Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe at 2015 Detroit motor show

Updated: 26 January 2015

Here’s one of the more shocking sights of the 2015 Detroit motor show: the new Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe.

It’s Daimler’s answer to the BMW X6 M… yes, an SUV that thinks it’s a coupe with ambitions for a hot Nurburgring laptime.

You have been warned.

Let’s decode that AMG GLE 63 Coupe name

Time for a quick history lesson, bearing in mind Mercedes’ recent rebadging exercise. The new GLE Coupe range, unveiled at the North American International Auto Show this week, means the following:

GLE The new name for the M-class range
63 This still means it’s the top-dog, twin-turbo AMG version
S It’s the upgraded, more powerful version
AMG Yep, it hails from Affalterbach, alright

Despite the 63 part of the badge, it does of course use AMG’s latest 5.5-litre V8, twin-turbocharged to develop a faintly ridiculous 569bhp.

Click here for a full explanation of how Mercedes’ new badging system works.

How fast is the new GLE63 Coupe?

This new coupe-cum-crossover is quicker than the majority of Porsches you’ll come across. Top speed may be limited to 155mph, but it’s the in-gear speed which will surprise many sports cars on European roads.

Your right foot should have no problem overcoming two tonnes of heavy metal: 561lb ft is smeared across a broad torque plateau, which you’ll feel as you pass 0-60mph in 4.2sec.

Expect to see the GLE63 Coupe launch in the US in late summer 2015. European sales won’t be far behind.

By Tim Pollard

Group digital editorial director, car news magnet, crafter of words

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