Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 4MATIC+ Coupé – Ostentatious performance for an ostentatious car

There seems to be no stoppage of highly capable automobiles coming deep within the skunkworks of AMG. Their latest creation, the GLE 63 is as environmental friendly as a coal power plant, and as powerful as one as well. There should therefore come as a huge surprise that this car is a hybrid. Yes, that is correct. Continue reading and I will explain everything.

The GLE is a SUV shaped coupé, with four doors. Yes, that was a lot of words that makes little sense for a person out of the loop regarding massive, ordinary car shaped, SUVs. The BMW X6 is another prime example. There is definitely a market for these sort of cars, and Mercedes has created, arguably, one of the most ridiculous AMG cars to date. Sure, the GLE 63 has a massive front with open air inlets, racy rims, black accents, a nice set of rear tailpipes and diffusor, but I have to say that Mercedes did not go overboard. A good example of this is the widened wheel arches. Subtle right, but very effective when 21 inch wheels sit as standard. In S variant, those are replace by 22 inch wheels.

Inside, the already very impressive standard GLE blows me away. Most obvious is the AMG Performance steering wheel in aluminum, nappa leather and carbon fiber. The seats are also reupholstered in nappa leather and AMG specific seat pattern.  The pictures of the seats are limited, but from what I can see, I would like some sportier seats, or at least a different design. And for goodness sake, choose the carbon fiber panel inserts.

Some subtle, but fairly noticeable changes then. Why did I write that this is an ostentatious car? It has to do with what´s underneath the bonnet. 4.0-litres of biturbo goodness fills the engine room. 571 hp and 612 hp in the S variant. That engine will make this car fly, and sound like a monster if you go for the optional AMG Performance exhaust system. The 4MATIC+, four wheel drive, system will help to keep this behemoth of a car in check.

Here comes some technical jargon, but bear with me. The GLE 63 is fitted with an integrated EQ Boost starter-alternator, which combines a starter motor and an alternator in a single electric motor integrated between the engine and the transmission. It can give an additional 22 hp and a short boost of 250 Nm when needed. The engine can help during more aggressive driving, but also, as to be expected, to lower fuel economy.

There are heaps of other news regarding this car. New massive 6 piston front brakes with the possibility to option out carbon ceramic all round. The suspension, steering system and gearbox have been retuned and upgraded. Mercedes speaks about that the car is configured for the characteristics of an SUV combined with outstanding agility, day-to-day comfort excellent vehicle dynamics.

It is nice to see that even with the introduction of hybrids in the high performance car market, Mercedes still manages to include it to still give the people what they want, a roaring v8. It might very well be the last big SUV with a big 8 cylinder engine, since it seems that AMG is focusing on turbocharged 4 cylinders. What will happen in the future is still up there, and it makes me nervous and excited at the same time. One thing that I do know is that the GLE 63 is here, its big, its heavy and it will certainly break the laws of physics.