The Citizen (KZN)

Merc rolls out GLE 63 pairing

- Charl Bosch

With both the Coupe and AMG version of the new GLE already on sale, Mercedes-AMG has combined the pair to create the GLE 63 and GLE 63 S Coupe bound for next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

Dimensiona­lly unchanged from the regular coupe with a longer wheelbase and overall length, the 63 differenti­ates itself by being fitted with the AMG GT R-derived Panamerica­na grille and jet-wing front apron with black air intakes, 21-inch AMG light alloy wheels with the S receiving 22-inch rollers, a model specific black diffuser, power domes on the bonnet and the Night Package as an option.

Carrying over the interior from its AMG sibling with unique touches such as black Nappa leather AMG-branded seats, AMG readouts for the MBUX infotainme­nt system and the AMG Performanc­e steering wheel, the coupe also comes with the 48-volt AMG Ride Control+ air suspension with three modes; Comfort, Sport and Sport+ as well as a Race mode on the S, the Active Ride Control system and Dynamic Select with four modes; Comfort, Individual, Sport and Sport+ with a Race mode again fitted to the S.

Also carried over are the two off-road focused settings – Trail and Sand – that adjust the 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system and ride height by up to 55 mm, thanks to the air ride suspension and the upgrade brakes.

The coupe comes powered by the now widely used 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that produces 420kW/750Nm or 450kW/850Nm in the S.

While local availabili­ty has not yet been confirmed, expect only the S to be offered, with a projected sticker of around R2 million.

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