Mercedes-AMG's V8 SUVs Are Back—And They Mean Business
There was a moment, not too long ago, when it looked like the thunderous, window-rattling V8 engine might slowly disappear from Mercedes-AMG's SUV lineup, nudged aside by the relentless march of electrification. For performance enthusiasts, that prospect was nothing short of heartbreaking. But Mercedes-AMG has answered those fears in the most emphatic way possible: the new GLE 63 S Coupe and GLS 63 are back, they are louder, faster, and more outrageously capable than ever before—packing V8 power with up to 603 horsepower under the hood.
These are not just SUVs. They are rolling statements of intent, built for drivers who want the practicality of a family hauler without sacrificing a single heartbeat of adrenaline. If you've been waiting for AMG to remind the world what a proper performance SUV feels like, the wait is officially over.
What Makes the New AMG GLE 63 S Coupe and GLS 63 So Special?
At the heart of both models sits AMG's celebrated 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine—a unit that has powered some of the most exciting performance cars of the last decade. In the range-topping GLE 63 S Coupe, that engine has been pushed to deliver a staggering 603 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful SUVs that Mercedes-AMG has ever offered to the public. The GLS 63, AMG's flagship three-row luxury performance SUV, also benefits from this potent powerplant, ensuring that even the largest model in the lineup refuses to take a back seat when it comes to outright performance.
What is particularly impressive is that AMG has managed to extract this level of performance while also meeting increasingly stringent emissions regulations. The integration of mild-hybrid technology helps smooth out power delivery, reduce turbo lag, and recover energy during deceleration—all without dulling the visceral, spine-tingling character that defines an AMG product.
Performance Figures That Defy Their Size
Numbers on a spec sheet rarely tell the whole story, but when those numbers are this good, they deserve to be heard. The GLE 63 S Coupe, with its 603 hp V8, is capable of sprinting from zero to 60 mph in well under four seconds—a figure that would have seemed impossible for a vehicle of this size and weight just a few years ago. The all-wheel-drive AMG Performance 4MATIC+ system ensures that every one of those horses is put to the ground with maximum efficiency, while the nine-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT transmission delivers lightning-fast gear changes in both automatic and manual modes.
The GLS 63 follows a similar formula. Despite its considerably larger footprint—it comfortably seats up to seven passengers—it manages to feel far more agile and responsive than any three-row SUV has any right to feel. AMG's engineers have worked extensively on the suspension tuning, steering calibration, and chassis dynamics to ensure that the driving experience never feels like a compromise.
Design: Aggressive, Purposeful, and Unmistakably AMG
Performance SUVs of this caliber need to look the part, and both the GLE 63 S Coupe and GLS 63 do exactly that. The GLE 63 S Coupe adopts the swooping fastback roofline that defines the coupe-SUV segment, combining it with wider AMG-specific body flares, a prominent front splitter, and a bold Panamericana grille that leaves no one in any doubt about the car's intentions. Large air intakes, sculpted side sills, and a quad-exhaust setup at the rear complete a silhouette that is genuinely intimidating on the road.
The GLS 63 takes a different approach, opting for a more commanding, upright stance that reflects its role as a full-size luxury flagship. It is broader, taller, and more imposing, wearing AMG badging and styling cues that elevate it well above the standard GLS in terms of visual presence.
Inside: Luxury Meets Technology at the Highest Level
Step inside either model and it becomes immediately clear that AMG has not focused exclusively on performance at the expense of refinement. The cabin is a showcase of premium materials, cutting-edge technology, and thoughtful ergonomics. Key interior highlights include:
- The latest MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system with an expansive curved display spanning the instrument cluster and central screen
- AMG-specific performance displays showing real-time data such as g-force, turbo pressure, and lap times
- Nappa leather upholstery with contrast stitching and AMG performance seats that hold occupants firmly in place during spirited driving
- Ambient lighting with multiple color profiles to match different driving modes
- A premium Burmester surround sound system delivering concert-hall audio quality
In the GLS 63, all of this luxury is replicated across three rows, meaning rear-seat passengers enjoy a level of comfort and space that rivals dedicated luxury limousines.
Why the V8 Still Matters in 2025
In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by electric motors and downsized turbocharged four-cylinders, the return of a full-fat AMG V8 in two of the brand's biggest SUVs carries real significance. The V8 engine is more than a technical specification—it is a sensory experience. It is the deep, sonorous burble at idle, the sharp crack on an upshift, and the relentless wave of torque that pins you to your seat from the moment you press the accelerator. These are things that no current electric powertrain has yet fully replicated, and AMG clearly understands that a large portion of its customer base still values that emotional connection above everything else.
By delivering the new GLE 63 S Coupe and GLS 63 with even more power than their predecessors, Mercedes-AMG is making a clear statement: the V8 is not going anywhere anytime soon, and as long as it exists, AMG will ensure it remains the most exciting engine option in any segment it occupies.
Final Verdict: The Ultimate Expression of AMG's SUV Philosophy
The new Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe and GLS 63 represent the pinnacle of what a performance-focused luxury SUV can be. With up to 603 horsepower, world-class interiors, sophisticated all-wheel-drive technology, and a V8 soundtrack that never gets old, these two models make an overwhelmingly compelling case for themselves. Whether you prioritize the sleek, athletic proportions of the GLE 63 S Coupe or the commanding three-row presence of the GLS 63, Mercedes-AMG has built something that is genuinely difficult to fault—and utterly impossible to ignore.
For anyone who has been holding out for proof that the golden age of the AMG performance SUV is far from over, consider this your answer.