Believe it or not, it's taken Mercedes-Benz this long to launch a proper BMW X6 competitor. No matter, the all-new GLE 450 AMG Coupe, the first of the brand's new 'AMG sport' models, has officially been unveiled online just ahead of its live debut at Detroit next month. Right off the bat, the GLE is clearly a Mercedes, complete with the brand's latest wraparound styling language. It doesn't quite have that so-called "chunky" look of the X6. The GLE is smoother, more organic. Note the taillights, which have been taken from the new S-Class Coupe.

The GLE 450 AMG comes powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 churning out 362 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. It's paired to a new nine-speed automatic transmission which sends power to all four wheels, conveniently called the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. Drivers can opt for five different driving modes via a rotary control on the center console. Mercedes claims the GLE 450 AMG feels, sounds, and drives like a true sports coupe, only with raised seating. The interior is also an impressive place to be, decked out in with AMG sport seats, leather upholstery, carbon fiber and piano lacquer trim. There's enough seating for five and there's an optional panoramic glass roof. Mercedes also claims the GLE boasts the most cargo room in its class.

The rest of the GLE range, for Euroepan buyers at least, was also announced but with far fewer details. The GLE 350 d 4Matic is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 258 hp and 457 lb-ft of maximum torque. The GLE 400 4Matic offers a new direct-injection bi-turbo 3.0-liter V6 gas engine rated 333 hp and 354 lb-ft. It's a fair assumption the GLE 400 will be sold stateside but the diesel's US future is unknown. Official pricing wasn't announced but we're expecting to learn more, specifically about the rest of the GLE range, in the next few weeks.