Mercedes Benz GLE 450 AMG 3.0 (A)
GLE class of SUV is truly a statement
of the 21st century, as well as a bold
challenge to its nearest competitor, the
BMW X6, which technically would be
the perfect opponent in this category
of sporty, coupe-looking SUV.
For that, BMW now has a serious
competitor against its X6. The Mercedes
Benz GLE450 AMG which we had
the opportunity to test drive, is clearly
beckoning for a fight. Standing fit and
proud at welterweight proportions, the
GLE450 AMG is muscular, chiseled in
proportions like a stocky mixed martial
arts fighter, thanks to neat combination
of blistered fenders, swollen bonnet and
sculpted headlights. Whether it is on the
roads or in front of our camera, the Silver
Arrow SUV cut an intimidating image
that clearly sent out signs of aggression,
that this is no car to be trifled with.
External appearances can be slightly
deceiving though, as one would soon
discover upon diving into the interior of
the sporty looking SUV coupe. Fitted with
plush leather and gleaming décor bits,
the GLE450 AMG will surely take four,
although anything more would mean
that passenger comfort would be in the
squishy zone. This could be attributed tohe SUV movement
through the years
has gained quite
a significant bit of
traction, which can be
clearly seen from recently garnered
sales statistics. Although compact
SUVs and crossovers have been doing
well lately, there is still the traditional
camp of drivers who prefer their SUVs
bold, intimidating and full of grunt.
To name, BMW is one such
automotive manufacturer that has
managed to survive the long and
enduring journey through the decades,
alongside other brands such as
Lexus to convince people that SUVs
can coincide with the urban lifestyle
that is life for many drivers here in
Singapore. To make the SUV line-
up even more pronounced, these
automakers have introduced a variety
of such models and their respective
variants, ranging from the pleasantly
pliant to the outrageously brutish.
Given their recent success in dabbling
with turbocharged engines, Mercedes
Benz has relooked and refreshed their
SUV line-up. Effectively replacing the
outdated and bland M Class design, theGERMAN
JAGERNAUT
When AMG infiltrates into the rank of the standard
fleet of Mercedes’, one can expect a blitzkrieg of sorts,
especially when it involves turbocharging SUVs...TEXT AND PHOTOS AARON HIAMarch 2016 // 33