Road Test: 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupe

Story and photos by Jordan Allan, additional photos courtesy of Mercedes

Specifications:

Price: $150,600 (as tested)

Engine: 4.0L V8 twin turbocharged V8

Trans: AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G

Power: 603 hp@ 5,750-6,500 rpm

Torque: 627 lb-ft @ 2,500-4,500 rpm

Curb Weight: 5,633 lbs/ 2,555 kg

Fuel Consumption: (L/100km – City/Hwy) 15.7/12.4

New for 2021: The Mercedes-AMG GLE63S Coupe is all-new for 2021 and is part of the second generation GLE-Class first introduced in 2020. It is available in both the coupe and SUV models and provides the full AMG experience.

Segment Competitors: BMW X6 M, Jaguar F-Pace SVR, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Audi RSQ8

The Skinny: Anytime a vehicle is at or above the 600 horsepower mark you can be sure enthusiasts of all types will take notice and such is the case with Mercedes new 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe that makes a very impressive 603 horsepower from its 4.0L twin turbocharged V8 engine. This makes it one of the most powerful SUVs available right now and to top things off it offers the refinement and true luxurious feel that only a Mercedes vehicle can.

Our test model was the GLE 63 S Coupe model that offers a swoopier, streamlined design than the taller, slightly boxier SUV model. The low roofline gives it a bit more of a performance oriented look and when combined with the large, brash and mean looking front end, the GLE 63 S Coupe looks fast.

As with most or all Mercedes, the interior surely did not disappoint. The large infotainment screen is integrated into the all-digital and customizable instrument cluster for a very swift look, while the performance seats feature upscale alcantara and bits of carbon-fibre like material is found throughout, including on the bottom of the sporty steering wheel.

The steering wheel mounted drive mode selector and exhaust and suspension digitally displayed buttons on the steering wheel not only provide a very futuristic and just plain cool look, but are also very convenient as you never have to waste time finding the selector when saying needing to take off rather quickly from a stop light.

The aforementioned seats look great and are both supportive and comfortable, and once you figure out the centre console mounted touchpad control for the infotainment system, it’s really quite easy to use.

The GLE 63 S Coupe offers somewhat of a Jekyll & Hyde split personality. When you accelerate lightly, take your time and keep everything in comfort mode, the SUV feels as smooth and refined as any luxury SUV out there, but, when you turn everything up towards Sport+ mode and really put your foot into it, it turns back into the true 600+ horsepower beast that it really is.

Accelerating hard from a dead stop is an incredible experience as the GLE 63 S tosses you back into your seat with true force and provides a noise from the twin-turbocharged V8 that definitely turns some heads. An SUV this size is never going to handle like a true sports car, but it does get close as it does a very good job of holding your firmly in place when cornering at high speed which is something I made sure to put to the test, safely of course.

This amazing handling is greatly helped by the AMG Active Ride Control System that utilizes a 48-volt active anti-roll bar that uses planetary gears on each bar to counteract movements from the heavy body. The impressive 4MATIC+ AWD system also is a big contributor as it is performance tuned and able to send power fully to the rear wheels or split 50/50 with the front.

Pros: Just the sheer fact that a 5,633 lb. SUV can go from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in just 3.7 seconds is pretty dang impressive. Also, the noise that comes out of the engine when doing so is absolutely incredible and very addicting.

Cons: Do I have to write something here? If I must, it was obviously not the most fuel efficient vehicle and I wasn’t big on the exterior colour of our test model.

The Verdict: The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe is full of so many advanced features and technologies of which I only scratched the surface in this short article. Each one works perfectly in unison with the other to provide an amazing driving experience that is unmatched by most. In addition, it looks great, offers a ton of power and provides more than enough room and convenience for everyday driving. I haven’t driven them all, but it seems it would be hard to match what the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offers.