In the last couple of months, Mercedes revealed the updated versions of both the midsize GLE-Class and the flagship, three-row GLS-Class. Those reveals were just for the mainline versions. Now, Mercedes is showing the top-spec, V8-powered AMG versions. They pack majorly revised engines and slightly quicker acceleration, but they’re not as different to their predecessors as you would think.
2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe and GLS 63 from the front three-quarter angleMercedes-Benz
Mercedes Went To A Lot Of Effort For Not Much
The most notable change in the updated twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8s these AMG SUVs use is to the crankshaft. Like basically every other Mercedes using a version of this engine, it features a flat-plane crankshaft. Mercedes also notes that this particular AMG version has new intake camshaft profiles, intake and exhaust ports, turbo compressor and housing, and fuel injection tuning. The exhaust system has a new particulate filter, too, for improved emissions.
2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe from the front three-quarter angleMercedes-Benz
So this all means the new AMGs are more potent, right? Wrong. They make exactly the same amount of power and torque as before: 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet. The power delivery is almost identical, too. Torque peaks at the same 2,500 to 4,500 rpm, while peak power comes up 250 rpm sooner from 5,500 to 6,100 rpm. That peak power spread is 150 rpm narrower, too. Technically, the integrated starter-generator for the mild-hybrid system makes 2 more horses at 23, but it’s also down by 31 lb-ft of twist to 151. Regardless, that motor doesn’t affect the total output.
2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe and GLS 63 Powertrain Specifications
Engine
Twin-turbo 4.0L V8
Transmission
9-speed automatic
Drivetrain
AWD
Horsepower
603 hp
Torque
627 lb-ft
0-60 mph
3.6 sec. (GLE), 3.9 sec. (GLS)
Top Speed
174 mph (electronically limited)
2027 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 from the front three-quarter angleMercedes-Benz
Somehow, though, these new AMG SUVs are actually quicker to 60 mph than their predecessors. The GLE 63 S now does the 0-60 run in 3.6 seconds, an improvement of 0.1 second. The GLS 63 has an even bigger improvement, dropping from 4.1 seconds to 3.9.
The rest of these AMGs’ equipment is familiar. They still have nine-speed automatic transmissions with all-wheel drive and electronically-controlled limited-slip differentials. They also ride on adaptive air suspension with active roll stabilization.
2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe from the rear three-quarter angleMercedes-Benz
The Styling Changes Are Similarly Subtle
Naturally, these SUVs adopt many of the interior and exterior changes introduced by their milder counterparts. The headlights and taillights have been redesigned with prominent three-pointed star LED running lamps. The front grille is larger and descends lower on the front fasicia. The AMG-specific differences include a grille insert with bold, vertical bars, larger lower air intakes, and, at the rear, a diffuser and quad exhaust tips. Mercedes also added new wheel options, with the largest available on the GLE 63 S coming in at 22 inches, and the GLS 63 having some up to 23 inches.
2027 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 from the rear three-quarter angleMercedes-Benz
The interiors are the most dramatically different as they feature the sheer glass dash hiding multiple screens for instruments and infotainment. The latest computer hardware and MB.OS operating system power those big screens. Setting the AMGs apart from the other models are a steering wheel with drive mode selector wheels and available carbon fiber trim.
Wide shot of the 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 dashboardMercedes-Benz
Both SUVs will be on sale this fall. Mercedes did not give pricing, though. They will probably be priced slightly higher than the outgoing models. For reference, the GLE 63 S has a starting MSRP of $131,800, and the GLS 63’s MSRP starts at $151,050.
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CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
Mercedes rolling out this revised version of its V8 makes it clear that the company is committed to keeping the big V8s around for a while longer, which is sure to please long-time fans. We’ll admit that we’re confused though as to why the automaker didn’t take the opportunity to squeeze more grunt out of the engine while it was making so many changes.
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Certainly, some were likely to help with emissions, but if you’re going to the expense and inconvenience of making significant internal changes, why not aim for some marketable numbers, too? As long as it doesn’t become too much more expensive, though, these freshened models should still be great muscle SUVs.
