Mercedes-AMG Brings the V8 Back to Its Flagship Performance SUVs
Few announcements in the world of performance SUVs carry as much weight as a confirmed V8 engine revival. Mercedes-AMG has done exactly that with the updated GLE 63 S and GLS 63, two of the most capable and luxurious sport utility vehicles the brand has ever produced. With a new V8 powertrain headlining the upgrades, both models are poised to recapture the attention of driving enthusiasts who felt the shift toward electrification had softened AMG's edge. This update makes one thing abundantly clear: AMG still knows how to build a thrilling, fire-breathing SUV.
A Return to V8 Power: What the New Engine Delivers
The centerpiece of both the updated GLE 63 S and GLS 63 is a newly developed 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This powerplant represents AMG's commitment to offering a visceral, high-performance driving experience that a hybrid or inline-six simply cannot replicate in the same way. The V8 produces an impressive output that keeps both vehicles firmly at the top of their segment, delivering the kind of acceleration and engine soundtrack that has long been synonymous with the AMG name.
The engine is paired with AMG's nine-speed automatic transmission, which has been tuned specifically to complement the V8's power delivery. Gear changes are rapid and precise, whether cruising on the highway or pushing hard through a demanding corner. The all-wheel-drive system distributes torque intelligently across all four wheels, ensuring maximum traction and stability in a wide range of driving conditions.
Performance figures for both vehicles are nothing short of remarkable for SUVs of their size and weight. The GLE 63 S, the sportier and more focused of the two, is expected to sprint from zero to 60 mph in well under four seconds, a feat that continues to defy expectations for a vehicle this large. The GLS 63, while slightly more focused on luxury and space, is no slouch either, delivering similarly breathtaking acceleration that belies its full-size stature.
Updated Exterior Design: Subtle Refinements, Maximum Impact
Mercedes-AMG has also taken the opportunity to refresh the exterior styling of both the GLE 63 S and GLS 63. The updates are evolutionary rather than revolutionary, maintaining the recognizable and imposing silhouette that has made these vehicles so visually distinctive on the road. However, there are meaningful changes that sharpen the overall aesthetic and give both models a more contemporary look.
The front fascia has been revised with a more aggressive bumper design, updated air intakes that serve both aerodynamic and cooling functions, and revised lighting clusters that incorporate the latest LED technology. The AMG-specific grille remains a defining feature, framing the front end with authority. At the rear, updated exhaust tips echo the performance pedigree of the V8 engine sitting under the hood, while revised diffuser elements add a sporting touch to the tail end of each vehicle.
New wheel designs are available across both models, with large-diameter alloy options that fill the wheel arches convincingly and complement the overall performance stance. Color options have also been expanded, giving buyers greater opportunity to personalize their vehicle and express individual taste.
Interior Upgrades: Technology and Luxury in Perfect Balance
Step inside either the GLE 63 S or the GLS 63 and it is immediately apparent that Mercedes-AMG has lavished considerable attention on the cabin environment. The interior represents a seamless blend of high technology and genuine luxury, creating a space that is equally comfortable on a long-distance road trip and an exhilarating back-road blast.
The MBUX infotainment system has been updated with the latest software, offering a more intuitive interface, enhanced voice control capabilities, and seamless smartphone integration. The AMG-specific screens provide real-time performance data, allowing drivers to monitor everything from engine output to lap times, adding a racing-inspired dimension to everyday driving.
Seat quality, material choices, and fit and finish all remain at the very highest level. AMG-specific sport seats provide excellent lateral support without compromising long-distance comfort, and the available Nappa leather upholstery elevates the interior ambiance further. The GLS 63, with its three-row seating configuration, offers genuine practicality alongside its performance credentials, making it a rare vehicle that genuinely excels as both a family hauler and a driver's car.
Dynamic Handling: Engineering Excellence Underneath
Beyond the headline V8 engine, both the GLE 63 S and GLS 63 benefit from significant chassis and suspension refinements. The AMG Ride Control air suspension has been recalibrated to improve the balance between ride comfort and handling precision. In Comfort mode, the suspension absorbs imperfections in the road surface with impressive composure. Switch to Sport or Sport+ and the character transforms entirely, with sharper responses, reduced body roll, and a more connected feel through the steering wheel.
The active rear-axle steering system, which turns the rear wheels in coordination with the fronts, significantly reduces the effective turning radius and improves agility at lower speeds while enhancing high-speed stability. For SUVs of this considerable size, the dynamic results are genuinely impressive and contribute meaningfully to driver confidence.
Why the Updated GLE 63 S and GLS 63 Matter for the Performance SUV Segment
The updated Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S and GLS 63 arrive at a pivotal moment in the automotive industry. As manufacturers increasingly pivot toward electrification, AMG's decision to double down on a high-displacement V8 sends a powerful statement to the market. These vehicles acknowledge that for a significant and passionate segment of buyers, no electrified powertrain yet replaces the emotional connection created by a thundering V8 engine.
Competitors such as the BMW X5 M, Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, and Range Rover Sport SVR will all feel the competitive pressure from these revised AMG offerings. With a compelling combination of raw power, cutting-edge technology, refined luxury, and unmistakable character, the updated GLE 63 S and GLS 63 raise the benchmark for what a performance SUV can and should be.
For anyone who demands the very best in performance, luxury, and engineering, the updated Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S and GLS 63 with their headline V8 powertrains represent two of the most complete and compelling choices available in the premium SUV segment today.