Along with BMW M’s 50th anniversary, 2022 also marks 55 years since its rival AMG was founded. Hence, people from Affalterbach are celebrating the milestone through a range of limited-edition “Edition 55” models. This also includes six SUVs that Mercedes-AMG recently unveiled. The new Edition 55 models use the GLE SUV and GLE Coupe’s 55, 63 and 63 S AMG models as their base. They also get a host of styling tweaks to differentiate them from the standard models.
The brand is already accepting orders for the GLE Edition 55. The Edition 55 will be available as an extra package until the end of 2022. Depending on the model, prices will range from EUR 5,950 to EUR 13,090. The brand will also throw in a tailor-made AMG indoor car cover. The US will also get the Edition 55 for the GLE 53 and GLE 63 S, each limited to 55 units.
As a throwback to the 1980s, the GLE Edition 55 features a retro-style side decal with the AMG logo. The model will be available in two exterior finishes – Obsidian Black and Diamond White Bright. All the versions of the GLE Edition 55 ride on 22-inch cross-spoke forged wheels. They come in a matte grey finish, and the wheel centre caps surrounding the three-pointed star say “Edition 55”.
The model also comes with Mercedes’ AMG Night Package as standard. Therefore, there are a host of high-gloss exterior parts. The model also has tinted windows and black chrome plating for the quad exhaust tips. AMG’s attention to detail is evident from the fuel filler cap, which gets a silver chrome finish and AMG lettering.
On the inside, all versions of the Edition 55 come with a black and red interior theme. The door sills feature stainless steel sills with AMG lettering in red illumination. The attention to detail continues on the inside, too, as the bespoke floor mats get an “Edition 55” logo woven in red. The 53 and 63 models get an optional Nappa leather upholstery. The upholstery extends onto the centre console and doors as well. The Nappa leather is standard on the 63 S models. The centre armrest also comes with an embossed AMG crest.
The Edition 55 is available with the 55, 63 and 63 S models of the standard GLE and the GLE Coupe. Powering the 53 models is a 3.0-litre inline-six with turbo, a 48V mild-hybrid system, and an electric auxiliary compressor. The motor produces 435 HP at 6,100 rpm and 520 Nm of torque between 1,800 and 5,800 rpm. An ISG further adds 22 HP of power and 250 Nm of torque.
On the other hand, the 63 and 63 S models use a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 and a 48V mild-hybrid system. In the 63, the motor makes 571 HP at 5,750-6500 rpm plus 22 HP from the ISG. The max torque output is 750 Nm between 2,250 to 5,000 rpm. The ISG further adds another 250 Nm of torque. The 63 S model gets a higher state of tune and makes 612 HP between 5,750 rpm to 6,500 rpm and 850 Nm of torque between 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. The ISG adds another 22 HP and 250 Nm of torque.
All the models use an AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. The system also gets fully variable torque distribution. They all also use the same AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission.
The 53 models accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.3 seconds. Meanwhile, the 63 takes 4 seconds, and the 63 S takes 3.8 seconds. The top speed is 250 kmph. However, the 63 and 63 S models are available with an optional AMG Drivers Package, which increases the top speed to 280 kmph.
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