autoevolution
 

Spy Video: Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 AMG Coupe Spotted Almost Undisguised

For years, Mercedes resisted the urge to follow the BMW X6 in offering a large SUV with a coupe roofline. We knew all that would change when they unveiled the Concept Coupe SUV at the beginning of this year.
Spy Video: Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 AMG Coupe Spotted Almost Undisguised 1 photo
Photo: screenshot from Youtube
"Sensual as a coupe - visionary as an SUV," are the succinct words used by Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz, to describe it. Now that BMW X6 fighter is getting ready to launch at the Detroit Auto Show next month and we have a long spy video to show what it looks like.

According to the new naming strategy Mercedes revealed, this model will be officially known as the GLE-Class Coupe, which is the German way of saying it's like the E-Coupe of the SUV range.

Wearing very little camouflage, this prototype reveals itself as the Mercedes-AMG version. That means it has a more aggressive body kit, four square exhaust pipes and lowered stance, all there to help the V8 powerplant deliver visual and aural kicks.

Technical improvements will be included

There's little chance for the new M177/M178 4-liter turbo V8 of the AMG GT and C63 to be adopted by the upcoming Sports Activity Coupe model, as its biggest job will be to battle BMW's new X6 M. That car packs a mighty 575 hp 4.4-liter biturbo V8, to which Mercedes will likely answer with its own 5.5-liter bi-turbo V8, the M157.

We expect the standard output to be 585 hp, identical to that of the S63 AMG Coupe, which would give it a minor power lead over its Bavarian rival. A 7-speed gearbox should deliver the power to all four wheels and help the GLE 63 AMG Coupe reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in around 4.4 seconds.

Just like the powerful engine, the design of this machine will not be to everyone's liking. It shows a flat, extended roofline that is typical of a sports coupe and extends from the windshield right to the boot.

Like we said in the beginning of our story, the GLE-Class Coupe should debut at the Detroit Auto Show, together with the normal GLE, a successor to the ML. Both will hit the European market in June 2015.

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

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories