The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe: A Modern Muscle SUV Masterpiece
For nearly a decade, I’ve navigated the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive industry, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of innovation and the enduring appeal of performance. In my years as an industry expert, I’ve seen trends emerge, peak, and sometimes fade. Yet, some vehicles transcend fleeting fads, becoming benchmarks of their segment. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe is precisely one such vehicle, a testament to how far the high-performance SUV has come. It’s more than just a car; it’s a statement, a finely tuned instrument of luxury and power that redefines what a family vehicle can be.
A Legacy Forged in Speed: The Evolution of the Performance SUV
The seeds of the modern performance SUV were sown in the late 1990s. Back then, the SUV market was a far cry from the diverse ecosystem we see today. Buyers were typically presented with a choice between rugged, trail-ready off-roaders or spacious, family-focused people carriers. The concept of blending raw power with the elevated practicality of an SUV was, to put it mildly, on the fringes of automotive imagination.
Then, in 1999, Mercedes-Benz, in collaboration with AMG, dared to redefine the paradigm. The introduction of the ML 55 AMG wasn’t just a new model; it was a revolution. AMG, known for its mastery of performance enhancements, took a capable, comfortable SUV and infused it with a potent V8 engine. This wasn’t an attempt to create a track-day warrior from a lumbering behemoth. Instead, it was a sophisticated fusion, demonstrating that exhilarating speed, opulent comfort, ample space, and refined luxury didn’t need to be mutually exclusive. The ML 55 proved that one vehicle could indeed cater to a multitude of desires, setting the stage for an entirely new breed of automobile.
The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe: The Pinnacle of Power and Presence
Fast forward to today, and the performance SUV segment is a vibrant, highly competitive arena. The vehicle that stands before me today, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe 4Matic+, is a direct spiritual successor to that groundbreaking ML 55. It embodies the very ethos AMG pioneered: delivering a substantial dose of horsepower and torque within a luxurious, versatile SUV package.
It’s worth noting a peculiar current situation: this specific model, the 2021 GLE 63 S Coupe, isn’t readily available for immediate purchase as a new vehicle. A temporary constraint in AMG’s V8 engine production has affected the availability of the twin-turbocharged powerhouse that defines this machine 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 immersed in its capabilities, I can confidently say that the anticipation for its return is entirely justified. This is a vehicle that commands patience.
Unleashing the Beast: Performance That Defies Gravity
Two decades ago, the notion of an SUV packing over 600 horsepower was pure science fiction. Today, it’s a reality, with a growing number of performance SUVs vying for attention alongside traditional supercars. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe sits firmly at the apex of this category. Under its sculpted hood lies a formidable 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This masterpiece of engineering unleashes a staggering 603 horsepower at 5750 rpm, complemented by an immense 627 pound-feet of torque available from just 2500 rpm.
But AMG’s ingenuity doesn’t stop at forced induction. The GLE 63 S incorporates the innovative EQ Boost system. This clever integration of a starter-generator, nestled between the engine and the nine-speed automatic transmission, provides a temporary surge of up to 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Crucially, this electric assistance isn’t solely focused on brute straight-line acceleration. Instead, it’s strategically deployed to fill any gaps in the power band, mitigating turbo lag and ensuring a seamless, instantaneous response across the entire rev range.
The real-world manifestation of this technological symphony is an acceleration that feels utterly relentless. There’s never a moment of hesitation, no hint of sluggishness, even from a standstill. The sheer velocity with which this substantial vehicle can surge forward is nothing short of astonishing. It defies its considerable mass, offering an exhilarating experience that continually surprises.
And then there’s the sound. When you push the accelerator pedal to the floor, the GLE 63 S unleashes a proper, guttural roar from its gloss-black exhaust tips. While perhaps not possessing the same operatic resonance as its V8 predecessors from a bygone era, the auditory experience is still profoundly thrilling and undeniably AMG.
Much like its historical forebear, the ML 55, the GLE 63 S comes standard with AMG’s performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system, the 4Matic+. This power is managed by a nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT transmission. While this gearbox performs admirably in most situations, its tuning leans towards prioritizing ride comfort during everyday driving rather than outright track-focused aggression. Engaging the manual shifting mode offers a more direct connection and improved responsiveness, though downshifts, while competent, lack the razor-sharp immediacy found in dedicated sports cars. However, it’s crucial to remember the GLE 63 S’s intended purpose. This isn’t a precision instrument designed for carving apexes on a mountain pass. For its intended environment – navigating urban sprawls and cruising at higher speeds – its transmission is more than adequate, offering a harmonious blend of performance and refinement.
Despite its blistering acceleration, the GLE 63 S never lets you forget its nearly 5,500-pound curb weight. Turn-in, while surprisingly precise for its size, can be met with a degree of understeer when pushed to its limits. And while body roll is remarkably well-controlled thanks to its adaptive air suspension, the vehicle doesn’t exhibit the eager agility of a much lighter sports car. Yet, these characteristics don’t detract from its driving experience. Instead, they highlight its strengths. The air suspension, tuned to near perfection, provides a firm yet compliant ride, absorbing the imperfections of city streets with remarkable grace, even when fitted with the massive 22-inch wheels. The GLE 63 S is not a track star, but its masterful command of everyday driving scenarios and its ability to deliver effortless power make it a true champion of its segment, understanding precisely what its target audience desires.
Sculpted for Speed: The Coupe’s Aerodynamic Allure
The design of the GLE 63 S Coupe immediately sets it apart. Its signature sloping roofline, a stylistic choice that has become a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz’s coupe-like SUV offerings across the GLE and GLC ranges, lends a sense of dynamism to its substantial proportions. In a vehicle of this size, this design element is crucial for de-emphasizing its bulk, preventing it from appearing monolithic. The way the roofline gracefully tapers towards the rear, seeming to melt into the sculpted haunches, imbues the GLE with a sleekness that belies its considerable dimensions.
This visual effect is further accentuated by the large, wraparound taillights. Their proportional design complements the expansive bodywork, creating a cohesive and imposing rear-end. Echoing the design cues of its ancestor, the ML 55, the GLE 63 S features aggressively flared wheel arches. While perhaps not as overtly dramatic as those on the original, they effectively visually widen the vehicle and create a distinct separation from its more conventional GLE counterparts.
Subtle yet significant details contribute to its performance-oriented aesthetic. The prominent “power domes” on the hood, a design element tracing its lineage back to the iconic 300 SL Gullwing, lend a muscular character and a direct nod to Mercedes-Benz’s rich heritage. These design flourishes, combined with darkened accents on elements like the rear diffuser, wheels, and front air intakes, create a sophisticated and aggressive visual signature without veering into ostentatious territory. The overall impression is one of potent performance contained within an elegantly sculpted form.
An Oasis of Luxury: The Interior Experience
Once you step inside the GLE 63 S Coupe, any reservations about its exterior bulk simply evaporate, replaced by an overwhelming sense of expansive comfort. The generous interior dimensions are a boon for families and individuals alike, providing ample space for passengers and cargo. Even with the coupe’s sloping roofline, headroom in the rear is surprisingly generous. I, standing at 5’10”, found ample clearance, ensuring that occupants of all ages will enjoy comfortable journeys, whether short commutes or extended road trips.
The front seats are nothing short of spectacular, offering a wide range of adjustments, heating, and cooling functions. These, combined with the overall cabin ambiance, create an environment of unparalleled comfort. Beyond mere comfort, the interior quality is exceptional. Mercedes-AMG has meticulously curated a cabin that speaks of premium craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology.
The technological prowess is immediately apparent with the dual 12.3-inch displays that seamlessly blend into a single, expansive digital cockpit. This arrangement lends the interior a futuristic, driver-centric feel. The MBUX infotainment system, a cornerstone of Mercedes-Benz’s modern interiors, is intuitive, responsive, and a genuine pleasure to use. Features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are integrated seamlessly, ensuring effortless connectivity for all your devices.
While the GLE 53 model offers a compelling package, the GLE 63 S commands a significant price premium, and this difference is palpably evident in the materials used. Leather, Alcantara, and genuine carbon fiber are liberally applied throughout the cabin, creating a tactile and visual symphony of luxury. Every surface, every detail, feels meticulously crafted, reinforcing the vehicle’s elevated status and justifying its substantial investment. This interior is a sanctuary, a place where performance and opulence coexist harmoniously.
The Investment in Excellence: Pricing and Market Positioning
The MSRP for the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe begins at a substantial $117,050. As previously mentioned, acquiring a brand-new model is currently challenging due to production constraints. The press vehicle I evaluated, a 2021 model with just over 9,000 miles, was optioned to exceed $130,000.
For context, this price point places it in direct competition with other titans of the performance SUV world. For instance, a Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe starts at $133,500, and its even more potent sibling, the Turbo S, commands a starting price of $167,800. This positions the GLE 63 S squarely against formidable rivals such as the BMW X6 M and the Audi RSQ8. These three German powerhouses represent the absolute pinnacle of the performance coupe-SUV segment, offering remarkably similar, albeit distinct, driving experiences.
This intense competition, while beneficial for consumers seeking the best, also presents a challenge for manufacturers. In a market segment where these vehicles are significant revenue generators, the need to differentiate and stand out becomes paramount. As these luxury performance SUVs continue to evolve, their ability to carve out unique identities will be key to their long-term success.
The Verdict: A Masterclass in Versatility and Performance
The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe excels in fulfilling its intended purpose with remarkable precision. It delivers sports-car-level acceleration in a straight line, yet offers the composed comfort necessary for family road trips. It is, in essence, a highly capable, modern-day Swiss Army knife for the discerning driver.
However, it’s important to acknowledge the inherent trade-offs in its pursuit of ultimate performance. For drivers who prioritize an uncompromised, track-focused driving experience above all else, the GLE 63 S might leave some minor desires unfulfilled. Yet, for those who seek an expensive, exquisitely crafted vehicle that can effortlessly transition from serene urban cruising to exhilarating bursts of speed, all while cocooning occupants in opulent comfort, the GLE 63 S is, for all intents and purposes, perfect.
To the discerning individuals who will undoubtedly invest a significant sum to acquire one once production returns to full capacity, rest assured: your patience will be rewarded. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe is not merely a vehicle; it’s an experience, a harmonious blend of luxury, power, and practicality that stands as a true icon in the automotive world.
Ready to explore the ultimate in performance SUVs or discover available Mercedes-AMG models that embody this legacy of power and luxury? Contact your local authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer today to learn more and schedule a personalized consultation.
