amg 53

Photographers have spotted the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GLE53 this week during development testing, giving us a closer look at the mid-tier performance version of the next-gen SUV. It appears the new GLE prototypes are dropping camouflage, with the black-and-white wrap now limited to the front and rear treatments, showing off more of the new model's sheetmetal.

It seems Mercedes-AMG could be mulling a new line of '40', '50' and '73' models, after trademarking several model names with new number designations. Documents submitted last year by Daimler to the European Union Patent and Trademark Office show Mercedes-AMG has trademarked 'AMG 40', 'AMG 50', 'S73', 'GLS73' and 'G73' for use in Europe.

Mercedes-AMG is reportedly prepping a new model line based on the new Mercedes-Benz 'M256' straight-six petrol engine. As with most models in the AMG and Mercedes-Benz ranges, the numerical suffix bears no relation to the engine's displacement, instead it serves to indicate where within the power and prestige hierarchy the car fits.