Eric's Autos: 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63 S
There was a time -- it was not a long time ago -- when V8s were pretty common in the luxury car class and V12s were exotic.
This was circa the late 1990s/early 2000s.
Now, it's V8s that are becoming exotic. Most of the midpriced luxury cars that used to at least offer them now come standard with four-cylinder engines; a six is the usual upgrade. But if you want a V8, you increasingly have to go ... exotic.
Which will get you something like the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63 S.
What It Is
The GLE 63 S is the exotic, ultra-high-performance of Mercedes' midsize GLE SUV. It comes standard with a V8, something as uncommon as a standard V12 used to be, back when V8s were still pretty commonly available even in ordinary family cars such as the Ford Crown Victoria (last available new in 2011).
But the Vic's V8 only made about a third of the power produced by the Benz's V8. And the Vic did not get to 60 in 3.7 seconds, which the Benz SUV can -- notwithstanding that it weighs about 1,000 pounds more than the Ford.
It can also pull the Ford behind it, on a trailer.
And it hardly uses any more gas, either.
Base price is $120,000, which includes (and surpasses) everything that comes standard in other GLEs, with the exception of the otherwise optional third-row seating option, which is not available with this exotic vehicle.
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