autoevolution
 

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4Matic Joins U.S. Lineup

Even though the X6 is the better-looking SUV in the segment, the GLE is more luxurious. Further still, the three-pointed star is cooler than the BMW badge in the eyes of many.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4Matic 10 photos
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4Matic2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4Matic2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4Matic2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4Matic2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4Matic2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4Matic2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4Matic2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4Matic2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4Matic
Starting with the 2020 model year, the GLE gets even better with the introduction of the GLE 580 4Matic at $76,800 in the United States excluding destination charge. The range-topping engine slots above the 3.0-liter I6 of the GLE 450 and GLE 53, packing a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and 483 ponies. Torque is rated at 516 pound-feet (700 Nm), and the engine is assisted by an integrated starter-generator which provides an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet (250 Nm) of torque.

The mild-hybrid V8 is complemented by a nine-speed automatic transmission, the 9G-Tronic that launched with the W222 in 2013. AMG models such as the GLE 63 are paired to the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed transmission which rolled out in the E 63 performance sedan.

Speaking of the 63, it’s believed the GLE in this flavor will level up to 550 horsepower (410 kW) from the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 codenamed M177. In the GLC 63 S 4Matic, the engine develops 503 horsepower (375 kW) and 516 pound-feet (700 Nm) of torque. The M177 is also utilized by the C 63, G 63, S 63, GT 63, and Aston Martin in the Vantage and DB11.

Hopping inside the GLE 580 reveals lots of screens, starting with the dual 12.3-inch setup for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. MBUX runs the show with the help of artificial intelligence and cloud services, and if you opt for the AMG Line, the size of the wheels goes up to 22 inches.

Coming as standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive, the GLE 580 also features Airmatic air suspension, adaptive damping, leather upholstery, and many more. In addition to the 450 and 53 models, the 580 also joins the 350 that Mercedes-Benz offers with rear- and all-wheel drive.

Over in the United States, pricing for the GLE 350 with 4Matic starts at $56,200 excluding destination charge. But then again, who would spend that load of cash on a mid-size luxury SUV with a 2.0-liter engine instead of getting the six-cylinder option?
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories