Mercedes-AMG’s most potent SUV trio priced

Having revealed the AMG GLE 53 and 53 Coupe, Mercedes-AMG has now released local pricing and spec of the AMG GLE 63 S, its coupe offshoot and the monstrous AMG GLS 63.

AMG GLE 63 S and 63 S Coupe

Unveiled at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in 2019, exactly 20 years after the original ML 55 AMG, the 63 S represents the very top of the GLE range as the standard AMG model won’t be offered locally due to not only slow sales, but also because of the presence of the mentioned GLE 53.

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Up front, both models make use of the familiar 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 which features the EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system that deploys an additional 16kW/250Nm for short bursts.

Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S rear view.

On its own though, the V8 punches out 450kW/850Nm which is delivered to all four wheels thanks to the performance optimised 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system via the nine-speed MCT transmission. Limited to 250 km/h or 280 km/h with the optional AMG Driver’s Package, both the 63 S and 63 S Coupe will get from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.

Externally the GLE rides as standard on 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with the option of the bigger 22-inch rubber, standard on the coupe. Other AMG touches include the Panamericana grille, bespoke bumpers and side sills, the jet wing front apron, wider wheel arches, revised rear apron and power domes on top of the bonnet.

Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe.

Underneath each model’s skin, the AMG-tuned Ride Control+ air suspension with adaptive damping comes as standard with a choice of three settings; Comfort, Sport and Sport+ with the overall ride height being lowered by 10mm with either of the latter pair selected.

As part of the AMG Dynamic Select system, five settings feature; Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual and Race plus two dedicated off-road modes; Trail and Sand that results in the overall ground clearance rising by 55mm at speeds below 70 km/h.

Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe rear view.

Both models are also outfitted with an electronic locking rear differential and upgraded brakes utilising a six-piston caliper setup at the front and single at the rear with the discs measuring 400 mm and 370 mm respectively.

Inside, the dual 10.25-inch instrument cluster and MBUX infotainment system receives specific graphics and readouts, while the AMG sport seats are trimmed in black Nappa leather with AMG embroidered headrests.

Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S interior.

Also starring is the AMG Performance steering wheel, carbon fibre inlays, aluminium gear shift paddles, AMG floor mats, AMG branded illuminated door sills and the 64 colour ambient lighting system.

AMG GLS 63

Mercedes-AMG GLS 63.

Slotting in above the 400d and 580, the GLS 63 incorporates the same exterior tweaks as its sibling, but swaps the mentioned alloy wheels for either ten-spoke 21-inch rubber or a choice of six designs for the 23-inch wheels.

Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 rear view.

Longer than its predecessor and equipped with the same upgraded brakes as the GLE, the Dynamic Select system, albeit without the Race mode and the Ride Control+ suspension, the seven-seat GLS also comes with the same unique interior touches but loses out on the locking differential.

Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 interior.

Up front, the status quo is unchanged with 450kW/850Nm and an additional 16kW/250Nm offered by the mild-hybrid 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8. Hooked to the nine-speed MCT transmission with the 4Matic+ system sending the amount of grunt to all four corners, the GLS will sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and top out at 250 km/h or 280 km/h with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.

PRICING

Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S – R2 885 000

Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe – R2 948 000

Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 – R3 154 000