Mercedes-AMG GLE63 (W167) and GLS63 (X167)

The titans of the Mercedes-AMG SUV lineup, the GLE63 and the GLS63, are back in their newest versions but they're not what they sound like because the folks from AMG introduced a little something under the hood speedo boys served as a forewarn to what plans ahead in the future.

The GLE63 AMG range, starting at 122,079 Euros plus additional costs, and the GLS63 AMG, priced at 146,572 Euros, are not the kind of big guns you are familiar with. Sure, they sure have the same 4.0L V8 BiTurbo as the other guys but unlike them, both the GLE63 and the kingpin GLS63 got their engines fitted with a 48-volt EQ Boost starter-alternator first applied on the 53 AMG models. 

That sounds like witchcraft for AMG conservatives but more with that later on but first, what's like to get to know about them? On the GLE side, you get the choice of two different bodystyles such as the normal and the coupe with the sliced roofline a la X6. Of course, the normal-shaped GLE63 is the better pick because of the spacing issues but either way, they've gotten macho because of its AMG treatments all over, inside and out.

The GLS63 boasts itself of being the most powerful and fastest seven-seater in the AMG stable and although too much crude humor and strong language not suitable for family use, the macho-looking GLS63 is fit for the super-rich speedo boys who love to stand out in the streets of Beverly Hills or at Route 66, whatever it is.

With their macho impressions put a shine on the super-rich speedo boys looking for style, performance, and utility that can haul just about everything, it's time to find out the mild hybrid witchcraft beneath them.

The 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine is bolted with the integrated EQ Boost starter-alternator for the first time. When switched on, it grants an additional 16kW of power and 250Nm of torque into the V8 BiTurbo engine, giving it a whopping 634PS of power and 850Nm of torque. Mated to a 9-speed AMG Speedshift TCT, they're capable of going from 0-100kph in almost four and a half seconds and electronically limited to 250kph.

Sure, both the GLE63 and GLS63 are bulky in size but they're like magnum revolvers held in a well-balanced manner courtesy of their AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL roll stabilization, AMG speed-sensitive sport power steering, high-performance braking systems, and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. Not quite as fun as its other guys but with such capability at all kinds of roads, these guys sure know how to keep themselves enjoyable and balanced at their own pace, although the added driver assist systems will make the experience look regular.

Like them or not, these high-powered heavyweights from AMG really mean business.

Photo: Daimler AG

Second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLE

At the very beginning, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class replaced the M-Class as the newest midsize luxury SUV built to compete with the likes of the BMW X5 and with the advent of the second-generation model, the all-new GLE-Class is prepared to be driven at any places at anytime with its almost rugged looks, new interior, new tech, and new performance. This SUV equivalent of the E-Class has some job to do.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

The second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLE is available in two different body styles; the normal GLE, priced at 65,807 Euros plus tax and delivery, and the GLE Coupe, priced at 76,279 Euros plus tax and delivery. Yes, they really are very expensive to own for SUVs like these but on the plus side, the normal GLE SUV is less expensive than its main rival, the BMW X5, by a pint. However, let's not get bogged down on how expensive the new GLE is because let's take a quick look on the new-generation GLE and why this new SUV matters to any high rollers willing to spend their allowances to it.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

First and foremost, the styling and compared to the previous GLE years ago, the design is surprisingly more of an improvement or rather X-Class-ish and the same thing goes for the Coupe version, although unhappy with its jacked-up looks reminiscent of a bathing ape. The new exterior design is just one part of the story because there's more to be quickly investigated on the all-new model.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE interior

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe interior

The interior of the all-new GLE is surprisingly an eye candy for anyone who got the time to toy around with its high-tech stuff surrounding it as well as its MBUX infotainment system with the annoying "Hey, Mercedes" feature that will drive anyone at the back mad. Rather than toying around with the infotainment, the new GLE can accomodate from five to seven people thanks to the optional third-row seating. The GLE Coupe, meanwhile, can only accomodate up to five people. Being a luxury SUV full stop, the new GLE features some nifty user-friendly features such as the optional adjustable rear bench seats that can be folded at the touch of a button, a much bigger and brighter HUD, THERMOTRONIC air conditioning system that allows it to do by itself depending on the air quality, AIR-BALANCE, and so on. This SUV really means business for anyone getting used to its daily routine.

2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE53 4Matic+

2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE53 Coupe 4Matic+

The normal GLE SUV offers a choice of a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo, a 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo with EQ Boost, a 4.0L V8 BiTurbo with EQ Boost, a 2.0L 4-cylinder common rail diesel, and a 3.0L 6-cylinder diesel, whereas the GLE Coupe offered only with diesel engines, but that's okay because if case you need to find some more meat from the new GLE, there is an Mercedes AMG GLE53 4MATIC+ with the same 306PS 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine from pretty much everything else from the MG 35 lineup, mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7-speed double-clutch gearbox, making it capable of going 0-100kph in almost five and a half seconds and electronically limited to 250kph.

In terms of dynamics, the new GLE is slightly improved compared to the previous model it replaces. It's now more refined, slightly more agile, less bulky, slightly better off-road, and more pleasing to get yourselves into, and with the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension on range-toppers, no tarmac, gravel, or snow will scare the big boy out. As for safety, the new GLE comes with a wide range of driving assistance systems and PRE-SAFE, the recipes of making it one of the safest luxury SUVs in the market today.

The all-new GLE from Mercedes-Benz is a step forward from its predecessor thanks to its improved looks, tech, performance, and comfort that is distinctively Mercedes-Benz from start to finish. Although the pricing is too much for a luxury SUV, the GLE is no-nonsense SUV that is ready to take on almost everything the elements are throwing at.

Photo: Daimler AG

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe

Well, this is an unexpected manner. Trying to fend off the likes of BMW's sport utility coupe that started it all with the X6, Mercedes-Benz is joining the odd genre by creating their kind of sport utility coupe that combines the utility of the SUV and the exhilaration of a sports car. The Silver Arrows' first of their kind has been christened as the new GLE-Class Coupe.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe

This coupe version is basically based on the new GLE-Class, which is more pf a minor change version of the old M-Class it replaces as one of the firsts to implement its new naming structure but whereas the normal GLE-Class is all about being a practical crossover fit for any kinds of lifestyles, what does the new coupe version do in store? Well, thanks to its sloping roofline that you get from its BMW X6 rival, you can't really tell whether if its a jacked up saloon or an SUV at some point but don't try to count this car as a head-turner because with all that size and a questionable design even a man with a cataracts couldn't ask, no one's going to turn at a JS prom or a charity gala on one of these.

On the inside, it's the same story because thanks to its sloping roofline, some tall guys at the back are having a hard time accommodating inside and because this is a 5-seater sport utility coupe, you'll find that even with the decent boot space, it feels somewhat compromising, again, thanks to its roofline. But still, this is enough to fit most of your grocery shopping on your day off.

Under the hood, the GLE Coupe comes with a choice of a 3.0L petrol, 4.7L V8 petrol, or a 3.0L diesel engine, all mated with a 9G-TRONIC gearbox, a gearbox that is very unheard for a common driver.

2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 Coupe

2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 Coupe

If you need some added grunt to take on BMW's X6 M, not to worry because Mercedes-AMG offered a more powerful GLE63 Coupe model to accommodate that very pleasure of driving a high-performance heavyweight on the road and track, although it's somewhat unadvisable for the average car enthusiast. In the S version, the good old M157 AMG 5.5L V8 BiTurbo engine can churn out 585PS of power and 760Nm of torque. Mated with the AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic, it can do 0-100kph in 4.2 seconds and it's electronically limited to 250kph but there's an optional extra where the limit can be raised to 280kph.

In technological terms, the GLE features some cutting-edge technology ranging from ADAPTIVE BRAKE, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, EASY-Pack tailgate, reversing camera, Crosswind Assist, and many other tech features that is so advanced, it feels like the future really is now thanks to science. Oh great, this coupe crossover really is on right now in the techno-fest but frankly, some drivers are pretty uncertain about these tech features.

In terms of handling, the GLE Coupe is not what you called sporty as a sportscar but because being a crossover coupe, it's not what you called ideal to take it on your weekend destinations. Although this is still called a leisure activity vehicle, the only lifestyle this coupe version can do is nightlife, going to the gym, shopping, going to the indoor shooting range, and other activities rather than taking one to the beach or go on a cycling trip at the woods or camping or whatever.

The new GLE-Class Coupe starts at around 66,700 Euros for the GLE 350 d 4MATIC model, which is somewhat a thousand euros more than the base X6 xDrive30d model. It may sound much than its rival but rest assured that you'll get nothing while driving the new GLE Coupe. Don't think the nightmare is over because pretty soon, there will be another coupe crossover that will rival against the BMW X4 and that's in the form of the GLC-Class the replacement of the GLK but for now, you'd better think twice before taking a spin on the new GLE Coupe.

Photo: Daimler AG

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class maybe more of a minor change version of the old M-Class it replaces but this is Mercedes' debutante as it as one of the firsts to implement its new naming structure For all SUVs, they've been given a GL suffix and because it has the E on it, think of the GLE as...well, an SUV version of the E-Class. The more you know.

Anyway, the new GLE starts at around 53,966 Euros, which sounds like a lot for a crossover of that size, but what do you get on this fresh new start on the old M-Class it replaces are a choice of petrol, diesel, and for the first time, a PHEV.

The PHEV in question is the GLE 500 e which features a 3.0L V6 BiTurbo engine producing 333PS combined with a 85kW hybrid module, resulting to a combined torque output of 650Nm and combined power output of 442PS. Mercedes says it combines the power and refinement of a V8 engine with the fuel consumption of a three-litre car and the versatility of a premium SUV. Sounds too juicy for me. The GLE 500 e offers different modes that varies on the driving such as HYBRID, E-MODE, E-SAVE, and CHARGE. This model is mated with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS while its energy is stored in a li-ion batery with an energy content of 8.8kWh.

The ideal diesel model for the GLE is the GLE 350d 4MATIC, which comes with a 3.0L V6 diesel engine delivering 258PS of power and 620Nm of torque. It can do 0-100kph in 7.1 seconds and goes all they way to 225kph. As for fuel consumption, the 15.6km/L rating isn't too shabby for the V6 diesel even if it comes with an overloaded 9-speed automatic gearbox. Sure, its least powerful diesel model can do 18.5km/L, but it's best to be off with it.

2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63

However, if you want something more for the GLE, there's the high-performance GLE63 AMG, which features some of AMG's sporty enhancements that will make the GLE more exciting in the driver's mind, it still comes with the good old M157 AMG 5.5L V8 BiTurbo engine, which in the S model, can churn out 585PS of power and 760Nm of torque. Mated with the AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic, it can do 0-100kph in 4.2 seconds and it's electronically limited to 250kph but there's an optional extra where the limit can be raised to 280kph. Now that's as fast as any hi-po SUVs would do. One thing I do hope for if you had one of these is try to stay out of harm's way before someone gets alerted by its shouty V8 noise under the bonnet.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class interior

Because the GLE-Class is made to be different than the M-Class it replaces, it has all the right gizmos as well as the updated suspension system and 4MATIC four-wheel drive system so while driving on the road, it feels like an executive saloon in all the right places but when it traverses the rough terrain, the GLE-Class isn't such a bad car to drive, well, except for the GLE63 anyway because this was made to be racy rather than adventurous.

On the inside, it feels more exactly what you expect from the old M-Class except for the updated dashboard and some added gizmos for convenience purposes. If you didn't mind the tech stuff, you can say that this is still fit for a family car even if it wears a luxury car badge in it. There's more ample space at the back fit enough for any lifestyle you see fit.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The new GLE-Class maybe more of a facelifted M-Class at first but it's a breakthrough crossover that carries over from the M-Class and with the introduction of the first ever GLE 500 e PHEV, looks like Mercedes-Benz is expecting high hopes for this eco car of that size. In my mind, peeking at the GLE feels like you've tasted it before because this is essentially an M Class but mark its words because once you tried it, you'll regret about having the M-Class in the first place.

Photo: Daimler AG