Mercedes-Benz has announced the specification of its most powerful non-AMG SUV.

The GLE580 version of Mercedes-Benz’s fourth-generation large SUV will feature the company’s renowned 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, augmented with mild-hybridization.

Like many Mercedes-Benz products revealed since the beginning of this year, the GLE580 is wired with a 48V electrical architecture to optimise the efficiency gains possible with its integrated starter motor/generator.

The GLE580’s twin-turbocharged V8 boost a peak power output of 360 kW and 700 Nm of torque. Impressive as those numbers are, the total system output, when charged by the onboard batteries, adds another 16 kW and 250 Nm for short bursts of acceleration. That makes the GLE580 theoretically more potent, in terms of pure power output than a standard AMG GT – which claims350 kW.

Beyond the notable overtaking acceleration offered by GLE580’s powertrain, it is also cleverly efficient. There is very little mechanical drag on the engine, with many secondary functions (air-conditioning and water pump operation) powered by energy harvested and stored in a 0.9kWh battery. The GLE580’s drivetrain also has an ability to allow high-speed mechanical decoupling of the V8 engine, allowing the large SUV to cruise on drivetrain momentum when road gradient and speeds are adequate.

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that its GLE580 will go on sale in the United States by the fourth quarter of 2019, with a global rollout to other markets thereafter.

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