see great potential in this vehicle segment, which is new to Mercedes-AMG. The GLE63 Coupe is the logical progression of our ambitious growth strategy – after all, in 1999 with the first high-performance SUV ML55 AMG, we established a completely new segment. The new GLE63 Coupe will inspire SUV fans focused on dynamics while at the same time representing a new interpretation of driving performance,” said Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The GLE 63 still resembles the standard GLE models but has minor exterior revisions like an altered lower bumper design, side-steps and AMG badging all around. It still has the single bar grill design, LED headlights, thin taillights, 22-inch wheels and the four-tail exhaust pipes.

Inside, the cabin also carries over from the standard models but, the GLE 63 AMG S Coupe has been fitted with additional equipment/features that include a performance steering wheel, nappa leather sport seats with AMG badging, instrument gauges with faux carbon fiber trim, a leather covered dashboard, stainless steel pedals and a Harman-Kardon audio system.

Under the hood, the GLE 63 AMG S Coupe has a 5.5-liter twin turbo V8 that churns out 584 PS at 5500 rpm and 760 Nm of torque at 1750-5250 rpm, allowing the car to go from 0–100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. The engine is then mated to a AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic transmission that has five modes consisting of Slippery, Individual, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus that can be controlled via a rotary switch on the center console. Mercedes-Benz's 4MATIC AWD system is used to drive all four wheels but, on standard settings, it has a 40:60 split between the front and rear axles.

Additional performance equipment fitted on the GLE 63 AMG S Coupe are the AMG Ride Control Sports Suspension, Active Curve System and the Sports Direct Steer steering system.