New Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coupe Gets Hybrid Grunt With Up To 603 HP

The latest-generation 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 4Matic+ Coupe and GLE 63 S 4Matic+ Coupe have just premiered with new looks and some impressive powertrain technology prior to the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Much like the rest of the new GLE Coupe family that was unveiled last year, the new GLE 63 and GLE 63 S models adopt striking new front and rear fascias to differentiate them from the outgoing models. Base models come with 21-inch light-alloy wheels with AMG lettering as standard while the S model comes equipped with 22-inch wheels as standard. A handful of optional 21 and 22-inch wheels are also offered.

Found at the front end of the second-generation GLE 63 models are newly designed headlights and aggressive air intakes as well as the German marque’s Panamericana grille. Customers can add to the aggressive look of the SUV with the available AMG Night Package that includes dark-tinted windows as well as black across the front splitter, front and rear apron trim, mirror caps, window frames, and side skirts. In addition, there are high-gloss black tailpipes.

Powering the two new models is the car manufacturer’s familiar 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 delivering no less than 563 hp and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque between 2,250 rpm and 5,000 rpm in GLE 63 4Matic+ Coupe guise. The GLE 63 S, meanwhile, this engine offers up 603 hp and 626 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque between 2,500 rpm and 4,500 rpm. Both models also feature an integrated EQ Boost starter-alternator that adds an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque.

Coupled to this engine is a Speedshift TCT 9G transmission that offers a number of different driving modes, including M, Sport, Sport+, and in the case of the GLE 63 S, an available Race mode. Power is sent to the pavement through an AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system with fully variable torque distribution, allowing the GLE 63 to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.0 seconds and the GLE 63 S in just 3.8 seconds. The GLE 63 has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h) while the GLE 63 S is capped at 173 mph (280 km/h).

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Also used by the two models is an electronically controlled locking rear differential that minimizes slip on the inner wheels during cornering to provide maximum traction.

Complementing the powertrain package is AMG Ride Control+ air suspension as standard complete with adaptive damping adjustment ADS+. The suspension system offers modes including Normal, Sport, Sport+, Race, Trail, and Sand and also includes pneumatic self-leveling meaning the SUV can maintain a constant height regardless of vehicle load. Braking is provided by six-piston front calipers at the front with 400 x 38 mm discs as well as single-piston brake calipers and 370 x 32 mm discs at the rear. Carbon ceramic brakes are an available option.

Inside, there are all of the niceties of other GLE models. Consequently, the Mercedes MBUX infotainment system comes standard and incorporates a dedicated AMG menu offering things like a G-Meter, Race timer, engine data, and a menu to customize various drivetrain settings.

“Our new GLE 63 Coupé rounds off our attractive portfolio in this segment. It meets the highest expectations in terms of design and exclusivity as well as excellent driving dynamics and agility,” Mercedes-AMG chairman of the board of management Tobias Moers said. “Thus, our latest SUC is an outstanding example of Performance Luxury made by AMG. In addition to that, even our GLE Coupé disposes of a 48 volt on-board electrical system connected with the EQ Boost starter-alternator which makes us drive the electrification of our model series in a consistent way.”