Mercedes-Benz has added a new GLE580 derivative to its range in the United States, handing the latest generation a V8 engine for the first time.
Under the newcomer’s bonnet you’ll find the German firm’s twin-turbo V8 petrol unit, linked up to a 48 V on-board electrical system with an integrated starter generator.
The eight-cylinder mill offers 360 kW and 700 N.m, while the “EQ Boost” function adds an extra 16 kW and 250 N.m over “short periods”. The Stuttgart-based firm has yet to announce performance figures for this variant, although it’s worth noting it’ll likely outpunch the similarly electrified Mercedes-AMG GLE53.
The 48 V electrical system serves not only high-power consumers (such as the water pump and air-conditioning compressor), but also the integrated starter-generator, which furthermore supplies energy to the battery by means of energy recuperation.
The GLE580 features Mercedes-Benz’s variable 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, the latest MBUX multimedia system (complete with voice control) and dual 12,3-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen displays.
It’s not yet known whether the GLE580 will be offered in South Africa, where the range will comprise GLE300d, GLE450 and GLE400d variants at launch.
