In-house Benz tuner AMG is heading in a new direction with its latest SUV offering, deriving heroic power and torque not from blowers, but from a deep-breathing high-rev engine. The AMG-designed DOHC 32-valve V-8 wrings a Z06-like 503 horsepower and 465 pound-feet from 6208 cc of displacement. This thrust is funneled to all four wheels through a new seven-speed auto with steering-wheel shift buttons. The vented and slotted brakes and Airmatic suspension have been starched for supertruck duty, rolling on 19- or 20-inch wheels. Priced near $70K, it should hit 60 mph in under five seconds.
Bottom line: Consider it a swanky Grand Cherokee SRT8 or a bargain Cayenne Turbo.
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