GLE-Class SUV

Segment
SUV

The high-performance luxury SUV segment is hotting up. Jaguar is expected to lift the wraps off the new F-Pace SVR in New York this week, while BMW is cooking up a hot M version of the X5. A Range Rover Velar SVR is also coming. And now Mercedes-AMG wants to join the party. Essentially a rebadged M-Class, the current GLE's styling is rather dreary, but the popular SUV will soon be getting a much-needed redesign. That means we'll also get a new AMG GLE 63 with a sporty makeover and performance upgrade.

The new hot GLE was recently spotted by our spies being put through its paces in Sweden, showing off its partly camouflaged Panamericana grille inherited from the AMG GT and S63. Large air intakes and wider fenders give it a much sportier appearance, too. Two prototypes were spotted, though it looks like one of them suffered a technical problem as it was seen being towed by a G Wagon. Don't be too alarmed, though – this is precisely why prototypes are tested after all, to iron out any kinks before cars go into production. Under the hood will most likely be the same 4.0 liter V8 twin-turbo as the AMG E63 and E63S, so there's a good chance the GLE 63 will arrive in two flavors as well.

If the specs match the E63, expect the GLE 63 to pack 571 horsepower and the GLE 63 S to have 612 ponies under the hood. All-wheel drive will also come as standard. Elsewhere, we can see the usual AMG tweaks applied to the prototypes, including large and wheels and staple quad exhaust pipes. Expect the sporty version of the new GLE to debut later this year before going on sale in 2019.