The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a firm favourite in the mid-size SUV category, taking on the likes of the evergreen BMW X5, the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne.
There's no denying the ever-increasing popularity of the modern SUV and the public's appetite for fast SUVs is presenting us with a host of formidable offerings from all corners of the market. It seems that customers are hungry for high-power behemoths that are able to blow the doors off of nearly anything this side of a supercar.
Last year saw the release of the W167 Mercedes-Benz GLE, now in its fourth incarnation, but we still eagerly await the arrival of the AMG-version that released last year globally. In anticipation of that release, we take a look at some of the top facts and figures surrounding this model.
Related: The new Mercedes-Benz GLE - more than just a pretty face
1. Steeped in history
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is technically in its fourth-generation but only two generations have worn the GLE badge. That's because the GLE is the successor to the perennial Mercedes-Benz M-Class (or ML-Class, if you will).
The M-Class was developed to be an alternative and indeed, a replacement, for the ageing G-Class, G-Wagon or Geländewagen. The world first saw it in 1997 and in the same year, it made a debut in the follow up to 1993's Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park.
The first two generations were all produced in the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vance, Alabama, USA but since the third generation, and subsequent switch to the GLE name, plants in India, Indonesia and Thailand have all produced the GLE alongside the USA plant.
2. Power to the people
The W167 Mercedes-AMG is set to be made available in two flavours, the GLE 53 4MATIC+ and the GLE 63 4MATIC+.
The first M-Class/GLE-Class to wear the distinguished AMG badge was the ML 55 AMG of 1999 (2000 model year) that was powered by a 5.4-litre V8 that produced 255 kW and 510 Nm torque.
The engine in the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ is a 3.0-litre straight-six engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This engine produces 320 kW and 520 Nm torque and Mercedes-AMG claim that it is good for a 0 - 100 km/h sprint time of 5.2-seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (limited)
In the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 4MATIC+, you can look forward to a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 that produces an astonishing 450 kW and 850 Nm torque, supplemented for the first time by a 48-volt hybrid electrical system that provides an additional boost of power and helps smooth out the power delivery. AMG claims acceleration figures of 3.9-seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (limited) with the AMG Driver's Pack raising that limit to 280 km/h.
3. Pricey affair
It's always tough to try and gauge how much a vehicle will cost before it's officially unveiled in South Africa, what with our fluctuating currency and economic affairs, but we do have preliminary pricing on the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+.
Before options, you'll be looking at a price tag of R1 744 280 which includes VAT and a 2-year/Unlimited Km warranty as well as a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
The international pricing of the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 4MATIC+ has been listed at €124 355.00 with the GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ carrying a price tag of €135 541.00 before options.
*Pricing correct at time of publishing and subject to change without notice
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