New Mercedes GLE Makes Video Debut in 63 AMG and 500e Flavors

Let's start by looking at the former, which is the GLE 500e 4Matic. It combines the V6 twin-turbo from the 400 and mates it to a 116 hp electric motor resulting in a total output of 442 hp and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft). Essentially, that's like a V8 that runs on batteries occasionally.

The 500e will compete directly against the X5 xDrive40e, which BMW unveiled about a week ago and like its Bavarian rival will be able to run purely on electricity for a limited time. Up to 30 km (19 miles) is possible on a single charge and an EV top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph) is claimed, while only sipping 3 l/100 km or 94.2 mpg US in hybrid mode.

So what about the super-SUV. Well, the GLE 63 made by AMG still uses the 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 to produce 557 hp in regular form and 585 hp in S form, which is the one shown in our video. The design has been improved, with huge air intakes and shiny blades dominating the front end.

But we give the GLE low marks for originality, since everything is pretty much the same as the GLE Coupe, where as the X5 and X6 are totally different animals. We don't have that many good things to say about the interior either, since brand new surfaces are combined with old buttons we've seen even on Sprinter vans. But that steering wheel is a work of art and the floating display has started to grow on us.