2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S and GLS63: Everything You Need to Know About the New Mild-Hybrid V8
Mercedes-AMG has never been shy about pushing the boundaries of what a performance SUV can do, and the 2027 model year update to the GLE63 S and GLS63 is proof of that relentless ambition. Both flagship SUVs receive a sweeping engineering overhaul, headlined by a brand-new mild-hybrid V8 engine producing a staggering 603 horsepower. Paired with an emotionally charged flat-plane crankshaft, refined adaptive suspension, and a more dramatic exterior presence, these updated models represent the most compelling versions of AMG's performance SUV lineup to date.
A Brand-New Mild-Hybrid V8 Engine
At the heart of the 2027 GLE63 S and GLS63 is an entirely new mild-hybrid V8 engine — and it's far more than just an evolutionary step. Mercedes-AMG has engineered this powerplant from the ground up to deliver a peak output of 603 horsepower, placing both SUVs firmly in the realm of high-performance machines that most dedicated sports cars can only dream of matching.
The mild-hybrid system supplements the combustion engine with an integrated starter-generator, allowing for smoother power delivery, faster throttle response, and improved fuel efficiency during everyday driving. While "mild-hybrid" may not sound as dramatic as a full plug-in hybrid setup, in practice it provides meaningful electric torque-fill at low revs, reducing turbo lag and sharpening the driving experience in ways that matter most when you press the accelerator hard.
Perhaps the most exciting mechanical detail is the adoption of a flat-plane crankshaft. Traditionally the domain of exotic sports cars like the Ferrari 458 or Ford Shelby GT350, a flat-plane crank allows the engine to rev more freely and produces a higher-pitched, more sonorous exhaust note compared to the conventional cross-plane crank used in most V8-powered SUVs. For Mercedes-AMG, this choice signals a deliberate effort to inject more character and emotional engagement into what are otherwise large, comfort-oriented vehicles.
An Exhaust Note Worth Talking About
Speaking of character, Mercedes-AMG has also redesigned the exhaust system on both the GLE63 S and GLS63. The company has made it clear that the goal was to create an exhaust note that is more expressive and memorable — one that rewards the driver with aural drama rather than just muffled rumble. Combined with the flat-plane crank's naturally higher-revving behavior, the exhaust system is expected to produce a soundtrack that distinguishes these AMG SUVs from virtually every other performance SUV on the market. This matters enormously to buyers in this segment, where the emotional experience of driving is just as important as raw performance numbers on a spec sheet.
Styling Tweaks and Bigger Grilles
Beyond the powertrain, the 2027 GLE63 S and GLS63 receive a visual refresh that reinforces their performance credentials at a glance. Mercedes-AMG has updated the exterior styling with a range of carefully considered tweaks designed to give both SUVs a more assertive, modern presence on the road.
The most immediately noticeable change is the enlarged grille. Both models sport a wider, more prominent front fascia that channels more air to the larger and more demanding powertrain beneath. This isn't merely cosmetic — improved airflow management plays a direct role in cooling efficiency and aerodynamic stability at higher speeds. The overall design language remains true to the current generation's identity while introducing enough new visual elements to clearly distinguish the 2027 models from their predecessors.
- Redesigned front bumper and larger AMG-specific grille for improved airflow and visual impact
- Updated rear bumper and diffuser elements for a sportier, more purposeful stance
- Revised headlight and taillight graphic details reflecting Mercedes-Benz's latest design language
- New wheel designs and color options to further personalize either SUV
Adaptive Suspension with Active Roll Stabilization
Power and styling are only part of the equation. To ensure that 603 horsepower is actually usable — and enjoyable — on a variety of road conditions, Mercedes-AMG has fitted both the GLE63 S and GLS63 with a significantly upgraded suspension setup. The new adaptive suspension system works in concert with active roll stabilization technology to keep the vehicle flat and planted through corners, even under aggressive driving conditions.
Active roll stabilization uses electromechanical actuators at each axle to counteract body roll in real time, dramatically reducing the lean that large SUVs typically exhibit during dynamic cornering. The result is a vehicle that feels considerably smaller and more nimble than its physical dimensions would suggest. At the same time, the adaptive dampers can soften when cruising on the highway or navigating rough urban roads, ensuring that passengers are never sacrificed at the altar of performance.
This dual capability — supreme comfort when you want it, sharp athletic handling when you need it — has always been the core promise of the AMG GLE63 S and GLS63. The 2027 updates make good on that promise more convincingly than ever before.
GLE63 S vs. GLS63: Which One Is Right for You?
While both SUVs share the same new engine, chassis upgrades, and styling direction, they serve somewhat different purposes. The GLE63 S is the more driver-focused option, offering a slightly more compact footprint and a sharper dynamic character that rewards enthusiastic driving. The GLS63, on the other hand, prioritizes space and presence — it's a three-row performance SUV that can carry seven passengers while still dispatching the 0-60 mph sprint in supercar-rivaling time.
Buyers who place a premium on driving engagement and a more intimate cockpit experience will likely gravitate toward the GLE63 S. Families or those who require the additional passenger and cargo capacity without sacrificing any performance will find the GLS63 difficult to beat in its segment.
What This Means for the Performance SUV Segment
The arrival of the 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S and GLS63 raises the bar for the entire high-performance SUV category. Rivals like the BMW X5 M, Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, and Lamborghini Urus will all feel pressure to respond to the combination of 603 horsepower, flat-plane crank character, sophisticated hybrid integration, and class-leading chassis dynamics that Mercedes-AMG is now offering.
More broadly, the decision to equip a family-oriented SUV with a flat-plane crank V8 — a technology previously reserved for race-inspired sports cars — signals that AMG is serious about differentiating itself from the competition through engineering innovation rather than simply chasing horsepower numbers. In a market crowded with powerful SUVs, character and driving feel are increasingly becoming the decisive factors for buyers at this price point.
Final Thoughts
The 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S and GLS63 are not merely refreshed versions of already excellent SUVs — they represent a genuine leap forward in terms of powertrain technology, chassis sophistication, and emotional engagement. The new 603-horsepower mild-hybrid V8 with its flat-plane crankshaft promises to deliver a driving experience that is as exciting to hear and feel as it is impressive on paper. Add the revised styling, enlarged grilles, and the advanced active roll stabilization system, and you have two SUVs that confidently stand at the top of their respective classes. When these vehicles arrive in dealerships, they will almost certainly redefine what buyers expect from a performance SUV in the modern era.