Mercedes’ AMG Sport line grows with the GLE450 AMG 4Matic

By Stephen Edelstein Published October 15, 2015

Mercedes-Benz has a hot rod AMG version of nearly every model it makes, but it’s also beginning to populate its lineup with lighter AMG Sport variants. These models include some performance upgrades, but aren’t quite as hardcore as the full-bore AMGs.

The latest AMG Sport model is the GLE450 AMG 4Matic, based on Mercedes’ recently redesigned midsize SUV. It follows the GLE450 AMG Coupe 4Matic and C450 AMG 4Matic, and features similar upgrades to those two models.

Under the hood is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, which produces 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. It drives all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. The default torque split for the all-wheel drive system is 40/60 front/rear, which should make the 450 AMG 4Matic a little livelier than a standard GLE. Mercedes says it latest creation will do 0 to 62 mph in 5.7 seconds, and reach a top speed of 155 mph.

The GLE450 AMG 4Matic also comes standard with Mercedes’ Aromatic adaptive air suspension, a shorter rear axle ratio, and a sport-tuned steering system. There’s also a Dynamic Select system that alters different vehicle parameters, with five modes to choose from: Individual, Comfort, Slippery, Sport, and Sport Plus.

On the outside, the GLE450 AMG 4Matic is distinguished from less-sporty GLE models by a subtle body kit, 20-inch (21-inch wheels are optional) five-spoke alloy wheels, and chrome tailpipes. As with the other AMG Sport models, the subtle look is almost a throwback to AMG models of a couple of generations ago, which had more of a sleeper vibe than today’s versions.

The interior features a Nappa leather-clad sport steering wheel with a flat bottom, and some aluminum trim pieces. There’s also a smattering of carbon fiber and piano black trim, and brushed stainless steel pedals. Since this is still a Mercedes, there’s also a long list of tech and convenience features, including a Comand infotainment system and Bang & Olufsen BeoSound surround-sound system.

Mercedes is also loading the GLE450 with driver-assistance features, such as Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Crosswind Assist, Distronic Plus, and an intelligent LED lighting system. The price of all of this will be revealed when the GLE450 AMG 4Matic arrives in U.S. showrooms, likely sometime next year.

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Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Buy Now, Upgrade Later: Slate’s $25K Truck Flips the Script on EVs

many hybrids rank as most reliable of all vehicles evs progress consumer reports cr tout cars 0224

A new electric vehicle startup—quietly backed by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos—is building something bold in Michigan. Not just a car, but a whole new idea of what an EV company can be. Slate Auto is a stealthy new automaker with one mission: ditch the luxury-first EV playbook and start from the affordable —which most drivers actually seek.
The start-up has been operating out of public sight since 2022, until TechCrunch found out about its existence. Of course, creating a little mystery about a potentially game-changing concept is a well-tested marketing approach.
But Slate truly seems to approach EVs in a very different way than most: It isn’t debuting with a six-figure spaceship-on-wheels. Instead, it's targeting the holy grail of EV dreams: a two-seat electric pickup truck for just $25,000. Yep, twenty-five grand. That’s less than a tricked-out golf cart in some neighborhoods. Slate is flipping the Tesla model on its head. Tesla, but also the likes of Lucid, BMW, and to a certain degree, Rivian, all started with high-end vehicles to build brand and bankroll future affordable car. But Slate wants to start with the people’s pickup—and letting it grow with you.
This isn’t just a cheap car. It’s a modular, upgradeable EV that’s meant to be personalized over time. Buy the basic model now, then add performance, tech, or lifestyle upgrades later—kind of like building your own dream ride one paycheck at a time. It’s a DIY car for a generation raised on customization and subscriptions. The company even trademarked the phrase: “We built it. You make it.”
Backing up this idea is an equally bold strategy: selling accessories, apparel, and utility add-ons à la Harley-Davidson and Jeep’s MoPar division. You’re not just buying a vehicle; you’re buying into a lifestyle. Think affordable EV meets open-source car culture.
Slate's approach isn't just novel—it's almost rebellious. At a time when other startups risk folding under the weight of their own lofty ambitions, Slate is keeping things lean, scalable, and customer focused. The company reportedly plans to source major components like battery packs and motors from outside suppliers, keeping manufacturing costs low while focusing energy on design, experience, and upgrade paths.
Sure, it’s all been kept under wraps—until now. With plans to begin production near Indianapolis by next year, the wraps are about to come off this EV underdog.
While, at least in spirit, the U.S. market has been dominated by high-end EVs, Slate’s “start small, scale with you” philosophy might be just the jolt the industry needs.

Cars

Kia EV9 and EV6 now fully qualify for the $7,500 tax credit – except for one trim

Kia EV 9

As Kia reported record first-quarter sales, Eric Watson, Kia America VP of sales, made a point of painting a rosy picture for the future: Now that the latest versions of its two best-selling electric vehicles, the EV9 and the EV6, are in full-scale production at Kia’s plant in Georgia, the road is paved for further sales growth.
After all, when Kia announced it was switching production of the EV9 to the U.S. from South Korea in 2023, it largely based its decision on its EVs being eligible for the $7,500 tax credit on new EV purchases offered under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
But the EV9’s battery still came from South Korea and China, which meant it would only receive a partial tax credit of $3,750. Starting this year, the EV9 can qualify for the full $7,500 credit, as Kia switched the sourcing of its battery to its Georgia plant.
As for the EV6, 2025 marks the first time its production takes place stateside, and most of its trims have also become eligible for the full tax credit.
However, there are notable exceptions: Both the EV6 and EV9 GT trims, which are known for providing more horsepower - ie, being faster – and offering a “more aggressive styling and accents”, won’t qualify at all for the tax credit: That’s because production for those vehicles remains based in South Korea, according to CarsDirect, which cited a Kia bulletin to its dealers.
The full credit should still be available for those who lease the vehicles, as leasing does not have the same sourcing requirements under the IRA.
Another big unknown for the GT trims is whether the U.S.’ 25% tariffs on all imported vehicles will again be applied. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump paused most tariffs announced in early April for 90 days.
While prices for the new EV6 and EV9 have yet to be revealed, the combination of the tariffs and the inegibility for the tax credit could seriously dent the appeal of the GT trims.

Android

AR driving at last – this Android Auto feature could mean navigation on smart glass

AR driving

A heads-up display while driving has always been the dream use of AR glasses and now it looks like that could soon become a reality.

Looking at a screen for navigation while driving is undoubtedly a hazard. So overlaying guidance on glasses, that let you keep focused on the road, makes a lot of sense.