2015 Mercedes-AMG GLE AMG (W166) 63 4MATIC 7AT AWD (557 HP)

Vehicle Overview

With an increased demand for performance SUVs, Mercedes-AMG worked on the mid-size GLE model and gave it a big boost.

Mercedes-Benz introduced the third generation of the ML-Class in 2011 and, four years later, it unveiled its refreshed version. At the same time, it changed the nameplate from ML to GLE. Along with the new version, the mid-size SUV received an AMG version, which was now known as a separate performance brand of the Stuttgart premium carmaker.

At the front, the car sported an AMG-specific grille with a twin-slat over the grille, supporting the big three-pointed-star badge. The bumper featured a large, trapezoidal-shaped grille in the apron flanked by two side-scoops. Nothing was just aesthetic, and everything was functional. The GLE needed the side air-intakes to cool the front discs. From its sides, the carmaker enlarged the wheel-arches to emphasize the car’s wider stance. AMG installed four rectangular exhausts in the rear under the apron to complete the car’s sporty look.

But no AMG customer would take a vehicle without a specific interior. For that, the Affalterbach company installed carbon-fiber trims on the dashboard, door panels, and center stack. The three-spoke steering wheel featured two aluminum paddle-shifters marked UP and DOWN, challenging the driver to shift gears manually. Last but not least, the bucket seats with high-bolstered sides were part of the package.

Under the hood, the carmaker dropped a 5.5-liter V-8 bi-turbo engine that provided up to 585 hp in the AMG GLE 63S version, while the non-S provided 557 hp. The all-wheel-drive system was biased toward the rear axle to enhance the SUV’s sporty feeling.