New Mercedes GLE 63 and GLS 63 raise bar for performance SUVs

The 1980s were undoubtedly the decade of excess – where enough was never enough, and consumers demanded more, more and more. Times may have moved on since then and become far more sophisticated, but when it comes to the brawniest sports SUVs, little has changed.

That’s because the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S and the titanic Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 are both in line for a series of updates. And both models share the same beating heart – a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine which has undergone a raft of revisions.

The engine has new engine internals and a modified turbocharger and has been designed to reduce vibrations and be more responsive. While there’s no more power accessible from a prod of the accelerator, it’s designed to use less fuel when you do so. Mercedes hasn’t revealed how much, but the current GLE 63 and GLS 63 can manage 22.5 and 21.1mpg respectively. At that level, every little helps. 

Both models feature mild-hybrid tech, which contributes 23bhp and 151lb ft of torque – bring the total output to 603bhp and 630lb ft – and is designed to slip fuel a little more frugally, and fill in gaps in the engine’s power delivery for an even sharper response.

Under Mercedes’ official figures, the GLE 63 S – both in SUV and coupé SUV forms – will cover 0-62mph in 3.9sec, with the larger GLS managing it in 4.2sec. Both models record a top speed of 174mph. That means the GLE is fractionally slower than a Range Rover Sport SV, but the GLS is swifter than the full-fat Range Rover SV, and is among the fastest full-sized seven seaters on sale.

Both models will come equipped with selectable driving modes, a range of settings to offer a sporty or more comfortable ride and tech to virtually eliminate body roll. The GLS 63 has self-levelling rear suspension, ensuring the SUV stays flat regardless of how much it’s carrying (it’s a spacious seven-seat SUV, remember).

It’s likely the GLS 63 luxury SUV will also come with a system that scans the road ahead 1000 times a second to optimise the suspension for the more comfortable and smoothest ride.

As well as a raft of AMG-specific styling inside and out, both models receive many of the same updates as the facelifted version of the Mercedes GLE and the revised GLS. Key to this is the introduction of the Superscreen – a trio of displays behind a single glass screen which stretch across the entire dashboard – and backed by Mercedes’ latest software. It brings AI technology aimed at improving usability, but more buyers will be interested in the return of physical controls on the steering wheel, rather than the frustrating touch-sensitive items.

No prices have been revealed, but we’d expect a slight increase over today’s models when the revised GLE 63 and GLS 63 go on sale at the end of the year. That means the GLE 63 is likely to cost from £145,000 and the GLS 63 from £160,000.

Read more: Best luxury SUVs

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