Mercedes launches performance-focused SUVs with nearly 600hp

At NAIAS 2015, which is shaping up to be all about SUVs, Mercedes is presenting two ultra-sporty versions of its new GLE coupe, both developed in collaboration with the German car maker's performance-focused division, AMG. Due to arrive at dealerships before the end of this year, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe 4MATIC packs up to 585hp.

Under the hood of the GLE 63 Coupe and GLE 63 S Coupe, Mercedes and AMG have installed 5.5-liter twin turbo V8 engines with 557hp and 585hp respectively, both coupled with an automatic seven-speed transmission. This powertrain enables acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds (4.2 seconds for the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe 4MATIC). The top speed is limited to 250km/h and average fuel consumption is 11.9l/km in both cases, which is equivalent to CO2 emissions of 279g/km.

Also on display in Detroit is the new Mercedes GLE Coupe, the successor to the M Class, which will go on sale before the end of 2015 and compete with the BMW X6 and the Porsche Cayenne. The Mercedes AMG GLE 63 Coupe will follow soon after.

Finally, Mercedes also came to Detroit with its self-driving concept car, the F 015, which was revealed a few days earlier at CES in Las Vegas.

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit opens to the public from January 17 to 25.