Driven: Mercedes Benz GLE 63 S & GLE 63 S Coupe

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ONE MAN – ONE ENGINE; that’s what AMG follows with the engines they make. Here in Dubai, we have driven two cars, errr..SUVs straight from Affalterbach. Two identical SUVs powered by identical 5.5-litre V8 Biturbo engines.

Mercedes Benz GLE 63 S and the GLE 63 S Coupe

To avoid a bit of confusion, let me tell you, the GLE is what the old ML-Class used to be and the GLE Coupe is the Coupe version of the GLE. We have seen swoopy rooflines on a massive SUV before. Yes, the BMW X6 is the exact rival for the GLE Coupe. And the GLE 63 S Coupe directly rivals the X6M. It all started with the BMW X6, and now Mercedes has the GLE Coupe, while Audi is yet to bring in the Q6. The world loves SUVs, and the Coupe version makes the already massive SUVs look so wild. Take the GLE 63 S and the Coupe for instance. The GLE 63 S is a proper SUV with lots of space, and it looks just like another SUV in the neighbourhood, while the GLE 63 S Coupe looks like an elephant. May be that’s the reason people were staring at me when I was driving across Dubai. Luxury cars are a regular view here . This is a place where fancy cars tend to be quite common, but I have noticed people looking at certain cars when they drive past. I had a fabulous time with the Rolls Royce, and I realised how much respect you earn when you drive one. After the Rolls Royce, Bentley and Aston, people stared at me like I was driving something straight from Mars when they spotted me in the GLE 63 S Coupe.

The GLE63 S Coupe is the first SUV from Affalterbach to adopt the characteristic “A-wing” in the front apron. As is typical of AMG, it features a twin louver in silver chrome as well as a large, central Mercedes star. The new front view is especially characterized by the two lateral, large air inlets, while the above-positioned, black flics ensure an optimal flow of air onto the cooling modules. At the lower end of the front apron, a front splitter in the colour of the vehicle helps to reduce lift. The standard equipment package includes three-dimensionally formed LED headlamps. In addition, 22-inch AMG cross-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium gray with a high-sheen finish, ensure that the S-Model exudes an impressive air. Optimum traction of the light-alloy wheels is guaranteed by tyres of size 285/40 R 22 (front axle) and 325/35 R 22 (rear axle).

Like the exterior design, the interior of both SUVs boast many exclusive design elements and the build quality is, as always, at the AMG level. The interior is a serene experience. Top-notch leather and aluminium surfaces with contrast stitching is highlighted by AMG badging, reminding occupants that the comfort of the cabin can be disrupted with belts of Biturbo power at any time. A thick, hefty steering wheel is the focal point of the driving position, easy to adjust and with multiple functions within the thumb’s reach. Beyond that, the Mercedes-Benz COMAND system is close by to access every setting under the sun.

From its spot on the centre console, the COMAND touchpad lets users cycle through functions as naturally as they do on a laptop, but without a cursor to keep an eye on. Car settings, navigation, and entertainment can all be configured, displayed on the tablet-like 4.4-inch multifunction display. The screen can even be configured to mirror the car’s gauges that are handy for a glance in performance situations.

Engine & Transmission

It’s typical AMG madness under the GLE 63 S’ power-domed bonnet: a hand-built 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with a thumping 577bhp available from 5500rpm and 760Nm, between 1750–5250rpm. The engine is essentially a revised version of that which appeared in the outgoing ML 63. And it appears to be the same story for the seven-speed AMG transmission, which has been tweaked for faster shifts.

This allows the hulking 4.8m, 2350kg tank to accelerate to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds – that’s quicker than a current PDK-equipped Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, which is more than 800kg lighter.

How cool it is to drive?

The power of this beast is enough to give a heart attack to your squad. Acceleration is insane. As mentioned, 0-100kmph comes in just 4.2 seconds and these SUV weighs almost 2.5 tonne. If you are in the GLE 63 S, then catching up with your friends in the Porsche or Ferraris is just a dab on the throttle away. Be aware that if the engine is switched to Sport mode, gearshifts are accompanied by a bellicose explosive popping from the exhaust. The AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic gearbox routes all of that grunt to all four wheels with a 40:60 front/rear split. The top speed is limited to 250kmph for these SUVs.

The Coupe is wider than the boxier GLE, and it’s only the Coupe’s arches that can fit the 22-inch wheels. Wrapped around them are, at the back, 325-section tyres. They’re held rigorously upright by air suspension, adaptive damping and active anti-roll bars. These measures are standard procedure for hyper-powered SUVs, and they mean you won’t unstick them on the road.

The 5.5 litre V8 Biturbo AMG is the best choice, if you want to wake your neighbours in the early morning hours. While cruising, you never feel the weight of the vehicle. We have 4 driving modes – Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Slippery. We can also raise the vehicle, and it automatically lowers in order to reduce drag when we catch up with speed.

Conclusion

If I have enough money, I would buy an SUV for my daily use. If my pockets are deep, instead of buying a sports car, I would buy something like the GLE63 S SUV or the Coupe. Although, I feel the Coupe is better looking than the regular GLE, even though the fastback kills some of the head room and luggage room. There are many reasons to fall in love with these beasts. Either for the performance, build quality or for the awesome sound track. This thing poses serious threat for the X6M!

The standard equipment package on the GLE63 S Coupe models includes:

• ADAPTIVE BRAKE
• ATTENTION ASSIST
• COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS
• Power liftgate
• ECO start/stop function
• Door sill panels in brushed stainless steel with AMG lettering
• Floor mats with AMG lettering
• LED Intelligent Light System
• ISOFIX child seat attachment points in the rear
• PRE-SAFE® system
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Surround View Camera System
• Crosswind Assist
• Heated and ventilated seats for the driver and front passenger
• Sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs
• Electrically adjustable front seats
• Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system

Additional optional extras:

• Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system
• Driver Assistance Package with DISTRONIC PLUS
• Cross-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in matt black with a high-sheen finish, with 285/40 R 22 (front) and 325/35 R 22 (rear) tires
• Engine cover in carbon fiber
• Performance exhaust system
• Air Balance Package with fragrance and ionization
• Trim in carbon fiber / black piano lacquer