Mercedes-AMG GLE 63S: Does the world need a near-280km/h SUV coupe?

NICHE mining just took a massive dive deeper into the unknown with January’s Detroit Auto Show announcement that Mercedes is introducing a high-performance AMG version of the recently revealed GLE Coupe.

No prizes for guessing which BMW the Swabian brand is taking a shot at stylistically, but the similarities to the X6 are all the more remarkable when you consider how the two jacked-up SUV coupes stack up on the road.

Move out of the way if you see one of these barrelling up behind you – it can reach 280km/h!

In range-topping S-Model guise, the Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S uses a 430kW/760Nm 5.5-litre V8 monster to catapult it to 100km/h from standstill in just 4.2 seconds. 4.2 seconds! That equals the Munich machine’s efforts, by the way. A decade ago that was the provenance of the Porsche 911 Turbo.

Just how fast do people need their school-run SUVs to be? Is it a step too far that anybody can jump into an automatic crossover capable of hitting 280km/h?

Being ever pragmatic, the Germans respond that the GLE63 S can also average a rather impressive 11.1L/100km (against the X6 M’s 11.9L/100km), so at least the Mercedes-AMG can be relatively economical if driven with restraint.

Look out, BMW X6 M – the GLE63 S can hit 100km/h in a startling 4.2s, yet returns better fuel economy!

If that’s all too much, another less aggressively tuned version of the Benz super SUV coupe is available, in the guise of the GLE63 (no ‘S’). It pumps out just 410kW and 700Nm, resulting in a shaming 0.1s penalty in the race to 100km/h.

Both GLE63 variants employs the supernaturally talented services of the AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic automatic transmission with manual override and paddle shifters, channelling the mountains of torque to all corners thanks to Mercedes’ tech-laden 4Matic four-wheel drive system.

The 5.5-litre turbo V8 comes in two states of tune – 410kW/700Nm in the ‘regular’ GLE63 or 430kW/760Nm in the hot 63 S version.

Among other features, it boasts a switchable Dynamic Select driving mode for varying conditions, so the right amount of oomph can be applied according to the prevailing terrain and surface.

In its most extreme setting, the Speedshift will hold on to the selected gear, to make the most of the engine’s pleasures. We’re talking about a bulbous SUV here, folks, not an SL convertible. Will the demographic even care?

Additionally, the torque split is rear-drive biased, for what we hope is more rewarding handling, allowing for hooligan antics if the right driver aids are switched off.

That steering wheel features nappa leather inserts, as part of a dash upgrade that also sees imitation leather lining the upper section.

If you’re more inclined to cruise along in a more relaxed rather than frenetic speed-freak mode, the GLE63 S also comes with AMG Ride Control, offering self-levelling air suspension.

While it hunkers down at speed to ensure greater roadholding and stability, at more sedate velocities the cushier ride that results adds to the comfort features of the vehicle.

As with seemingly everything else in the Mercedes-AMG, there is a switchable setting incorporated within the air suspension tech, allowing a Comfort mode for normal day-to-day driving; alternatively, if it’s a spine massage you’re after, Sport Plus will oblige, firming things up significantly for what can be euphemistically dubbed “more enthusiastic progress”.

Based on the facelifted ML-Class (to be renamed GLE from this year), the GLE Coupe features a BMW X6-like silhouette.

Of course, choosing the right suspension setting can be hard work, so the GLE63 can do that for you too in normal mode. Ride height, dampers and other related items are continuously monitoring and adjusted.

With so much performance at the driver’s finger tips, it’s reassuring to learn that gargantuan braking ability comes standard with every GLE63, in the form of 390mm front and 345mm rear drilled rotors.

A halted vehicle is the perfect opportunity for your neighbours and friends to drink in the AMG differences compared to the more mundane GLEs.

Sitting on the same SUV platform as the ML, the GLE Coupe will be built for the world in Alabama alongside the GLE wagon.

They ought to look for the “trademark” 'A-wing' vent arrangement in the front bumper, LED headlights, flared wheel arches housing 10-spoke 21-inch alloys (or monstrous 22-inch rubber on the 63 S), boot spoiler, quad exhausts, rear apron with diffuser and V8 Biturbo badges.

If you need to spend more money, there’s an optional performance exhaust system to help emit a fruiter sound.

A big hit with buyers around the globe, the original BMW X6 launched in Australia in 2008 has a lot to answer for…

Inside you’ll luxuriate in perforated Nappa leather sheathed sports seats, highlighted by contrasting stitching and AMG badging, while a special three-spoke flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, vinyl covered dashboard, and – specifically for the 63 S – red instruments, higher-grade leather and contrasting grey seatbelts.

Buyers can also opt for Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen audio upgrades, Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control, and vented front seats, among a cornucopia of personalisation goodies.

BMW won’t take the GLE Coupe lying down, with the second-gen X6 just launched and the M version waiting in the wings… can you tell the difference between old and new?

Tempted? You’ll have to wait until the final quarter of this year to stretch the 63 S’ legs, along with the other GLE Coupe variants - the base GLE350 V6 diesel, GLE 400 turbo V6 petrol and GLE450 AMG.

But the question remains – is such hammerhead performance necessary in an SUV? Ultimately consumers will decide.

Byron Mathioudakis goauto.com.au

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