Automotive
Just when it seemed like the big AMG V8 might be getting pushed further into the background, Mercedes-AMG is reminding everyone that there is still room for old-school muscle in the modern performance SUV world. The latest GLE 63 S Coupe and GLS 63 return with updated twin-turbo V8 power, a dose of mild-hybrid assistance, and the kind of presence that makes these two SUVs feel more like rolling declarations than simple family haulers.
Both models are powered by an updated 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. That is the sort of output AMG buyers expect, but Mercedes-AMG has gone deeper than just keeping the big numbers intact. The engine has been reworked with a new flat-plane crankshaft to reduce rotating mass and help it rev more freely, while upgraded intakes and turbochargers are designed to sharpen throttle response and improve overall efficiency.
A new 48-volt mild-hybrid system also joins the party, using an updated Integrated Starter Generator that can contribute up to 23 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. This is not AMG trying to turn its biggest SUVs into silent commuters. Instead, the added electrification is there to help the V8 feel quicker off the line, smoother at low speeds, and more immediate when the driver leans into the throttle. It is modern assistance without stripping away the character that makes a big AMG feel special.
The performance figures back up the attitude. Mercedes-AMG says the GLE 63 S Coupe can run from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, while the larger GLS 63 makes the same sprint in 3.9 seconds. Both models are electronically limited to 174 mph, which remains a wild number for SUVs of this size and luxury. These are machines that can haul passengers in comfort one moment and embarrass sports cars the next.
To keep all that power from feeling unruly, AMG equips both SUVs with AMG Ride Control+ air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control. The system monitors the road at high speed and works to reduce body roll in real time, helping these tall, heavy vehicles feel more composed when pushed. Fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and an electronically controlled rear locking differential are also part of the package, giving the GLE and GLS the hardware needed to make their performance feel usable rather than merely impressive on paper.
Visually, Mercedes-AMG has sharpened the look without reinventing the shape. The GLE 63 S Coupe and GLS 63 get an AMG-specific grille, revised LED lighting, larger front air intakes, quad exhaust outlets, and a reshaped rear diffuser. The GLS in particular gains extra curb appeal with its bold 10-spoke wheels, while both cabins stay true to the AMG formula with large digital displays, performance-focused graphics, the latest AMG steering wheel, and updated software that can show data like torque distribution, g-forces, and engine information.
The expanded MANUFAKTUR program gives buyers more ways to personalize these already high-end SUVs, including distinctive paint finishes and upscale leather combinations such as Yacht Blue and Tartufo Brown. Pricing has not been announced yet, but there is little doubt these V8-powered AMG SUVs will sit deep into premium territory when they arrive. More importantly, they send a clear message that AMG is not done with big-displacement emotion just yet. In a segment increasingly shaped by electrification, the GLE 63 S Coupe and GLS 63 prove there is still plenty of life left in a properly tuned V8.
Darryl Taylor Dowe is a seasoned automotive professional with a proven track record of leading successful ventures and providing strategic consultation across the automotive industry. With years of hands-on experience in both business operations and market development, Darryl has played a key role in helping automotive brands grow and adapt in a rapidly evolving landscape. His insight and leadership have earned him recognition as a trusted expert, and his contributions to Automotive Addicts reflect his deep knowledge and passion for the business side of the car world.
