By Asian Journal Auto Editor

An elegant coupe with superb agility and driving dynamics, high-traction all-wheel drive, and exceptional everyday comfort: the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupe uniquely combines the performance and feel typical of a Mercedes-AMG with the practicality of an SUV. Powered by a hand built AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with an EQ Boost starter-alternator and on-board 48-volt technology, the GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupe delivers an impressive 603 hp. Exemplary handling dynamics and agility is guaranteed by the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air-sprung suspension with AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL roll stabilization, the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G 9-speed automatic transmission. The AMG-specific radiator grille, along with other trademark AMG design cues, clearly indicate the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupe as a fully-fledged member of the Mercedes-AMG family.

“Our new GLE 63 S Coupe rounds off our attractive performance SUV portfolio. It meets the highest expectations in terms of design and handling characteristics. Thus, our latest SUC is an outstanding example of Luxury Performance made by AMG. The GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupe utilizes the same 48 volt on-board electrical system and EQ Boost starter-alternator found in our other vehicles, allowing us to drive the electrification of our model series in a consistent, meaningful way,” says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The exterior of the GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupe is the embodiment of hallmark AMG Driving Performance. As a result of the AMG-specific radiator grille, membership of the AMG model family is obvious from first glance. The stylish and striking Coupe silhouette makes for a self-assured appearance, with design lines that clearly convey the passion for performance. As a typical feature of the Performance models, the front apron in a dynamic jet-wing design is painted in the vehicle colour and has black air intakes. Prominent power domes on the hood and a front splitter in silver chrome further emphasize the sharper all round design of this powerful Coupe.

The vehicle side skirts, exterior mirror housings, and flared wheel arches are painted in the vehicle colour, and seamlessly blend into the muscular look. 22-inch light-alloy wheels with AMG lettering are fitted as standard, and are also available in a matte-black finish as an option.

The newly designed rear apron features AMG-specific design cues such as a striking diffuser and a trim strip in silver chrome that visually accentuate the vehicle’s width. The special AMG exhaust system that features two rectangular high-gloss chrome-plated twin tailpipe elements rounds off the sporty, dominant look of the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupe. Further individualization options are available through the AMG Night package. This includes: the front splitter and front apron trim, inserts in the side skirts, mirror caps, and window frames in dignified black. In addition, the twin tailpipe trim elements are finished in elegant high-gloss black.

The look and feel typical of the brand is continued in the high-quality interior of the GLE S 63 Coupe, which is characterized by a resolutely sporty ambience with a dynamic and exclusive flair. The AMG seats upholstered in nappa leather provide optimum lateral support, and have an AMG-specific seat pattern layout with an “AMG” badge in the front backrests. Other leather variants are available as an option, and including an upholstery featuring grey seat belts and silver-grey contrast topstitching in the seats. Individually adjustable ambient lighting comes as standard.

The 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine in the new GLE 63 S Coupe is fitted with an integrated EQ Boost starter-alternator. It combines a starter motor and an alternator in a single, powerful electric motor compactly integrated between the engine and the transmission. This strategy produces an additional power output of 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque which can be called upon temporarily to enable a more spontaneous throttle response. Not only does the 48-volt on-board electrical system serve as an alternator, it is also responsible for hybrid functions. These include boost, recuperate, load point shift and the virtually imperceptible restarting of the engine with the start/stop function.

For increased efficiency, Mercedes-AMG has also equipped the V8 engine with cylinder deactivation. In the partial-load range, cylinders two, three, five and eight are deactivated, which crucially reduces the fuel consumption.

The SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission is specially tuned to the requirements of the eight-cylinder engine of the GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupe. Development of the hardware and software has made it possible to optimize the reaction times even further. Automatic and manual shift commands can be implemented more quickly than ever before. Various reinforcement measures have also ensured durability and performance with the high torque generated by the V8 engine. Pricing to be announced