- Mercedes-AMG will soon launch refreshed version of three of its bigger performance SUVs.
- Spy photographers snapped the AMG GLS63, GLE63 and GLE53 Coupe on test maneuvers.
- The GLS63 and GLE63 stick with 4.0-liter V8s but the GLE53 gets a plug-in-hybrid 3.0 six.
Last week Mercedes revealed some disappointing financial figures and a strategy to make the next set more positive that included rolling out 19 new or facelifted combustion vehicles in the next couple of years. And our spy photo team has caught three of them in action and packing AMG performance powerplants.
The trio comprises the big three-row GLS63, its smaller GLE63 brother and the GLE53 Coupe. Despite the camouflage we can see every one of them is getting Mercedes’ new star-shaped DRLs and a more distinctive grille with a prominent surround, as seen on the latest E-Class. Until the E arrived Benz grilles in recent years had no traditional frame.
Related: Mercedes Teases Baby G-Class, Electric E-Class, And More, V8 And V12 Live On
The star motif is repeated at the back on the three SUVs and each gets revised bumpers and air intakes to help keep buyers interested and distract them from fresher rivals. BMW will soon reveal a new X5 and Audi is finally nearly ready to produce a new Q7, a decade after the current SUV launched.
Though these cars are all sold under the AMG banner, there are some important differences under the skin. The GLS63 and GLE63 should stick with 4.0-liter V8 power and definitely won’t switch to the controversial four-cylinder PHEV powertrain used in the C63 S E Performance. With 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance the current 63 SUVs make 603 hp (611 PS) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm).
The GLE53, however, takes a different, more electro-centric approach. While the current mild-hybrid 53 makes 429 hp (435 PS) and 413 lb-ft (560 Nm), the presence of charging port on the passenger side of the Coupe in the spy shots tells us this one is a PHEV.
But we don’t just have to rely on that charging flap to know what’s coming. Strangely, Mercedes revealed 18 months ago that the revised 2026 GLE53 would get a 3.0-liter, inline-six powertrain making 536 hp (543 PS) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. We know that it’ll reach 60 mph (97 kmh) in 4.6 seconds (down from 4.9 for the current 53) but haven’t been told how far the 31.2 kWh battery pack will get you on one charge.
All of these AMG SUVs are expected to debut during 2025 as MY26 vehicles.
