First ride: 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic Coupé

Although the larger footprint is significant in providing the GLE 53 Coupé with greater overall stability than its predecessor, Nowack says it is the detailed changes AMG has brought to the suspension that really make a difference, not only in lifting its dynamic prowess above its predecessor but also other second-generation GLE coupé models.

The engineer, who heads up the chassis development of all of AMG’s SUV models, alludes to some very meticulous modifications to the front end of the GLE 53 Coupé, which receives its own unique subframe, lower control arms set 20mm closer to the ground than those of the standard GLE suspension and new wheel bearings offer greater toe in effect.

The standard ADS air-sprung suspension used the GLE 53 Coupé has also been reworked with firmer qualities and larger diametre anti roll bars for added body control.

Elsewhere, the steering ratio has been made more direct. “It’s more direct than any previous SUV from AMG,” says Nowack, who says the GLE 53 Coupé boasts the sort of steering response and turn-in sharpness you’d expect from a more much smaller and lighter car in its most sporting setting. “It really is a big departure from the standard GLE Coupé. There’s more feel and a much more direct feel,” he claims. It is little wonder, then, that AMG decided not to provide the new model with four-wheel steering.

Placing the power to the road is a uniquely tuned four-wheel drive system. Nowack describes it as being “rear-biased”, though the apportioning of the drive is continuously variable between the front and rear wheels depending on the driving conditions. The GLE 53 Coupé also receives its own individual mechanical differential at the rear.

To cope with the added performance potential brought on by the new engine, the new AMG model also receives its own braking package with 400mm front and 345mm rear discs. They’re allied to two-piston callipers all round as standard, though buyers can specify optional six-piston front callipers for added braking ability.

Every GLE 53 Coupé will come with a so-called AMG Driving Dynamics system, which allows the driver to choose between three different driving modes: Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. What AMG has tried to achieve is a broader range in character. While it has concentrated much of its efforts at raising the sporting qualities of the new model, it also says it has succeeded in making it more compliant in comfort.

When the talking’s finished, we get to experience the GLE 53 Coupé. For now, we’re able only to ride shotgun with Nowack. It is obviously not an ideal situation, particularly with a car that is intended to major on driving qualities, but if you were to choose a road in which to conduct such detached judgement, the Transfăgărășan, or DN7C as it is known to the locals, is a good starting point. Winding over the Carpathian mountains of Romania, this rolling ribbon of bitumen has it all – tightening hairpins, fast off-camber corners, unsighted crests, smooth and coarse chip surfaces. You name it, it delivers. It is hell for any car, and as the concentrated look that soon appears on the face of the AMG engineer attests, a clear challenge for the driver, too.