Mercedes-AMG expands its lineup once again with the GLE43 SUV
GLE400 just doesn't have the same ring to it, I guess.
Mercedes' GLE-Class SUV is the latest member of the AMG 43 club
If you haven't noticed, Mercedes has slowly consumed its higher-tier offerings and lumped them into the Mercedes-AMG brand. A number of models now come with AMG 43 designations.
The GLE43, formerly known as the GLE400, sports a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which is good for 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The only available transmission is a nine-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive is standard equipment.
The AMG trimmings extend beyond the engine itself. The GLE43 features beefier brakes, a sportier suspension and a more aggressive throttle map. The exterior is largely the same as what you get with the standard GLE-Class, save for some mild tweaks to the front and rear fasciae. The interior rocks sport seats and trim finishes unavailable in "lesser" GLE models.
The only standard safety systems are Attention Assist, which ensures a driver isn't getting drowsy behind the wheel, and Pre-Safe, which senses an impending collision and can raise the windows and tighten the seatbelts ahead of said collision. Buyers can add a whole bunch more by opting for the Premium 3 Package, which adds adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and lane keep assist.
There's no word yet on pricing, but the Mercedes-AMG GLE43 should debut in early 2017.
