Ferrari 488 GTB/Spider

The 488 is the latest Ferrari mid-engine V8 supercar. It follows the same formula as its predecessors, except the 488 is powered by a 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 661 horsepower and 561 ft-lbs. of torque. It can go from 0 to 60 in about three seconds, onto a top speed of 205 mph. The Ferrari 488's only transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch. Its new twin-turbo V8 is also available in the entry-level California T and virtually eliminates turbo lag. The retractable hardtop on the Spider raises and lowers in 14 seconds at speeds of up to 25 mph. Pricing for the Ferrari 488 starts at $245k for the GTB and $275k for the Spider. The current-gen mid-engine V8 Prancing Horse is an amazing, highly sophisticated vehicle that looks incredible. However, I personally like the McLaren 650S and Lamborghini Huracan more; I will go into more details about these two beasts in upcoming posts.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

You probably remember this crossover as the M-Class, but it has been renamed the GLE in order for it to fit in with Mercedes-Benz's nomenclature. Aesthetically, the GLE has some minor styling changes inside and out compared to the M-Class. It is available in five trims: GLE350/4MATIC (AWD), GLE300d 4MATIC, GLE400 4MATIC, GLE550e Plug-in Hybrid, and AMG GLE63/S. The GLE350 is powered by a 3.5L V6 producing 302 hp and 273 ft-lbs. of torque. The GLE300d is powered by a 2.1L twin-turbo diesel inline-4 producing 201 hp and 369 ft-lbs. of torque. The GLE400 is powered by a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 producing 329 hp and 354 ft-lbs. of torque. The GLE550e is powered by the same engine as the GLE400, except with an electric motor, producing a combined 436 hp and 479 ft-lbs. of torque. Lastly, the AMG GLE63 and GLE63 S (AWD) are powered by a 5.5L twin-turbo V8 producing 550 hp and 516 ft-lbs. of torque for the former, 577 hp and 561 ft-lbs. of torque for the latter. The AMG GLE63 and GLE63 S can go from 0 to 60 mph in about five seconds and hit a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. All GLE models come standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch. It can also tow up to 7,200 lbs., depending on the trim level. Pricing ranges from $52,025 to $65,525 for non-AMG models and $100,875 to $108,025 for AMG models.

Also new for this year is the GLE Coupe to take down the BMW X6. It is very similar to the GLE crossover, except the coupe is less practical, less appealing, and more expensive.The coupe is available in two trims: AMG GLE43 and AMG GLE63 S. The former trim is powered by an AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 362 horsepower and 384 foot-pounds of torque, and can launch from 0 to 60 in 5.6 seconds. The latter trim is powered by an AMG 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 577 horses and 561 foot-pounds of torque, just like the standard AMG GLE63 S. Also, the GLE63 S coupe can hit 0 to 60 in 4.1 seconds.

Overall, the GLE crossover is a great vehicle, and the AMG 63 model is a complete sleeper. There is practically a GLE model for everyone. It is one of the best vehicles in its class, along with the Porsche Cayenne. However, the GLE coupe isn't the best looking Three-pointed Star available. I would rather have the Mercedes-Benz GLE coupe than its closest rival, the BMW X6, but not over a traditional Mercedes-Benz sedan or SUV. I feel like the latter serves more of a purpose while the former serves as more of a status symbol.