The Mercedes-AMG V8 is officially back, but in a very different form...
Mercedes-AMG has updated two of its performance SUVs in one fell swoop, unveiling the facelifted Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S and the larger GLS 63. The former is the top-tier version of Mercedes’ SUV coupé, with four doors and a sweeping roofline. The GLS 63, meanwhile, is AMG’s fastest full-size SUV, available with either six or seven seats.
Both are powered by the new M177 EVO development of AMG’s 4-litre twin-turbo V8, producing 604bhp and 627lb ft of torque. Both cars adopt a mild-hybrid setup, featuring an integrated starter generator (ISG) motor and a 48V electrical system. The ISG provides an additional 23bhp and 151lb ft boost under hard acceleration, aids torque-fill at low revs, restarts the engine more swiftly than a conventional starter system, and assists with energy recuperation when lifting off the throttle.
> I’ve driven Mercedes’ new shape-shifting V8 engine, and it’s blown my mind
Engine updates as part of the M177 EVO specification include a flat-plane crankshaft, a new intake camshaft and exhaust ports, a revised fuel injection system, and modified turbochargers with new compressor wheels and housings. These changes help the V8 remain legally compliant worldwide amid stricter emissions and noise regulations.
The decision to switch to a flat-plane crank arrangement has been made to reduce rotating masses. The 604bhp output is in line with the older generation of the engine in the pre-facelift SUV models. Peak torque is spread across a broad range, from 2500rpm to 4500rpm.
There’s also a new exhaust system, with a particulate filter fitted as standard for all markets to reduce emissions, and a wider range of sounds. The valve control enables a ‘discreet’ note in Comfort mode and a ‘more dynamic expression’ in Sport+, says Mercedes. Occupants can mix and match the sound with different driving modes via a separate button on the centre console.
Both cars use the same 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system with variable torque distribution. The driveshafts are bespoke to these AMG models to handle the M177 Evo engine’s high torque output. An electronically controlled locking differential is fitted at the rear.
On the design front, there’s no missing the radiator grille, certainly not in the dark, anyway, with an illuminated LED border. It’s part of a redesigned face for both cars, featuring larger air intakes for improved cooling and new LED light signatures echoing Mercedes’ three-pointed star logos in both the headlights and rear lights.
Numerous light-alloy and forged wheel options are available, up to 22 inches in diameter for the GLE 63 S and up to 23 inches for the GLS 63. Inside, there’s the latest MB.OS operating system for the three digital displays across the dashboard and the latest AMG Performance steering wheel design, available in carbon fibre as an option (which may or may not seem a tad out of place in a three-row SUV).
All manner of colours are available for the leather upholstery, and both cars will be available with various personalisation options through Mercedes’ Manufaktur programme.
Both cars feature adaptive air suspension under the AMG Ride Control+ label. There are numerous suspension modes, including a Trail programme which raises the ride height by 55mm. Conversely, Sport and Sport+ lower the ride by 10mm. In Comfort, the level lowers by 10mm when the car is travelling at 120kph (75mph, and therefore less relevant in the UK) or higher, to reduce air resistance and fuel consumption.
There’s also a button to raise the level by 20mm for rough roads, or to negotiate a steep ramp, for example. In all modes, both cars maintain a constant ride height by automatically regulating the air suspension, regardless of load. Fitted as standard to the suspension system is active roll stabilisation, which Mercedes calls AMG Active Ride Control.
Active electromechanical actuators continuously analyse the car’s dynamics and the road surface, compensating for the body’s movements to minimise body roll and also compensating for a rougher surface under one side of the car, for example.
Despite being heavy cars, and despite the new emissions measures, the GLE 63 S has a 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds and the GLS 63 of 4.2 seconds. The top speed of both models is 174mph.
UK pricing and specifications for both models are yet to be confirmed at the time of writing.
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