McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

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Mercedes-AMG Unveils The New 2027 GLE 63 S & The New GLS 63

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 15, 2026

New 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S & GLS 63 Revealed

AMG has become synonymous with a signature combination of automotive luxury and performance, and some of the most popular creations from the performance arm of Mercedes-Benz are SUVs. The Mercedes-AMG SUV lineup consists of several models, ranging from compact, nimble vehicles to larger, V8-powered icons, and two popular Mercedes-AMG nameplates have returned, with a revised powertrain and several other tweaks throughout. Those are the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S and the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63. Updated for the 2027 model year, the iconic GLE and the large, sumptuous GLS have both been given the latest iterations of an AMG makeover, with a revised powertrain under the hood. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that lies at the heart of both models is the M177 EVO, which features a new flat-plane crankshaft, reducing rotating mass, allowing the engine to rev more easily, ensuring precise response, and laying the groundwork for a new generation of V8 engines that improves both power and efficiency. In both vehicles, the engine musters 603 horsepower and 627 lb/ft of torque, and it also uses mild hybrid technology to provide an assisting 23 horsepower and 151 lb/ft of torque, contributing to the engine’s total power and torque numbers. With that power, the GLE 63 S is able to get from 0-60 in 3.6 seconds, while the GLS 63 manages to make it from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. Both vehicles have an electronically limited top speed of 174 mph. While your foot is on the pedal, the sound experience of the engine is enhanced and adaptable thanks to an AMG Performance exhaust system with configurable valves. <- Gallery -> The front ends of both vehicles have been redesigned to evolve their aggressive, performance-oriented design, and other design tweaks include a unique selection of 22 and 23-inch wheels, and Nappa leather interiors including in unique colors like MANUFAKTUR Yacht Blue. MANUFAKTUR also offers various striking paint color options for the latest AMG models, which can be paired with the AMG Night Package for added flair in the exterior design. Also contributing to the performance of the latest Mercedes-AMG SUVs is AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension, which comes as standard and adjusts ride height for off-road driving, as well as for performance at higher speeds, and it teams up with active roll stabilization to inspire confidence and ensure precise handling. A locking rear differential works to improve the agility, turning two celebrated SUV models into supercar-like performers, and with AMG DYNAMIC SELECT, available with the push of a button, drivers can access several programs that adapt the car to a wide variety of situations. Modes include Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Trail, Slippery, and an Individual mode that can be customized by the driver. With an updated approach to its design, a revised V8 engine, and personalization-focused luxury, the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S and GLS 63 are two new performance luxury SUV icons with cherished nameplates. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

The New 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Is A Hybrid Luxury Performance SUV

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 31, 2026

New 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Revealed

First introduced as the M-Class in 1997, the GLE has quickly become one of customers’ favorite Mercedes-Benz models, combining practicality, style, luxury, while also suiting a wide range of performance and driving needs. 30 years later, the new 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE has updated the staple with updated powertrains, revised styling, the high-tech MB.OS computer system, and more. However, along with the standard Mercedes-Benz GLE getting an update, a new Mercedes-AMG counterpart to the GLE has also arrived, the new 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53. Featuring an electrified and turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, the new GLE 53 takes a luxury performance favorite and gives it an electrifying reimagination. By itself, the 3.0-liter turbo inline-six musters an impressive 443 hp and 443 lb/ft of torque. For the new model year, the engine has been further improved to deliver a sportier power curve, and a 400-volt plug-in hybrid system adds to the performance, as well. Consisting of a 181-horsepower electric motor with 354 lb/ft of torque, the system most prominently helps eliminate turbo lag. Combined, the total system output is 577 hp and 553 lb/ft of torque, and as a result, the new 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 gets from 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, with a top speed that is electronically limited to 155 mph. <- Gallery -> The electric system, however, not only adds performance, but also efficiency, with a standard fast charger that allows for charging from 10 to 80 percent in just 20 minutes and purely electric driving at up to 87 mph. A newly tuned suspension offers greater dynamics and comfort, while various driving modes adapt for traction, comfort, performance, and efficiency. Nappa leather interiors are a highlight of the new GLE 53’s luxury, and new high-tech in-car systems, including the use of MB.OS, improves the driving experience even further. Available in both SUV and Coupe body styles, the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 is setting a new precedent as a hybrid luxury performance SUV. View All Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 01, 2023

Mercedes-Benz Reveals The New 2024 GLE 400 e Plug-In Hybrid

This luxury SUV staple is ready to enter the future. The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a favorite among the highly competitive camp of luxurious family haulers that combine style, comfort, performance, practicality, and a dash of off-road appeal. The model wins favor among many buyers today, and Mercedes-Benz has its sights set on it winning even more favor with the various improvements that the GLE has been given for the 2024 model year. These include revised design features, new powertrains, increased performance, and more. MUST READ: Mercedes-Benz’s New Autonomous Driving System Is Certified In Nevada A new plug-in hybrid variant of the GLE has been revealed, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 e, and it will allow for both efficient driving and potent performance, combining a 134-horsepower electric motor with its 248-horsepower engine to deliver 381 horsepower and 479 lb/ft of torque in total. Also improved are the headlight design, interior appointments, off-road drivability, and the intelligence and usability of the MBUX infotainment system. However, the high-performance AMG models are not left out. Mercedes-Benz has announced that the AMG variants of the GLE, the GLE 53 and GLE 63, have also been revised. Additions for the 2024 model year include increased performance, enhanced configuration options and more. This popular and competent luxury SUV is improved and ready for more success in the 2024 model year. View All Mercedes-Benz GLEs For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 21, 2022

The New Mercedes-AMG GLE "Edition 55" Models Continue AMG...

Mercedes-AMG’s “Edition 55” models continue as the brand celebrates the historic anniversary year. Mercedes-AMG has spent this year releasing “Edition 55” models to celebrate 55 years of AMG. Since 1967, the German house has been dedicated to bringing out the performance potential of Mercedes-Benz cars, and since being a part of the Mercedes-Benz brand, that dedication has been more than fulfilled with legendary cars and feats coming from the group. The latest model to get the “Edition 55” treatment is the Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV, along with the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, with a new look made to celebrate AMG’s storied history. Featuring 22-inch forged AMG cross-spoke wheels along with an AMG crest graphic on the sides of the car, combined with the AMG Night Package, the "Edition 55" has a sleek and special look. A black and red interior, matching the rest of the “Edition 55” models, is accented by “Edition 55” letterings, signatures, and badges throughout, from the steering wheel to the seats, to the palm rest on the center console. Of course, the true signature of AMG is performance, and with the GLE 53 Coupe and SUV, the 0-60 dash happens in just 5.2 seconds with 429 horsepower and 384 lb/ft of torque. With the GLE 63 Coupe and SUV, 0-60 is even faster at just 3.7 seconds, with 603 horsepower and 627 lb/ft of torque on tap. It’s no wonder Mercedes-Benz gave the GLE the honor of being a performance SUV that celebrates 55 years of performance prowess. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Andrew Nabors – February 27, 2020

New 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Blends Comfort & Capability

Geneva is shaping up to be a Battle Royale for luxury utilities. Audi has unleashed an all-new Q7, so it is only fitting that the new 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE blends comfort & capability. In their latest YouTube upload, their spokesman's word choice is undoubtedly aimed at Americans. For the new model, All Wheel Drive is standard. The GLE 350 has a 255 horsepower turbo 4, and the GLE 450 has their new 3-liter straight-six turbo with a 48-volt hybrid assist. In addition to the traditional turbo, an electric supercharger keeps it spooled to offer 362 horsepower at an instant. If you need a V8, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S has no less than 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Click the button below to find one near you and stay with us for all your Geneva coverage. Browse All Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – February 19, 2020

2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe Revealed With More Power

European Automakers are in a mad dash to comply with the upcoming mandate. The EU wants every passenger vehicle to have some form of a hybrid system when a new generation launches. That is how and why the new 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe has been revealed with more power. This mid-cycle refresh has more aggressive lines and a larger chrome grille. The AMG Night Package is optional, offering tinted windows along with black mirrors and rocker panels. Under the hood is their latest 48-volt motor/generator. It can add 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Also being able to apply load on the engine, it saves on brake wear while improving city mileage. 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Price & Specs It is attached to their latest 4.0L twin-turbo that offers 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque on its own. AMG Performance 4MATIC+ can send all power to any wheel that has grip. Other goodies include locking differentials, 15.7" brakes, and triple-chamber air suspension. Click the link below to learn more from our dealers and stay with us for all your Mercedes-AMG news. Browse All Mercedes-AMG GLE For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 28, 2019

Mercedes-AMG Unveils 2021 GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé

Don't let the images fool you, this 4-door hatchback crossover is a " Coupé ". Mercedes-Benz and Porsche have adopted the terminology to apply to any model without upper window frames on the doors. Nevertheless, this is still a crossover SUV. To return fire at the latest Porsche Cayenne Coupe, Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the 2021 GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé ahead of the Frankfurt Auto Show. Because everyone associates AMG's 63 series as all-out performance, think of AMG 53 models as sporty with a hint of efficiency. With an all-new 3.0L straight-six engine, it combines twin-turbos with an "EQ Boost". This uses the alternator to add 22 horsepower & 184 lb-ft from a 48-volt mild hybrid system. It may not seem like much, but 22 horsepower adds up in city driving. The total output is 457 horsepower and 567 lb-ft of torque- not too shabby! The best feature is that this electric boost is integrated into a new Stop & Go Assist. It uses the lane keep assist and collision avoidance to maintain the same distance to the car in front of you, without any input from the driver. Using their latest AWD system (4MATIC+) it will be a safe & practical family car. We're waiting on the upcoming GLE 63, which will offer the 4.0L twin-turbo V8. Stay with us for all your Mercedes-AMG news, and click the link below to find a GLE near you. Browse Mercedes-AMG GLE For Sale " width="680"> Related: Mercedes-AMG G63 Price & Specs Revealed Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe Specs, Photos, Price & Review

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