These days, it can be tough to keep track of all the new models that Mercedes-Benz is unveiling to the masses. It’s no secret that the company is in the middle of a massive product blitz, and in the midst of this lighting quick push, new rumors appear to suggest that an even spicier engine offering is in the works for the GLE SUV to help solidify the model lineup, while also adding depth to the family tree.
For those that need a recap, the GLE was first introduced back in September of 2018, with the only representative of the range being the GLE 450 mild hybrid, which produced 362 horsepower from a 3.0 liter turbocharged inline six. Not to be outdone, AMG turned up the heat at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, with the GLE 53 that brought 469 horsepower and AMG infused character to this green focused powerplant. However, rumors suggest that a hotter engine option is in the works, but not with the upcoming GLE 63, but rather a higher spec variant of the GLE 580.
According to the folks at Carbuzz, one of their representatives visited an unnamed Mercedes-Benz dealership, and while there, an order form popped up that appeared to show a forthcoming GLE 580 model. Currently the German luxury car maker does not offer such a model, but they did recently reveal the GLS 580 alongside the rest of the GLS model family at the 2019 New York Auto Show. The GLS is the flagship SUV offering for Mercedes, and fittingly, arrives with the AMG GT’s 4.0 liter twin-turbocharged V8 which makes 483 horsepower in this particular model. While no formal engine optioned accompanied the mysterious order form, the mounting evidence suggests that since the larger GLS comes equipped with the boosted V8, it would seemingly make sense to equip the smaller GLE 580 with the same engine. This is especially apparent considering that the GLE 450 and the GLS 450 share the same fore-mentioned 3.0 liter turbocharged inline six. In addition, having a GLE 580 variant would also help the company fill the large void between the AMG GLS 53, and the as yet to be unveiled GLS 63 which is rumored to bring 600 horsepower to the performance luxury SUV segment.
Look for more information to emerge either later this year or early next year, but the idea of a GLE variant that straddles the line between livable and outrageously fast performance numbers is always a good thing to us, and we look forward to seeing if the recent round of rumors do indeed sprout viable fruit in the near future.
Source: Carbuzz