Meet the new Mercedes GLE AMG and GLB AMG

Both were unveiled this week, within 24 hours of each other, as Mercedes set out its SUV stall for the IAA, otherwise known as the Frankfurt Motor Show which opens this year on 12^th September. 

On Wednesday (28^thAugust) it was the turn of the new GLE Coupe to break cover. Restyled to be more coupe-like but roomier in the back, and re-engined with new six-pot motors and 48-volt electrics, the BMW X6 rival replaces the outgoing version of the fastback-styled E-class SUV. 

The one we like best is the AMG GLE 53 with 435PS (429bhp) and 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds. There’s no V8 like the old one but a “63” is probably coming – along with a plug-in hybrid version with electric-only running for short trips. 

While the AMG GLE Coupe looks sleek and sporty like most other AMGs it is fair to say the new AMG GLB, unveiled just a day later, does not. A spiritual brother to the AMG version of the G-Wagen, it’s surely one of the most unlikely AMGs ever. 

The GLB is the off-roady version of the B-Class, what before SUV mania hit would have been called an MPV. It is still MPV at heart with its upright styling, big windows, seven high-set seats, cupholders and cubbyholes. For most of the time it’s even front-wheel-drive. But as the GLB 4Matic it goes with the zeitgeist and thinks it’s an off-roader, and now as the AMG GLB it gets a sizeable performance makeover and thinks it’s a sports car. Question is, does it all come together?

A verdict on that will have to wait for the first drive, but, typically for a variant born of the huge and well-regarded new A-class family, the signs are good – as long as you like its design, that is. Meet the family wagon with Race Start mode…

Mercedes’ take on the car – the first-ever AMG B-class variant – is that it combines versatility with space and driving pleasure and as such is unrivalled in its class. True enough, we can’t think of another seven-seater this fast in the compact class. How fast? Faster than that other AMG SUV unveiled this week, unlikely as that might seem. 

Like other family variants, the top GLB gets the turbo 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine that directs 306PS (302bhp) and 400Nm (296lb ft) of torque to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic and then to the front wheels for most of the time but the rears as well when extra traction is needed. Keeping a watchful eye on all this is the familiar range of Mercedes electronic control systems and AMG Dynamics drive modes, with settings from Sport+ to a slippery mode for driving on unsealed surfaces. 

The result: 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds, so a tad faster than the GLE Coupe. The top speed of both cars is limited to 155mph.

As expected with AMG, facets of the GLB have been tuned for the extra performance, with tailored steering, suspension and braking, along with the body makeover of spoiler, splitter and wheel options up to 21 inches. Other options include the AMG hallmarks of high gloss black trim and elements of cabin personalisation. And the cabin itself? As usual, the class of the compact field, with its acclaimed dashboard design and operating systems. 

Plus you can get three rows of seats, though note that the two individual rear-most chairs  are an option. They fold away to make a flat load floor when not needed. There’s an easy entry system and with fore/aft adjustment for the second row bench – adults up to 1.68m can get comfy in the back, say Mercedes.

So, GLE Coupe or GLB? That’s this week’s AMG question. Rarely has a performance nameplate extended so far across a single manufacturer’s range with such diverse offerings. Both will be on sale in the spring, both at prices to be announced.