Meet the new Mercedes-Benz GLE and AMG GLE 63

If you think we’ve moved into the post-SUV era, Mercedes-Benz would beg to differ, The German luxury automaker today announced the launch of a new GLE and AMG GLE 63.

That said, it has made some moves toward making the bulky vehicles a fair bit more environmentally-friendly than their predecessors. Merc claims that fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced by 17% on average across the range.

Outside, the styling is mostly similar to the GLE Coupe. An update of the old M Class, it features new lights (optionally with LEDs), wings, bumper, hood and grille designs. In the back, there are new LED tail lamps, redesigned tailpipe embellishers, and a re-trimmed bumper.

Inside, there’s a larger media display, which is now partially integrated into the instrument panel. The centre console houses the COMAND controller with the touchpad fitted above it.

Perhaps the most interesting addition to the range though is the introduction of the GLE 500 e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid. According to Merc, it combines the power and refinement of a V8 engine with the fuel consumption of a three-litre car and the versatility of a premium SUV.

More specifically the system comprises a BlueDIRECT V6 direct-injection petrol engine with 245 kW (333 hp) and a hybrid module with 85 kW (116 hp) of electric power. Together they push out peak torque of 650 Newton metres.

In all-electric mode, it can reach 130km/h. The electrical energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery with an energy content of 8.8 kWh, which can be recharged using public charging stations, the wallbox charger at home or on a conventional 220 volt power outlet. The charging time using the wallbox charger or the charging station is around two hours.

In order to make sure you don’t completely wear the hybrid system out though, Merc’s also introduced an intelligent drive system management which aids the driver with specific control strategies in adopting the most efficient driving style.

At the top of the range, the AMG 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 engine is capable of developing 410 kW (557 hp). There is also an S-Model to choose from which is rated at 430 kW (585 hp).