The coupe crossover niche has been dominated by BMW's X6->ke2396 since its introduction back in 2009, but that came to an end when Mercedes-Benz->ke187 rolled out a coupe SUV of its own for the 2015 model year. Previewed by the 2014 Concept Coupe SUV launched at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show->ke2062, the 2016 GLE Coupe -- previously rumored to carry the MLC name->ke3911 -- follows in the footsteps of the X6 by being a four-door coupe->ke141 that rides on an SUV->ke145 platform. With the GLE Coupe ready to hit the assembly line in early 2015, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its competitor for the high-performance X6 M: the GLE63 AMG Coupe.

Not surprising, the GLE63 AMG Coupe is designed around AMG's->ke8 already classic recipe. The crossover receives a host of upgrades front to rear, including new bumpers, a revised exhaust system, and a set of lightweight wheels. AMG's tried-and-true, 5.5-liter, V-8 engine with more than 550 ponies finds its way under the GLE's sheet metal, along with an enhanced suspension system. Read on for more details about Mercedes' brand-new performance coupe SUV.

Updated 01/12/2015: The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLE63 AMG Coupe made its world debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. Click past the jump to find out the official specs and details.

Updated 01/23/2015: We've added a series of new images from the car's official debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. Check the new images in the "Pictures" tab.

Click past the jump to read more about the Mercedes-Benz GLE63 AMG Coupe.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE63 AMG Coupe

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE63 AMG Coupe
• Engine/Motor: V8
• Horsepower: 557 @ 5750
• Torque: 516 @ 5500
• Transmission: 7G-TRONIC
• [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Pros

Cons

Update History

Updated 01/02/2015: The new Mercedes GLE 63 AMG Coupe will be unveiled on January 12th at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. The model should go on sale after the standard GLE hit dealerships in the spring of 2015. (Mercedes Benz Passion)

Updated 01/08/2015: With just a few days before its official debut in Detroit, Mercedes unveiled a first teaser video for the upcoming GLE 63 AMG Coupe. Check it out after the jump.

Teaser Video

Update History

Updated 12/11/2014: We have prepared a very nice rendering for you for the future GLE 63 AMG. Check it out after the jump.

Rendering

When creating the rendering we took inspiration from the standard version unveiled just yesterday. However, we added revised bumpers, a brand new set of 7 spoke twin split rims, bi turbo badging with small air outlet on the sides and a chrome side step.

Spy Shots

December 3rd, 2014 - Mercedes GLE 63 AMG Coupe caught during winter testing

Exterior

The GLE63 AMG exudes aggressiveness through every pore, a feat we anticipated knowing what AMG usually has in store for basically every model in Mercedes' lineup. It's no longer a secret that the GLE63 AMG Coupe is here to give the BMW X6 M a run for its money, and the sporty body kit has been designed accordingly. Compared to the regular GLE Coupe, the AMG boasts a redesigned front bumper that includes heavily revised air dams and a splitter-like piece down below. The main intakes feature black inserts on the sides, while a small AMG badge placed on the grille helps set the crossover apart.

The rear fascia sports fewer changes, with only the apron featuring a different layout. The squared-off exhaust pipes are larger -- and obviously noisier -- on the AMG63 Coupe, while the middle section has been remodeled into a diffuser piece with four fins. Naturally, "AMG" and "GLE 63" badges adorn the trunk lid. When viewed from the sides, the GLE63 AMG's lowered suspension, new side skirts, flared wheel arches, "V8 BITURBO" lettering, 10-spoke, 21-inch wheels, and red brake calipers make yet another statement about the crossover's enhanced performance.

Interior

The already luxurious interior of the GLE Coupe becomes even more exquisite with the AMG model, as well as a lot sportier thanks to a host of bespoke features. To enable drivers to enjoy the extra power coming from the massive V-8, the GLE63 AMG Coupe comes with a pair of bolstered front seats wrapped in Nappa leather with contrast stitching, while the standard three-spoke steering wheels has been replaced by a flat-bottom one with AMG badging. The latter is stitched in black Nappa leather with perforated grip area and fitted with paddle shifters.

Updates continue in the dashboard area, which is covered in black Artico leather and carbon-fiber inserts where wood is usually found on the standard crossover. The instrument cluster also boasts a bespoke AMG design consisting of two large round dials in carbon-fiber look, AMG start-up screen, manual gear indicator, and the Racetimer lap timer.

Even more goodies come with the range-topping S model. Added features include a Dinamica microfiber grip area for the steering wheel, red scales for the dials, and high-grade, exclusive Nappa leather upholstery.

Drivetrain

Being built on the same platform underpinning the new M-Class, the GLE63 AMG Coupe receives the tried-and-true, 5.5-liter V-8 and not the 4.0-liter eight-banger that debuted with the Mercedes-AMG GT sports car. That's not an issue though, as the mill delivers up to 585 horsepower and fuel economy is not something customers focus on when buying an AMG-badged rig. As with most AMG vehicles, the GLE63 Coupe is available in two guises. The base model comes with 557 ponies and 516 pound-feet of torque, while the range-topping S model benefits from 585 horses and 560 pound-feet.

The former needs 4.3 seconds to charge from 0 to 62 mph, while the latter reaches the benchmark in 4.2 seconds, as quick as the 2015 BMW X6 M. Naturally, the top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, on par with its Bavarian rival unless fitted with the 173-mph M Driver's Package.

The engine mates to an AMG-tweaked Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic transmission and standard 4MATIC, both aiding with those fantastic 0-to-60 mph times. The transmission comes with five different modes -- Slippery, Individual, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus -- that meddle with the response of the engine, the shifting, ESP thresholds, power assistance for the steering, and the characteristics of the dampers for distinct driving experiences.

Drivetrain Specifications

Suspension and Brakes

The GLE63 AMG Coupe is equally sporty when it comes to chassis components, as AMG is looking to take no prisoners once this crossover hits the street. An AMG Ride Control sports suspension keeps the GLE63 AMG on its best behavior on both the road and the track, with an Airmatic package adding goodies such as an air suspension, special dampers, and automatic level control.

The suspension is designed to provide either maximum ride comfort or sports car-like dynamics depending on the driver-selectable driving mode. "Comfort" mode enable the utmost ride comfort for smooth highway cruising, while "Sport Plus" turns this crossover into a menacing track beast.

Prices

Since it’s a direct competitor to the BMW X6 M, we can expect the GLE63 AMG Coupe to carry a price tag of $100,000 to $110,000, depending upon trim levels, before options. Unforuntaly, official pricing has not been released yet.

Competition

BMW X6 M

The Bimmer that launched the coupe crossover niche received an extensive update for the 2015 model year. New features include a revised front grille, a more aggressive front bumper, and revised taillights and exhaust pipes around back. The vehicle is also 20 pounds lighter than its predecessor, a significant improvement given the new X6 is now longer and wider.

Under its hood, the second-gen X6 M carries on with the same twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V-8, but output increases to 567 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Mated to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, the eight-banger enables the crossover to reach 60 mph from a standing start in just four seconds, making it faster than every 2015 M model except the M3 and M4 with the automatic transmission. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

The 2015 X6 M has a starting price of $103,050, including destination and handling fee.

Porsche Cayenne Coupe

Although not yet officially confirmed, the Cayenne Coupe is rumored to arrive for the 2016 model year as Porsche's answer to the X6. The crossover is expected to look identical to its full-size sibling, expect for a sloping roof and retuned suspension and steering. Naturally, the coupe will borrow all the powertrains available with the regular Cayenne, including turbo the V-8, and gasoline and diesel V-6 powerplants.

Likewise, the Cayenne Coupe should come available in all the trims currently offered for the regular Cayenne, including a hybrid version. The turbo versions will be most suited to take on the GLE63 AMG Coupe.

Audi Q8

Audi is the latest German automaker to join the coupe crossover fun. The Q8 was announced on the sidelines of the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show and a launch is expected to occur in 2016. The Q8 is likely to be inspired by the Prologue concept and will ride on Volkswagen's second-gen MLB platfrom that it'll, share with the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg, Bentley's upcoming SUV, and the Lamborghini Urus.

The Q8 will receive a range of V-6 and V-8 engines, most likely consisting of the company’s 3.0-liter and 4.0-liter TFSI units, as well as the 3.0-liter TDI. Plug-in hybrid versions will also join the lineup and word has it Audi wants an all-electric version of the crossover too. There's no word on a high-performance Q8 RS yet, but we'd be really surprised if Audi would allow BMW and Mercedes-Benz compete on their own in the high-performance department.

Conclusion

Granted, the GLE63 AMG Coupe isn't the most alluring crossover as far as styling goes, but it's arguably one of the most important additions to the Mercedes lineup from a business standpoint. As the first crossover specifically created to give the BMW X6 M a run for its money, the GLE63 AMG Coupe will provide answers to a lot of question, including whether BMW can be overthrown in a niche it invented back in 2009. This Merc could also determine other manufacturers to join the segment and turn it into a battlefield as popular as the mid-size SUV market. Only time will tell if the likes of Porsche and Audi -- and maybe GM and Ford too -- will create their very own coupe-like crossovers, but until that happens, the GLE63 AMG Coupe has a Herculean task on its hands, one that will provide us with yet another BMW vs Mercedes clash.