The Pinnacle of Potent Performance SUVs: A Deep Dive into the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe
For a decade now, I’ve been immersed in the automotive industry, witnessing firsthand the evolution of vehicles and the shifting desires of discerning drivers. In that time, few segments have transformed as dramatically as the high-performance SUV. What once was a niche concept, bordering on the absurd to many, has become a cornerstone of luxury automotive manufacturing. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe stands as a gleaming testament to this evolution, a vehicle that continues to redefine what’s possible when opulence meets unbridled power. This isn’t just a car; it’s a statement, a meticulously engineered marvel that blends the commanding presence of an SUV with the visceral thrill of a supercar.
My journey with this particular segment began around the turn of the millennium, a time when the SUV landscape was far less diverse. Buyers were typically faced with a binary choice: utilitarian off-roaders built for rugged terrain or cavernous people-movers designed for maximum practicality. The notion of a performance-oriented SUV was, quite frankly, beyond the realm of mainstream consideration. Then, in 1999, Mercedes-Benz, with its AMG division at the helm, dared to defy convention by introducing the ML 55. This pioneering vehicle, AMG’s inaugural foray into the SUV market, wasn’t merely an iteration; it was a revolution. It proved that a substantial engine could coexist with a luxurious chassis, thereby shattering the long-held belief that speed and refinement were mutually exclusive from spaciousness and utility. The ML 55 laid the foundation for a new breed of high-horsepower, high-riding vehicles, demonstrating that a powerful engine stuffed into a plush chassis didn’t just create a potent machine; it created a versatile one, capable of fulfilling multiple roles without compromise.
Fast forward to today, and the vehicle I recently had the privilege of extensively evaluating, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe 4Matic+, embodies the very spirit of that groundbreaking ML 55, albeit at a vastly amplified level. This is a large, incredibly powerful, and undeniably premium SUV that represents the direct lineage of AMG’s initial foray into this segment. It’s particularly noteworthy that, at the time of this review, this specific model year isn’t readily available in dealerships. A temporary lull in AMG’s V8 engine production has impacted the availability of the potent twin-turbocharged powerplant for the 2022 model year. However, the good news for enthusiasts is that production is slated to resume for subsequent model years. And after spending a week thoroughly testing its capabilities, I can confidently assert that this is a vehicle well worth anticipating.
Unleashing the Beast: AMG GLE 63 S Coupe Performance and Handling
Two decades ago, the idea of a six-hundred-plus horsepower SUV would have been met with skepticism, if not outright disbelief. Today, the landscape is dramatically different. High-performance SUVs are as prevalent as ever, and the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe is a prime example of this automotive arms race. Beneath its sculpted hood lies a formidable 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This powerhouse unleashes a staggering 603 horsepower at 5,750 RPM and a colossal 627 pound-feet of torque, readily available from just 2,500 RPM.
But the GLE 63 S isn’t just about brute force from its V8. It integrates an innovative mild-hybrid system, dubbed EQ Boost. This clever technology employs a compact electric starter-generator, positioned between the engine and transmission, combining the functions of a starter and alternator into a single electric motor. The result is a supplementary surge of up to 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Crucially, this electric assistance isn’t solely dedicated to straight-line acceleration. Instead, it’s intelligently deployed throughout the power band to mitigate turbo lag and provide an immediate, seamless surge of power. The impact on real-world driving is profound: instantaneous throttle response. At no point does the GLE feel ponderous or delayed; it’s exceptionally quick off the line and maintains its impressive pace even at higher speeds. The sheer velocity this substantial vehicle achieves is truly astonishing.
When you truly open up the taps, the GLE 63 S erupts with a deep, throaty roar emanating from its gloss-black exhaust tips. While it may not possess the same melodic resonance as its naturally aspirated 6.2-liter predecessors, the auditory experience remains undeniably thrilling and befitting of its AMG pedigree. Mirroring its spiritual ancestor, the ML 55, this GLE 63 S comes standard with AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It’s here that I’ll introduce a minor point of contention: the automatic transmission’s calibration leans more towards plush comfort for everyday driving rather than razor-sharp performance shifts. While engaging manual mode does allow for more decisive gear changes, the downshifts, particularly, lack the instantaneous crispness one might expect in a car of this caliber. However, it’s vital to remember that the GLE 63 S isn’t designed as a dedicated track weapon. For its intended purpose – commanding urban environments and effortless highway cruising – its responsiveness is more than adequate.
Despite its astonishing acceleration, the GLE 63 S never lets you forget its considerable mass, tipping the scales at nearly 5,500 pounds. While it exhibits a tendency to understeer when pushed to its absolute limits, and its turn-in response, though surprisingly well-controlled given its size, isn’t as immediate as a dedicated sports car. However, these nuances fade into irrelevance when considering the driving context for which the GLE 63 S is engineered. In the congested symphony of city traffic, its adaptive air suspension is tuned to near perfection, delivering a firm, yet remarkably comfortable ride that is entirely appropriate for an AMG product. Even the imposing 22-inch wheels fail to significantly detract from this refined ride quality. While it may not be a precision instrument for carving apexes, its effortless dominance in urban settings underscores its mastery of understanding and catering to its target audience. This is a performance SUV that delivers on comfort, a crucial balance for many affluent buyers.
Sculpted for Speed: The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe’s Striking Design
The GLE 63 S Coupe proudly wears its coupe-inspired SUV silhouette, characterized by its distinctive, sloping roofline. This design language has proven so popular that Mercedes-Benz has adopted it across both the GLE and GLC model lines. On a vehicle of this magnitude, the sloping roofline works exceptionally well, effectively de-emphasizing its substantial dimensions. While the GLE is inherently a large vehicle, the way its roofline gracefully descends towards the rear three-quarters lends it a surprisingly sleek and athletic appearance, belying its imposing size.
This visual elongation is further enhanced by the large, wraparound taillights, whose lighting elements are meticulously proportioned to the vehicle’s expansive body. Echoing the design cues of the original ML 55, the GLE 63 S features prominent flared wheel arches, painted in the same hue as the bodywork. While not as aggressively pronounced as those on its ancestor, they serve to visually widen the GLE 63 S, effectively distinguishing it from its standard GLE counterparts.
A closer examination of the hood reveals two distinct, almost parallel power domes – a design element inherited from the ML 55 and originally referred to by Mercedes-Benz as “power domes.” This styling cue traces its heritage back to the iconic 1950s 300 SL Gullwing, adding a layer of historical gravitas to its contemporary design. The strategic use of darkened accents, including the rear diffuser, wheels, and front air intakes, creates a sophisticated contrast, accentuating the vehicle’s aggressive aesthetic without resorting to gratuitous ostentation. For those seeking luxury performance SUVs, the GLE 63 S Coupe’s design offers a compelling blend of athleticism and elegance.
An Oasis of Innovation: The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe Interior
Any initial reservations one might have about the GLE 63 S’s exterior dimensions are unequivocally dispelled the moment you step inside. What appears as a large body on the outside translates into an expansive and supremely comfortable cabin within. For those frequently transporting family or friends, the abundant interior space is an invaluable asset. Even the sloping roofline of the coupe variant doesn’t compromise headroom; I, standing at a respectable 5’10”, found ample clearance in the rear seats, ensuring that passengers of all ages will experience exceptional comfort on even the longest journeys.
Complementing this generous space are the highly adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, providing an unparalleled level of individual comfort. Beyond sheer comfort, the interior quality is nothing short of spectacular. The technological prowess of the GLE 63 S is equally impressive. Two expansive 12.3-inch displays seamlessly merge to form a unified digital cockpit, exuding a futuristic ambiance and contributing to a meticulously organized cabin layout. The integrated MBUX infotainment system is intuitive and a genuine pleasure to operate, offering a user-friendly experience for managing all vehicle functions, including sophisticated smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The significant price premium commanded by the GLE 63 S over its less potent 53-badged siblings is immediately justifiable through its superior material application. The cabin is adorned with a lavish assortment of leather, Alcantara, and genuine carbon fiber accents, serving as tangible reminders of the vehicle’s exalted status and the owner’s success. The interior of the GLE 63 S unequivocally justifies its considerable price tag, offering an expensive SUV interior that rivals the finest in the automotive world.
Investment in Excellence: AMG GLE 63 S Coupe Pricing and Competition
The sticker price for a new Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe begins at a substantial $117,050. As previously mentioned, direct acquisition of a 2022 model is currently unfeasible due to production constraints. The press vehicle I evaluated was a 2021 model, boasting over 9,000 miles, and with its extensive options, the as-tested price surpassed $130,000. For context, this figure falls short of entry into a Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo, which starts at $133,500, and is considerably less than the $167,800 Turbo S variant.
Its primary rivals in this rarefied segment include the BMW X6 M and the Audi RSQ8. These three German titans, in many respects, offer remarkably similar, highly polished driving experiences. This convergence of offerings presents a unique challenge. While these high-performance SUVs are currently significant profit generators for their respective manufacturers, the long-term question remains: how will they differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive marketplace? The pursuit of performance SUV value in this segment becomes less about identifying a distinct advantage and more about finding the best overall package that resonates with individual preferences. When considering luxury performance SUVs for sale, these models represent the pinnacle of the segment.
Concluding Thoughts: The Definitive Statement in Performance Luxury
The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe unequivocally achieves its intended purpose with remarkable success. It delivers straight-line acceleration that rivals dedicated sports cars, while simultaneously providing a level of comfort that makes it an ideal companion for long family road trips. It is, in essence, a veritable Swiss Army knife of the automotive world. However, it’s important to acknowledge the inherent compromises in its performance envelope – particularly regarding its agility in spirited driving scenarios. If ultimate track-day prowess is your sole objective, the GLE 63 S might leave a touch to be desired.
Yet, for the discerning individual who desires an exceptionally potent and exquisitely crafted vehicle to navigate daily life, surrounded by opulent materials and possessing instant access to prodigious power, the GLE 63 S Coupe is undeniably close to perfection. For those eagerly awaiting its return to production and prepared to invest a significant sum, rest assured, your anticipation will be richly rewarded. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe remains a benchmark for high-performance luxury SUVs, a vehicle that continues to set the standard for what is achievable when engineering excellence meets uncompromised ambition.
If you are captivated by the fusion of exhilarating performance and sophisticated luxury that the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe represents, we invite you to explore available inventory or connect with a Mercedes-Benz specialist dealer to learn more about when this exceptional vehicle will be back on the road and ready to redefine your driving expectations.
