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2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe 4Matic brings big power to go with massive name

Mon, Jan 12 2015 Mercedes-Benz hopped into the luxury crossover coupe market with both feet with the recently debuted GLE-Class Coupe. While the existence of beauty in this segment is still up for debate, the Merc really gives the BMW X6 a direct competitor. With the newly unveiled 2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe 4Matic, the engineers from Affalterbach are now also turning their sights on their rivals from BMW's M division.

Don't let the name fool you. The GLE63 AMG Coupe eschews the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 from the C63 AMG in favor of an even bigger power source. This crossover uses the company's thundering 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with stop/start that pumps out 577 horsepower and 561 pound-feet of torque – 10 hp and 8 lb-ft more than the X6 M. The deep well of muscle means the sprint to 62 miles per hour takes just 4.2 seconds; faster than you can say the coupe's mile-long official name. The AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic gearbox routes all of that grunt to all four wheels with a 40:60 front/rear split.

The styling of this beast gets a special nod from AMG by being the first CUV from the company to get its A-wing grille. Even if the rest of the design can be polarizing, this portion looks fantastic. The airfoil in the bumper is supposed to look like a stylized A, and from some angles, the wing almost appears like its just floating there. Each side of the GLE63 features black wheel arch flares, and around back there's a small lip spoiler on the tailgate. It's complimented by a new rear apron that has air outlets at each corner, integrated tailpipes and a diffuser in the center.

Being a Mercedes-AMG, buyers sit in the lap of luxury inside. The seats are covered in Nappa leather with AMG crests on the headrests. The performance brand's moniker can also be found on the three-spoke steering wheel, and the instrument panel even gets covered in black Nappa.

Obviously, if this isn't enough for potential buyers, Mercedes has a ton of options on hand. They include performance-oriented items like a sport exhaust system, 22-inch wheels and carbon fiber engine cover, but there're also more opulent choices like the fragrance mister and a high-end Bang & Olufson sound system. Scroll down for all the details on the much more powerful GLE Coupe.

The new Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe 4MATIC

Driving performance reinterpreted

Affalterbach/Detroit. With the new GLE63 S Coupe, Mercedes-AMG is introducing another highly dynamic model as it enters the 2015 automotive year. An exciting interpretation of a four-door coupe, this commanding SUV meets the highest standards in terms of performance, design and comfort. The highly sporty Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe is powered by an AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine that is rated at 577 horsepower. The perfect prerequisites for a highly dynamic on-road driving experience come courtesy of the suspension, which has been systematically designed for sporty performance. The high-performance SUV coupe comes with the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with active roll stabilization ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM and the Sports Direct- Steer system. The 4MATIC all-wheel drive with rear-biased power distribution and the DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes promise to deliver what distinguishes every AMG vehicle: driving performance.

Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "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."

Sportiness of a coupe, strengths of an SUV

The new GLE63 S Coupe 4MATIC combines the sportiness of a coupe with the strengths of an SUV. High agility, a distinctive engine sound and typical sports car acceleration are united with poise and assurance, tremendous pulling power and perfect traction.

?The raised seating position and effortlessly unhurried superiority on the road, paired with typical AMG longitudinal and transverse dynamics and direct response to driver commands, result in an intense driving feel. The wide choice of different worlds of experience is based, among other things, on the DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes, which for the first time permit such a wide spread of driving dynamics.

The five transmission modes of Slippery, Individual, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus, which the driver is able to select using a rotary control on the center console, deliver fundamentally different driving dynamics. Be it the response of the engine, the shift strategy of the transmission, ESP® thresholds, power assistance for the steering or characteristics of the dampers: The system networks all the control systems, generating different sets of parameters for distinct driving experiences.

The AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine

The GLE63 S Coupe 4MATIC offers customers a powerful AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine that develops a maximum power of 577 horsepower and 561 lb/ft of torque. The 8-cylinder powerplant, which is assembled according to the "one man, one engine" philosophy, delivers the familiar powerful performance. The GLE63 S Coupe 4MATIC accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Exemplary fuel consumption values demonstrate that maximum power, efficiency and environmental compatibility are by no means mutually exclusive for Mercedes-AMG.

At a glance:

Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe 4MATIC
Displacement: 5461 cc
Output: 577 hp at 5,500 rpm
Peak torque: 561 lb/ft at 1,750-5,250 rpm
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.2 sec.

???????????????????????As customary for an AMG model, the sound from the new GLE63 S Coupe 4MATIC is unmistakable. Customers can further emphasize the distinctive engine sound from the sports exhaust system with the optional Performance exhaust system. Those who value a more noticeable sound can opt for an even more emotively appealing V8 engine sound – and can experience the dynamic performance even more intensely.

Power transmission: AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC

The power transmission is also made to measure. Depending on the mode selected for the variable dynamic handling control system DYNAMIC SELECT, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC impresses with its great agility and superior responsiveness. The transmission has a wide-ranging potential. It offers an impressively high shift speed and perfect transitions for a sportier driving style as well as smooth, barely perceptible gear changes for enjoyable cruising.

The M button allows the driver to emphasize the sporty character and to shift gears exclusively using the steering-wheel shift paddles. In M mode, the transmission will allow the driver to remain in control of the shift points and will not upshift or downshift automatically. Further specialties for the dynamically focused driver: the automatic double-declutching function when shifting down and the short-term M mode, which combines the performance of manual gear changes with automatic up- and downshifts. This allows the driver to enjoy the vehicle's impressive performance to its full potential. If the driver has shifted up or down manually using the shift paddle, the transmission independently switches back to the automatic shift mode after a set period of time.

The seven-speed automatic transmission features a dual-turbine torsional damper with speed-sensitive centrifugal pendulum, which minimizes vibrations while enhancing the passengers' comfort.

AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive with rear-biased power distribution

With 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, Mercedes-AMG uses a specially designed transfer case. This exclusive solution distributes the drive power in a ratio of 40:60 between the front and rear axles, resulting in greater agility about the vertical axis of the vehicle. The pay-off for the driver is even greater driving pleasure during high-speed cornering. The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with AIRMATIC package, consisting of air suspension, special damper struts, automatic level control and infinitely variable damping characteristics ADS Plus, is combined with the active roll stabilization ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM. This standard-fit system employs active anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles to reduce the body's roll angle during cornering. The reduced roll angle and outstanding cornering properties make for enhanced transverse dynamics and driving pleasure. At the same time, the system provides increased driving stability and, therefore, safety, especially at higher speeds.

Roll stabilization, damping and suspension adapt automatically to the prevailing driving situation, offering both optimum ride comfort and maximum stability. The damping system changes its area of emphasis depending on the preselected DYNAMIC SELECT mode. "Sport Plus" mode puts the emphasis on maximum possible transverse dynamics. Conversely, "Comfort" mode enables maximum ride comfort.

The fully load-bearing air suspension system is speed-sensitive, lowering the body at higher speeds in order to minimize drag while increasing driving stability. The current operating conditions are detected via the steering angle sensor, four level sensors, three body sensors, the driving speed as well as the positions of the brake and gas pedals. The control unit uses these signals for infinitely variable adjustment of the current damping force required for each individual wheel.

DYNAMIC SELECT changes the driving dynamics in no time at all

Perfect interplay between all systems makes for a superior experience in the cockpit – whatever the driving situation or road conditions. As an additional bonus, DYNAMIC SELECT modifies the driving dynamics in no time at all. The GLE63 S Coupe 4MATIC adapts its character at lightning speed, depending on which transmission mode is activated. In "Comfort" mode, the control thresholds of the dynamic handling control systems ASR, ESP® with Dynamic Cornering Assist and the all-wheel drive control system 4ETS are configured for moderate, restrained dynamics. "Sport" and "Sport Plus" permit greater longitudinal and transverse dynamics for more intense driving pleasure. In "Slippery transmission" mode, on the other hand, the focus is on optimum traction and maximum driving stability in adverse road conditions. "Individual" mode allows the driver to design their own personal set-up consisting of engine characteristics, shift strategy and damper settings.

AMG-specific Sports Direct-Steer system and AMG high-performance braking system

In combination with the AMG-specific Sports Direct-Steer system, compact Performance steering wheel, elastokinematics on the front axle and more robustly designed rear-axle stabilizer bar, the handling is outstanding in all operating conditions. The variable steering ratio makes for significantly improved agility, while high-speed driving safety is maintained. The variable power assistance is dependent on the vehicle speed and the DYNAMIC SELECT program and adapts perfectly to the driving situation.

The AMG high-performance braking system offers extremely short stopping distances and high stability with all-round ventilated and perforated brake disks of size 15.4" x 1.4" (front) and 13.6" x 1.0" (rear). Red-painted brake calipers with AMG lettering complete the sporty appearance.

Design: commanding, extroverted, proud and with "A-wing"

The Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe skillfully embodies the firmly established principles of Mercedes-Benz design: sensuousness and clarity. The top-of-the- range V8 model from Affalterbach manages in an emotively appealing way to bring the fascination of motor sport to everyday life with a powerful dominance. A very first glance reveals the new four-door coupe to be an extrovert, proudly standing on its large wheels.

The GLE63 S Coupe is the first SUV from Affalterbach to adopt the characteristic "A-wing" in the front apron. This AMG design philosophy is familiar from many other high-performance vehicles and makes the SUV coupe clearly recognizable as a member of the AMG model family. Viewed from the front, the model's sculptural design idiom is also defined by the hood with its two dynamic powerdomes and new radiator grille. As is typical of AMG, it features a twin louver in silver chrome as well as a large, central Mercedes star.

The GLE63 S Coupe 4MATIC displays visual dominance with its "A-wing". This design feature in the form of the stylized "A", a hallmark of AMG, is three- dimensional and also serves as an air guide for the three air openings. The A- wing is painted in high-floss black, while the trim strip is in silver chrome. The new front view is especially characterized by the two lateral, large air inlets, while the above-positioned, black flics ensure an optimal flow of air onto the cooling modules. At the lower end of the front apron, a front splitter in the color of the vehicle helps to reduce lift. The standard equipment package includes three-dimensionally formed LED headlamps. In addition, 22-inch AMG cross-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium gray with a high-sheen finish, ensure that the S-Model exudes an impressive air. Optimum traction of the light-alloy wheels is guaranteed by tires of size 285/40 R 22 (front axle) and 325/35 R 22 (rear axle). The GLE63 S Coupe 4MATIC is also instantly recognizable by its red-painted brake calipers.

Dominance is reinforced by lateral flared wheel arches

Flared wheel arches in black make for a systematic continuation of the visual dominance along the sides. Behind the wheel cutout, "V8 BITURBO" lettering points to the superior engine power of the GLE63 S Coupe. An even more distinctive look is optionally available from illuminated aluminum-look side running boards with anti-slip rubber studs.

The rear end of the vehicle shows clear similarities with the design of the S-Class Coupe. With its narrow tail lights in a three-dimensional look, broad chrome badge and prominently placed Mercedes star, the GLE63 S Coupe has a decidedly sporty look. Mercedes-AMG reinforces the visual dynamics with some specific design elements. The spoiler lip on the tailgate further improves the driving stability at high speeds, while the visual, lateral air outlets in the rear apron improve the cd (coefficient of drag) value. The AMG rear apron is given a dynamic look by diffuser fins and the integrated, chrome-plated twin tailpipe trims of the sports exhaust system. As a result of the new nomenclature, the prominent AMG lettering is placed to the left of the Mercedes star, with the model identification to the right.

High-grade interior: exclusive design elements and appointments

Like the exterior design, the interior of the GLE63 S Coupe also boasts many exclusive design elements and appointments. High-grade materials, first-class precision and a luxurious quality feel produce a fascination potential typical of AMG. Trim elements in a variety of finishes are available.

Thanks to their specific upholstery with greater contouring and higher side bolsters at the front, the sports seats offer excellent lateral support. Perforated high-grade exclusive nappa leather upholstery and AMG crests in the head restraints lend the interior a special, luxurious note. A special seat upholstery layout with topstitching and metal AMG badges make for an exclusive look and feel, which is further complemented by the 3-spoke Performance steering wheel with Silver aluminum shift paddles that feature "UP" and "DOWN" lettering and a precise pressure point to encourage manual gear changing. The instrument panel on the GLE63 S Coupe 4MATIC is in black nappa leather. The partially integrated central display visualizes the individual DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes with animated graphics. The center console accommodates the COMAND controller with an ergonomically positioned touchpad; on the right is the DYNAMIC SELECT rotary actuator for the various transmission modes. Located above is the M button for the manual transmission mode.

Instrument cluster in exciting AMG design

Two large round dials with silver chrome surrounds and the central 4.4-inch multifunction display provide the driver with comprehensive information. The typical AMG equipment package includes sporty dials in carbon-fiber look with a 200 mph speedometer scale and red pointers. The main menu includes a RACETIMER, manual gear indicator and the AMG start-up screen. The instrument cluster has a high-class look with fine red scale graduations around the speedometer and rev counter and a gray decorative band.

The standard equipment package on the GLE63 S Coupe models includes (selection):

• ADAPTIVE BRAKE
• ATTENTION ASSIST
• COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS
• Power liftgate
• ECO start/stop function
• Door sill panels in brushed stainless steel with AMG lettering
• Floor mats with AMG lettering
• LED Intelligent Light System
• ISOFIX child seat attachment points in the rear
• PRE-SAFE® system
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Surround View Camera System
• Crosswind Assist
• Heated and ventilated seats for the driver and front passenger
• Sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs
• Electrically adjustable front seats
• Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system

Additional optional extras (selection):

• Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system
• Driver Assistance Package with DISTRONIC PLUS
• Cross-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in matt black with a high-sheen finish, with 285/40 R 22 (front) and 325/35 R 22 (rear) tires
• Engine cover in carbon fiber
• Performance exhaust system
• Air Balance Package with fragrance and ionization
• Trim in carbon fiber / black piano lacquer

By Chris Bruce


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