What's The Big News?
Welcome back to the world of absolute, unadulterated horsepower. Mercedes-AMG has just taken the wraps off the updated GLE 63 S and its gargantuan seven-seater sibling, the GLS 63. These aren't your run-of-the-mill luxury family haulers meant for a quiet weekend getaway to Lonavala or Nandi Hills. No, these are track-honed, asphalt-shredding beasts that happen to have massive boots and enough ground clearance to clear our notorious Indian speed breakers.
Instead of changing the recipe entirely, Affalterbach has focused on polishing what was already a deeply impressive package. We're talking about subtle cosmetic tweaks, a serious upgrade to the onboard software, and more standard kit than ever before. If you've been saving up your hard-earned crores for a super-SUV that can embarrass sports cars at a drag strip while carrying your entire family in absolute comfort, your wishlist just got a bit more complicated.
Sharp Styling And Even More Tech Inside
Let's address the styling first—visual changes are subtle, but they make a massive difference in person. You get a newly designed LED light signature in the headlights and taillights that gives these giants a much meaner stare. Mercedes has also replaced the traditional three-pointed star on the bonnet with the official AMG emblem, a touch previously reserved only for their low-slung sports cars (and honestly, it shows). The front apron has been reshaped with more aggressive air intakes to feed that hungry V8 underneath.
Stepping inside feels like entering a high-tech command center designed by someone who loves carbon fibre. Both SUVs now get the latest generation MBUX infotainment system with AMG-specific screen layouts that make you feel like a fighter pilot. You'll also notice the new AMG Performance steering wheel, complete with those handy rotary dials to swap drive modes on the fly. The standard equipment list has swollen significantly, now including things like a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and a burly Burmester surround sound system that will easily drown out your passenger's screams when you stomp on the gas.
The Heart of the Beast: Mild-Hybrid V8 Thunder
Under the sculpted bonnet lies the main attraction—the legendary 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine. It pumps out a mind-boggling 612 horsepower, but there's a modern twist this time around. Mercedes has integrated a 48-volt mild-hybrid system (an Integrated Starter Generator) that adds an extra 22 horsepower of electric boost when you need that instant kick in the pants. It also helps smooth out the start-stop system, though let's be honest, nobody is buying a V8 AMG to save fuel.
Power is sent to all four wheels via a lightning-fast nine-speed automatic gearbox and AMG's fully variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. To ensure you don't end up in a ditch at the first sight of a corner, both models come equipped with active roll stabilization and adaptive air suspension. This clever tech works tirelessly to keep these heavy SUVs completely flat through corners, defying the very laws of physics.
Specs At A Glance
Parameter | Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S | Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 |
|---|---|---|
Engine | 4.0-litre Twin-Turbo V8 + 48V Mild Hybrid | 4.0-litre Twin-Turbo V8 + 48V Mild Hybrid |
Peak Power | 612 hp (+ 22 hp EQ Boost) | 612 hp (+ 22 hp EQ Boost) |
Transmission | 9-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT | 9-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT |
Drivetrain | AMG Performance 4MATIC+ AWD | AMG Performance 4MATIC+ AWD |
Suspension | AMG RIDE CONTROL+ Air Suspension | AMG RIDE CONTROL+ Air Suspension |
How Does It Stack Up Against The Competition?
Facing off against these German heavyweights is no easy task, but the competition in the super-SUV space is brutal. The GLE 63 S goes head-to-head with the Audi RS Q8 and the BMW X5 M. While the Audi offers a slightly more understated, everyday usability and a lower price tag, it doesn't quite match the sheer, raw drama of the AMG's V8 exhaust note. The BMW X5 M, on the other hand, is a precision tool with razor-sharp handling, but it can feel a bit too stiff on our broken city roads.
Meanwhile, the colossal GLS 63 sits in a very exclusive club of seven-seater performance monsters (yes, really). Its primary rival is the BMW X7 M60i. While the BMW is incredibly fast and luxurious, it isn't a full-blown 'M' car in the way the GLS 63 is a proper, hardcore AMG. If you want maximum cabin space, ultimate street presence, and the ability to scare six of your friends simultaneously, the GLS 63 remains virtually peerless.
The Good And The Not-So-Good
What We Like
- That glorious, rumbling twin-turbo V8 engine that sounds like thunder.
- Upgraded cabin tech with the latest MBUX and gorgeous AMG-specific graphics.
- Incredible body control that makes these heavy SUVs handle like much smaller cars.
- Massive road presence that commands instant respect on Indian roads.
What Could Be Better
- Ride quality can get a bit firm on low-profile tyres over broken tarmac.
- Fuel efficiency is practically non-existent if you have a heavy right foot.
- The options list is so expensive that a few ticked boxes could buy you a mid-spec Swift.
Price & When You Can Buy It
While official Indian pricing is yet to be announced, we expect these updated models to command a premium over their predecessors. The outgoing GLE 63 S was priced well north of ₹2 crore, and this updated version will easily push past that mark once taxes and customization options are ticked. The larger GLS 63 will comfortably sit closer to the ₹3 crore mark.
European launches are scheduled to begin shortly, and we expect Mercedes-Benz India to bring these high-performance models to our shores via the CBU (Completely Built Unit) route by late 2024 or early 2025. It's a niche market, but Indian buyers have shown an insatiable appetite for AMG models lately, so expect limited allocations to sell out fast.
Our Verdict
Here's the thing — buying an AMG SUV is never a logical decision based on fuel efficiency or practicality. It's an emotional purchase, a celebration of engineering excess before the electric era completely takes over. These updated models don't reinvent the wheel, but they refine the formula perfectly by adding modern tech to an iconic powertrain.
If you have the financial muscle to afford one of these beasts, don't think twice. They offer a level of theater, performance, and everyday usability that very few vehicles on the planet can match. It's the ultimate garage-on-wheels, ready to tackle the school run during the week and dominate the highway on Sunday mornings.
