Motoring News: Muscular luxury from Mercedes AMG

THE 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63 S is a sensible five-passenger SUV with added touches from the high-performance division of the German global automobile marque.

With just over 600 horsepower on tap, the AMG GLE 63 S may look similar to the standard GLS, but there are many noticeable exterior changes, not to mention what’s under the hood. Mercedes-AMG, as always, has done an excellent job of engineering a family SUV that can, if so desired, handle some hot laps around the track.

Like all other Mercedes-AMG models, the new GLE 63 S features several exterior modifications to set it apart from its non-AMG counterpart. An AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical louvres, front bumper with a dynamic A-wing design, a power dome hood, and a front splitter in silver. Also, notice the flared wheel arches for a truly muscular appearance. The rear bumper incorporates the diffuser and a unique AMG exhaust system with two rectangular twin tailpipe trims.

Power comes from a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. An electric 48-volt EQ Boost starter-generator contributes another 21 hp and 184 lb-ft, which means, for the first time, this particular engine has been electrified. All of that power is directed to the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system through a nine-speed automatic transmission. Expect 0 to 60 mph to happen in just 3.7 seconds while top speed is electronically limited to 174 mph.

Due to the sheer amount of power, Mercedes-AMG engineers have included systems such as AMG Active Ride Control for roll stabilization, an electronically controlled locking differential at the rear, and an advanced braking system. Up front are 6-piston fixed brake callipers and 16-inch brake discs, while single-piston floating brake callipers with 14.6-inch discs are at the rear. A high-performance ceramic braking system is optional.

Mercedes-AMG has not released official pricing, though it will be announced closer to when the 2021 GLE 63 S arrives in dealerships in the middle of the year.