X

Mercedes-Benz GLE gains power, efficiency in wider model range (pictures)

NEW YORK -- At the 2015 New York auto show, Mercedes-Benz showed off a wider model range than ever for its GLE SUV, formerly the ML model, with a high-powered AMG version and a very economical plug-in hybrid.

Wayne_Cunningham.jpg
Wayne_Cunningham.jpg
Wayne Cunningham
Mercedes-AMG GLE63
1 of 29 Sarah Tew/CNET

Mercedes-AMG GLE63

Mercedes-Benz enacted a name change for many of its models last year, updating its old ML five passenger SUV with a GLE name plate.

Mercedes-AMG GLE63
2 of 29 Sarah Tew/CNET

Mercedes-AMG GLE63

At the New York auto show, Mercedes-Benz showed more than just a name change, giving the newly christened GLE new drivetrains and performance technology.

Mercedes-AMG GLE63
3 of 29 Sarah Tew/CNET

Mercedes-AMG GLE63

The Mercedes-AMG GLE63 is a new high-performance version in the GLE line.

Mercedes-AMG GLE63
4 of 29 Sarah Tew/CNET

Mercedes-AMG GLE63

As per Mercedes-AMG styling, this model gets a single-bar grille.

Mercedes-AMG GLE63
5 of 29 Sarah Tew/CNET

Mercedes-AMG GLE63

Mercedes-Benz's 4Matic all-wheel-drive system comes standard on the GLE63.

Mercedes-AMG GLE63
6 of 29 Sarah Tew/CNET

Mercedes-AMG GLE63

An air suspension can increase ground clearance, but can also stiffen the suspension for better handling.

Mercedes-AMG GLE63
7 of 29 Sarah Tew/CNET

Mercedes-AMG GLE63

Mercedes-AMG fits the GLE63 with a 5.5-liter V-8 engine using twin turbochargers, one for each bank of cylinders.

Mercedes-AMG GLE63
8 of 29 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Mercedes-AMG GLE63

Output from the GLE63's twin turbo V-8 is rated at 550 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, while a GLE63 S version increases output to 577 horsepower and 561 pound-feet or torque.

Mercedes-AMG GLE63
9 of 29 Sarah Tew/CNET

Mercedes-AMG GLE63

A system called Active Curve uses the GLE63's stabilizer bars to counteract roll in the turns and keep the tires in full contact with the pavement.

Mercedes-AMG GLE63
10 of 29 Sarah Tew/CNET

Mercedes-AMG GLE63

An LED headlight system will be available.

Mercedes-AMG GLE63
11 of 29 Sarah Tew/CNET

Mercedes-AMG GLE63

The 21-inch wheels suit the proportions of the GLE63.

Mercedes-AMG GLE63
12 of 29 Sarah Tew/CNET

Mercedes-AMG GLE63

In the cabin, the Mercedes-Benz Comand interface includes this ergonomic touch controller for navigation, stereo and phone systems.

Mercedes-AMG GLE63
13 of 29 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Mercedes-AMG GLE63

A dial next to the Comand controller lets you choose drive settings, affecting suspension and engine response.

Mercedes-AMG GLE63
14 of 29 Sarah Tew/CNET

Mercedes-AMG GLE63

As a high-trim model, the cabin features many material options, such as leather, carbon fiber and aluminum.

Mercedes-AMG GLE63
15 of 29 Sarah Tew/CNET

Mercedes-AMG GLE63

Sport seats feature the AMG logo.

Mercedes-AMG GLE63
16 of 29 Sarah Tew/CNET

Mercedes-AMG GLE63

The speedometer goes up to 200 mph.

Mercedes-AMG GLE63
17 of 29 Sarah Tew/CNET

Mercedes-AMG GLE63

Rear-seat passengers can enjoy individual entertainment screens.

Mercedes-AMG GLE63
18 of 29 Sarah Tew/CNET

Mercedes-AMG GLE63

Carbon fiber trim surrounds Mercedes-Benz's traditional door-mounted seat controls.

Mercedes-AMG GLE63
19 of 29 Sarah Tew/CNET

Mercedes-AMG GLE63

A flat-bottom steering wheel emphasizes the GL63's sport focus.

Mercedes-AMG GLE63
20 of 29 Sarah Tew / CNET

Mercedes-AMG GLE63

The Mercedes-AMG GLE63 joins a very small set of high-performance SUVs when it hits the market.

Mercedes-Benz G550e
21 of 29 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Mercedes-Benz G550e

As another option in Mercedes-Benz's GLE lineup, the GLE550e provides a sweet spot of power and efficiency.

Mercedes-Benz G550e
22 of 29 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Mercedes-Benz G550e

The GLE550e is a plug-in hybrid, adding electric propulsion to its twin turbocharged 3-liter V-6.

Mercedes-Benz G550e
23 of 29 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Mercedes-Benz G550e

Mercedes-Benz rates the output from the GLE550e's drivetrain at 436 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The GLE550e is also capable of driving under electric power alone, with a stated range of 18.6 miles.

Mercedes-Benz G550e
24 of 29 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Mercedes-Benz G550e

The GLE550e comes standard with all-wheel drive, called 4Matic by Mercedes-Benz. The gasoline filler sits at its usual place on the right rear fender, while a charging port for the batter is mounted on the left corner of the bumper.

Mercedes-Benz G550e
25 of 29 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Mercedes-Benz G550e

Wood trim and quilted upholstery adorn the cabin, emphasizing Mercedes-Benz's luxury side.

Mercedes-Benz G550e
26 of 29 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Mercedes-Benz G550e

Mercedes-Benz's cabin electronics include the center screen with navigation, app integration, stereo and hands-free phone system.

Mercedes-Benz G550e
27 of 29 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Mercedes-Benz G550e

The center screen can show a power flow animation, a real-time schematic of engine and battery output.

Mercedes-Benz G550e
28 of 29 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Mercedes-Benz G550e

The driver can choose Comfort, Sport and Snow settings with this center dial.

Mercedes-Benz G550e
29 of 29 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Mercedes-Benz G550e

An 8.5-kilowatt lithium ion battery pack intrudes into the cargo area, raising the load floor by about 6 inches.

More Galleries

Go Inside the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: See How the New iPhones Look and Work
iphone 15 in different color from an angled view

Go Inside the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: See How the New iPhones Look and Work

21 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features and Settings on Your iPhone
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features and Settings on Your iPhone

18 Photos
Astronomy Photographer of the Year Winners Reveal Our Stunning Universe
andromeda

Astronomy Photographer of the Year Winners Reveal Our Stunning Universe

16 Photos
I Got an Early Look at Intel's Glass Packaging Tech for Faster Chips
Rahul Manepalli, right, Intel's module engineering leader, shows a glass substrate panel before it's sliced into the small rectangles that will be bonded to the undersides of hundreds of test processors. The technology, shown here at Intel's CH8 facility in Chandler, Arizona, stands to improve performance and power consumption of advanced processors arriving later this decade. Glass substrates should permit physically larger processors comprised of several small "chiplets" for AI and data center work, but Intel expects they'll trickle down to PCs, too.

I Got an Early Look at Intel's Glass Packaging Tech for Faster Chips

20 Photos
Check Out the iPhone 15's New Camera in Action
A photo of a silhouette of buildings on the water taken on the iPhone 15

Check Out the iPhone 15's New Camera in Action

12 Photos
Yamaha motorcycle and instrument designers trade jobs (pictures)
yamaha01.jpg

Yamaha motorcycle and instrument designers trade jobs (pictures)

16 Photos
CNET's 'Day of the Dead Devices' altar (pictures)
dia-de-los-muertos-3318-001.jpg

CNET's 'Day of the Dead Devices' altar (pictures)

9 Photos