The 2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe 4MATIC is Gunning for a Certain Bimmer

No matter how you feel about it, the four-door crossover “coupe” segment is alive and well — for now, at least. Not only is Mercedes-Benz taking on the BMW X6, it’s taking on the high-performance X6 M. Say “hello” to the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe 4Matic.

Contrary to rumors we heard late last year, the GLE63 will not use the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 from the upcoming C63 AMG. Instead, it will pack the familiar biturbo 5.5-liter eight we’ve grown to know and salivate over. That engine — all 577 horsepower and 561 pound-feet of it — will be paired with the AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission. 4MATIC all-wheel drive with a 40:60 front:rear power split will put the GLE63’s bonkers output to the ground. The three-pointed star has clocked its new rig doing the 0-60 mph dash in 4.2 seconds.

Our own Jonathon Klein was not impressed by the styling of the regular GLE Coupe. This AMG model keeps the chunky face and S-Class-ish rear end of its more sedate brother, but adds an “A-wing” to the lower front air inlet, a twin-louver grille, a rear diffuser, and a quartet of chrome-plated exhaust tips.

Inside, “perforated high-grade exclusive nappa leather upholstery and AMG crests in the head restraints lend the interior a special, luxurious note,” according to Mercedes. Drivers will be able to alter how their GLE63 performs by selecting one of the five modes (Slippery, Individual, Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus) offered by the Dynamic Select system, which adjusts parameters such as engine response, damper characteristics, and stability programming thresholds. Standard equipment includes the Surround View Camera System, a Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system, PRE-SAFE, a power liftgate, and Crosswind Assist.

You’ll be able to load up the GLE63 with optional features such as 22-inch cross-spoke wheels, a carbon fiber engine cover, a Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG stereo, carbon fiber/black piano lacquer trim, and/or a performance exhaust system.

Currently, there’s no word on prices or fuel economy ratings. That’s OK. At least we’ve got the following gallery of pics to enjoy.

Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>

story and photos via [Autoblog]

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Derek Shiekhi

Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.

After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.

While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.

Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.

In addition to writing for a variety of Internet Brands sites, including JK Forum, H-D Forums, The Mustang Source, Mustang Forums, LS1Tech, HondaTech, Jaguar Forums, YotaTech, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts. Derek also started There Will Be Cars on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

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