New Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe to get 429bhp straight-six hybrid

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Mercedes-AMG's coupé version of the GLE has yet to be revealed, but new spy shots catch a hot '53' version testing ahead of 2019 release

Mercedes-Benz is several months away from revealing its new GLE Coupe SUV, but spy photographers have already caught a hot?AMG version testing in disguise.

The sloping roof version of Mercedes' latest GLE, which recently went on sale in the UK, isn't due to make its debut until mid-2019, with deliveries towards the end of the year. These shots show the GLE Coupe will feature an evolutionary profile and similar shape to the outgoing model, but with front- and rear-end designs adapted from the latest GLE and a more steeply raked roofline.

The GLE Coupe sits on the same MHA (Modular High Architecture) platform introduced with its straight SUV sibling, introducing more space for rear-seat passengers and the capability of offering hybrid variants across the line-up.?

A selection of four- and six-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel engines will power the GLE Coupe's standard line-up. The range will be topped initially by an AMG-tuned GLE 53, using the same 429bhp 3.0-litre inline-six petrol unit as the CLS 53 four-door coupé. That makes use of a mild-hybrid system featuring an integrated starter/generator adding up to 184lb ft of torque when needed.?

Mercedes-Benz's ML name has been dropped in favour of this new GLE and comes in two bodystyles

The engine, also expected to arrive on the GLE SUV next year, should make the GLE Coupe capable of 0-62mph in just under five seconds, while offering improved official economy over the old GLE 43 equivalent. It will be mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox and Merc's 4Matic four-wheel-drive system.

In 2020, Mercedes is expected to top out both GLE ranges with?full-fat AMG 63 variants, offering around 600bhp from the now-familiar 4.0-litre 'hot vee' twin-turbocharged V8. That engine could potentially see a hybrid system integrated into it, improving roll-on performance and official economy.?

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