The all-new Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 was recently spied testing at the Nurburgring, disturbing the peace with its menacing growl and chewing through its tires during high-speed cornering.
The prototype packs a new 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8, which represents a big improvement in terms of power and fuel efficiency compared to the old 5.5-liter mill.
In the GLE 63 S, the new V8 is expected to produce up to 603 HP (612 PS / 450 kW) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque, whereas the regular variant should get 563 HP (571 PS / 420 kW) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm). The new GLE 63 Coupe and GLE 63 S Coupe will share the same engine with identical outputs.
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The outgoing GLE 63 S needs only 4.1 seconds to sprint to 60 mph (96 km/h) from a standstill, so the new one will probably be able to drop below the 4-second mark.
That would put it on par with its arch rival, the BMW X5 M, which hits 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and maxes out at 180 mph (290 km/h) when fitted with the optional M Driver’s Package. The X5 M Competition is 0.1 seconds quicker and uses an uprated version of the 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 that produces 616 (625 PS / 460 kW) instead of the regular model’s 592 HP (600 PS / 441 kW).
Spotting it on the road will be relatively easy, as it sports a large grille with vertical slats, new bumpers and side skirts and slightly wider wheel arches compared to lesser versions of the new GLE. As for its launch, it should take place before the end of the year or in early 2020.