Test drive of the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupe, the 612 CV beast

The Mercedes-AMG are very special vehicles. It seems the AMG badge can deliver a sporty performance on any type of body, size or weight. I admit that at first I was very skeptical about the sporty character of this GLE 63 S Coupe, an SUV of considerable dimensions and with a weight of almost 2.5 tonnes.

But after analysing it thoroughly, it simply fascinated me. I’ll give you two figures to whet your “appetite“: this Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupé has a power output of 612 CV and a torque of 850 Nm. Do you want to know what it is capable of?

Design: imposing, large, sporty and undoubtedly AMG

The design of this GLE Coupé is impressive. The moment you see it, you realise you are not looking at a conventional GLE Coupé. This may be due to its large 22-inch wheels, with 325/35 R22 tyres (rear) and 285/40 R22 (front), or to its front end, with the grille and the “star” badge in XL size.

The red brake calipers stand out from afar, again showing that we are not dealing with a “conventional” Mercedes, and its four exhaust outlets (all of them real, a real novelty in the segment) provide the finishing touch to the sportiness at the rear.

Inside, the most notable features are the two huge screens that form the instrument cluster and the navigation system, though, of course, with sporty details. It features a sports-cut steering wheel, with a finish in carbon fibre and Alcantara, as well as various carbon fibre trims across the dashboard. As an area for improvement, it is surprising that in such an exclusive model they still include some gloss black trims (as I have always stated, of questionable quality and not very practical).

The AMG sports seats offer a whole arsenal so that we can find our ideal position, either by telling the car our physical data (height and weight) so that it automatically configures the seat, or through the numerous electric adjustments available (such as the eight-way lumbar support or the lateral support adjustment). In short, it is very easy to be comfortable, with a high driving position typical of an SUV, but with a seat that holds the body perfectly.

The seats feature a massage function (with several programmes, including ones to wake us up on long journeys), heating and ventilation (highly recommended in summer). In addition, the cup holders in the centre console have a button to heat or cool the drinks placed in them.

The rear seats offer a high level of comfort, with enough space for three adults, while two will travel like true heads of state. They also have independent climate control for the rear and type C charging sockets.

The interior feels high quality and spacious, with some sporty touches (such as the steering wheel, seats or carbon fibre inserts) that remind us we are behind the wheel of an AMG.

Engine and performance: 4.0 V8 BiTurbo with 612 CV

The engine hidden behind the 63 S AMG designation is a four-litre V8, with a power output of 612 CV. In terms of performance, I don’t know whether I am more surprised by the power or the torque of 850 Nm, which literally makes your neck ache when you press the accelerator. Its ability to press you into the seat is outstanding, and this happens even with the lightest touch on the pedal, without having to push your foot down. A good example is its 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds.

As for the engine’s behaviour, it is worth highlighting its smoothness (as is typical of a good eight-cylinder) and an almost endless delivery of power, becoming especially aggressive once we pass 4,000 rpm and climb up to 7,000 rpm.

The engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic gearbox which, for a torque-converter unit, works more than adequately, shifting quickly and proving very efficient in manual mode.

Finally, I cannot forget the engine sound, which can be adjusted with a button or according to the driving mode selected, and which certainly does not leave you indifferent. At low speeds it is a hoarse, deep sound, but not overly loud, while beyond 5,000 rpm it becomes outrageously sporty and transports you to a racetrack.

Handling: the lightness of 2.5 tonnes

This Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe is a very versatile car. It offers several driving modes (various off-road modes, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Race, Individual) and, depending on the mode selected, it can be an extremely comfortable SUV or a hardcore sports car.

On the road or motorway, whenever we drive in Comfort mode, the sensation is one of comfort. The air suspension has a soft setting that filters the irregularities of the road quite well, despite the low-profile tyres, which, combined with excellent interior insulation, results in a smooth ride.

Sport mode is an intermediate point between Comfort and Sport+, slightly firming the suspension and sharpening the engine response, but without becoming radical. Meanwhile, Sport+ readies the body for sporty driving, with the suspension becoming very firm and taut. Finally, Race mode, only recommended for the track, adjusts the engine beyond Sport+ to deliver power suited to driving on a circuit.

In dynamic terms, it is surprising how, with just the press of a button and selecting Sport+, this enormous SUV seems to turn into a sporty compact. Helped by the 4Matic+ all-wheel drive, it moves with an inexplicable ease through corners, with a firm and agile stride. It gathers speed very quickly, the throttle response is immediate and sharp, and the chassis setup allows it to follow steering inputs diligently, without any odd behaviour, and it is completely predictable.

Fuel consumption

Anyone who decides to buy this Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S is unlikely to focus on consumption, at least not as a significant factor. Even so, the figures are within what is to be expected, and even lower than one might think.

On the motorway, on our usual route between Madrid > Nigrán > Madrid, it averaged 11 litres per 100 km, while on general roads the usual figure is 14 litres per 100 km, making it almost impossible to get below 10 litres per 100 km.

Equipment

Among the countless equipment options available for this GLE 63 S, I wanted to focus on those features that are not common in similar vehicles.

The first thing that surprised us is a series of programmes in the infotainment system that allow you to do some exercises in the car (moving your shoulders, feet…), all very gently and to avoid fatigue when driving. It also has specific programmes that improve comfort, activating the seat massage system, changing the lighting and even playing a specific melody.

In terms of sound, it has two speaker systems signed by Burmester: one with 13 speakers and over 500 W, and the other, fitted to our unit, with 25 speakers and an output of 1,500 W. The word that best describes this sound system is brutal. It is a high-cost option, over 6,000 euros, but if you value sound quality, it is very much worth considering as part of the overall car.

Opinion and price

For those who doubt that an SUV can be sporty, this AMG breaks the mould and shows that the body style does not matter. It stands out for its handling, more typical of a saloon than of a large SUV. Ideal for those who want comfort but also a powerful AMG engine, available in a matter of seconds by simply pressing the accelerator pedal.

Among the positives of this Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S are its presence, its AMG image that leaves no one indifferent, and a high-performance engine with very civilised driving that gives a sense of control at all times, despite its power, size and weight.

Perhaps this virtue can also be a drawback, since the essence and brutality of AMG seem to be somewhat muted behind the wheel, making the car feel truly “docile“. That said, this is undoubtedly my personal impression.

Exclusivity is guaranteed, since this combination of power, image and size is not very common.

The starting price of this GLE 63 S Coupe is 190,000 euros, and adding the options on our unit, it easily exceeds 250,000 euros.

Photos | Test team