autoevolution
 

New Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Shows Up on Nurburgring, Debut Close

If you had asked somebody about the future of drag races two decades ago, it's highly unlikely that the answer would've involved sprinting battles between SUVs animated by engines worthy of supercars. And yet here we are, with more and more super-SUV drag races taking place. Well, a key player is preparing to enter the arena and I'm refering to the 2020/2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 (S).
Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 5 photos
Photo: Automotive Mike/YouTube
New Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 hits NurburgringNew Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 hits NurburgringNew Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 hits NurburgringNew Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 hits Nurburgring
The second generation of the MB GLE is already among us and the all-out Affalterbach versions mentioned above are expected to make their debut soon.

While the Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 delivers 435 hp thanks to a mild-hybrid setup, the rumor mill also talks about an upcoming non-AMG GLE 580, which is believed to deliver around 490 horsepower.

Rumors aside, the GLE 63 is expected to thow at least 550 horsepower at all four wheels, while it wouldn't surprise me to see the S range-topper delivering above 600 ponies.

Prototypes are currently in their final development stage. And you can check out such a test car in the piece of spy footage below - the clip, which was captured at the Nurburgring, even shows the BMW 8 Series Grand Coupe chasing the GLE 63 prototype.

It's worth noting that the main rival of the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 63, namely the 2020 BMW X5 M, is also preparing to make its debut. And while the standard incarnation of the Bimmer, if such a label can be used, is expected to pack 600 horsepower, the X5 M Competition will allow the driver to play with at least 625 ponies.

The two high-riders will also battle in sloping roofline form and I'm refering to the upcoming 2020 BMW X6 M and Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coupe (and now that the Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe is here, the battle will be even more interesting).

P.S.: As for those super-SUV drag races mentioned in the intro, I've brought along an example as good as any. So here's a Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk duking it out with a Tesla Model X, the P100D kind.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Andrei Tutu
Andrei Tutu profile photo

In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories