Skip advert
Advertisement

2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe revealed – AMG completes its large SUV offensive

Take one AMG V8, put it in an SUV. Take another, put it in an SUV… 

Mercedes-AMG has revealed its latest SUV, placing the 603bhp iteration of the AMG twin-turbo V8 with a bit of mild-hybrid assistance into its newest and biggest coupe-SUV, the GLE Coupe.

Outwardly identical to its more traditionally shaped GLE63 S sibling, the new Coupe has been designed to appeal as a more highly stylised performance variant that will rival the new BMW X6 M Competition and Audi RSQ8

Advertisement - Article continues below

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: this form of needlessly heavy, high-riding SUV saddled with a powerful, thirsty, performance-oriented engine and drivetrain is not really our cup of tea, but for those who actually wish for it, AMG thinks it has plenty to offer. 

> 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S takes on BMW X6 M 

The engine, admittedly outpowered by the X6 M Competition’s 616bhp, is the same 603bhp M196 hot-V V8 engine as found in the E63 S, one now assisted by a new mild-hybrid system. The slightly less potent 564bhp non-S GLE63 Coupe won’t be available in the UK, but AMG’s in-line six GLE53 is there to plug the gap between standard models and the full-fat 63 S. Torque is rated at 627lb ft between 2500 and 4500rpm, which together with the prodigious power figure will get the GLE to 62mph in just 3.8sec, 0.1sec slower than the X6 M and on a par with the RSQ8.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

The 48V mild-hybrid system powers an integrated starter motor and generator that itself produces 22bhp and 184lb ft of torque, assisting low-speed acceleration, smoothing out the stop-start system and adding a very subtle torque-fill between gear shifts. This system is new for the GLE63 S (both in coupe and wagon forms) and will likely be seen in other incoming 63 AMGs. Power drives an AMG-tuned 4Matic all-wheel system through a nine-speed, fast-shifting, automatic transmission.

As with all performance SUVs of this size and complexity, the enemy is weight – something Mercedes has hesitated to mention. And with the standard GLE already well beyond two tons when fitted with simpler six-cylinder powertrains, we’d suspect the GLE63 S to be around 2.3 tons, incidentally the same as the X6 M and RSQ8.

To help control the mass, the 48V electrical system also powers an active anti-roll system, which like those found in Audis and Porsches compensates for lateral body movements through the actuation of movable anti-roll bars on both front and rear axles. Air suspension with adjustable dampers, an active locking rear differential, and specific AMG-tuned variable ratio steering completes the dynamic upgrade. 

> Mercedes-AMG GLS63 unveiled with 603bhp mild-hybrid V8

The GLE63 S Coupe aesthetically falls in line with Mercedes’ current form language, combining the standard GLE Coupe’s smooth, sloping roofline with aggressive lower openings, 22-inch wheels and AMG’s signature quad rear exhaust pipes. The interior is also loaded with AMG-specific detailing including carbonfibre trim, sculpted sports seats, AMG’s chunky steering wheel and the full AMG digital interface within the smart twin-screen MBUX infotainment display.

UK-specific prices have yet to be announced, but production will commence later this year alongside the GLE63 S wagon and GLS63 S, creating a formidable 600bhp-plus line-up of four SUV models, including the G63.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8
Mercedes-AMG G63
News

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8

Some of Affalterbach’s range-toppers are swapping eight cylinders for four, but the AMG G-class retains its V8 for 2024
26 Mar 2024
Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader
Land Rover Defender OCTA – front
News

Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader

The OCTA promises to be the fastest, toughest and most capable Defender yet when it launches later this year
26 Mar 2024
Land Rover Defender 130 V8 2024 review – an exercise in excess
Land Rover Defender 130 V8 - front
Reviews

Land Rover Defender 130 V8 2024 review – an exercise in excess

The longest version of the Defender is now available with a 5-litre supercharged V8. It’s not the version you need, but it’s one you might want
22 Mar 2024
Kia EV9 2024 review – a Range Rover on a budget?
Kia EV9 – front
Reviews

Kia EV9 2024 review – a Range Rover on a budget?

Need an electric seven-seater with a 300+ mile range? Right now, the answer is Kia's EV9.
20 Mar 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8
Mercedes-AMG G63
News

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8

Some of Affalterbach’s range-toppers are swapping eight cylinders for four, but the AMG G-class retains its V8 for 2024
26 Mar 2024
Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader
Land Rover Defender OCTA – front
News

Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader

The OCTA promises to be the fastest, toughest and most capable Defender yet when it launches later this year
26 Mar 2024
The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?
Toyota GR Yaris Gen 2 – front
News

The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?

Our early impressions of the Gen 2 GR Yaris suggest that it’s an improvement in every area that counts, but can it be worth £18k more than an i20 N?
27 Mar 2024