2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63 S: Pushes Out Over 600-Horsepower

Highlight: With its biturbo engine, this is the fastest GLE built to date. Th midsize luxury crossover pumps out a whopping 603-horsepower, bringing the top speed to 174-mph.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $133,075 (Base Model: $114,000)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; an electronic stability control system; a traction control system; a brake hold feature; a rearview camera; an active brake assist system; and a blind spot assist system

Standard Equipment: 21-inch wheels; all wheel drive; a 9-speed automatic transmission; Nappa leather seats; a leather wrapped performance-oriented steering wheel; a red or silver seat belt; a 12.3-inch infotainment screen; a navigation system; a Burmester surround system; massaging front seats; a wireless charging system; 64 color interiors and ambient lighting; and LED side mirror logo projectors; and power pull down rear liftgate 

Options:  22-inch spoke wheels; optional paint color; a carbon fiber engine cover; an augmented video; rear side airbags; a panoramic sunroof; a four zone automatic climate control system; a black headliner; and heated rear seats

Other AMG Trims:

AMG GLE53

AMG GLE63

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM, Burmester surround system

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes                  

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 4.0-liter, 8-cylinder/603-hp 

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 15-city/19-hwy

What’s New: The high-performance GLE 63 S is all new for the 2021 model year.

Why: For those seeking style, speed, performance and luxury, the 2021 AMG 63 S is a standout in the midsize crossover segment. The all-new AMG is outfitted with a biturbo 4.0-liter, 8-cylinder engine. The GLE 63 S is paired with an integrated EQ Boost starter-generator. And for the first time, this SUV combines both an alternator and a starter motor in a single electric motor, which is integrated between the transmission and engine.

Moreover, the all-wheel drive SUV-like crossover, with its seamless shifting 9-speed transmission, puts out 603-horsepower. While we weren’t able to measure it ourselves, Mercedes-Benz performance engineering team claims that the vehicle is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60-mph with in 3.7-seconds. Added to that, the top speed of the vehicle’s digital speedometer is 174-mph. This vehicle is definitely designed for the cruising the back roads, highway driving and the racetrack.

Our test model was flanked with optional 22-inch AMG cross spoke wheels and an AMG high performance braking system, with its red painted brake calipers. These components were not only designed to enhance the appearance and the handling capabilities of this powerhouse crossover, but they're also able to bring the vehicle to a complete stop, at the drop of a dime, without any warning.

Beyond the vehicle being a well-balanced performance-oriented driving machine, the GLE offered superb handling too. To compliment the driving experience, the luxury cruiser was also outfitted with a variety of driving mode. Yes, there was no denying that this was a Mercedes-Benz through and through.

Inside our test model, the  gussied-up luxury crossover was accessorized with such high end features as beige Nappa leather, massaging front seats (with a variety of settings), rear side airbags and the brand's signature iPad-like co-digital instrument cluster - infotainment system.

While the vehicle was outfitted with the typical electronic gear selector found in all Mercedes-Benzs, however, being that this was an AMG model, the vehicle was configured with a supersport mode. In the supersport mode, the driver had access to every driving mode that those in the world of motorsports require when behind the wheel. In fact, there was everything from a warm-up menu to a g-meter to a race meter to engine data. Yes, this is a racer's dream ride, as well as it was ours too. This is one vehicle we would not have mind placing on a track. Its designed for it.

Lastly, our sports-oriented crossover was outfitted with the latest self-driving aids. These driver assist aids ranged from a lane keep assist system to a protection traffic sign assist system to aid one’s in avoiding tickets. We must admit we opted not to utilize most of the semi autonomous features. A vehicle with this much horsepower deserves that one be totally in control and engaged, when behind the wheel.

But: The mechanism to control the power operated panoramic roof is somewhat flimsy for such a pricey vehicle. It took a few tries for us to get the sunroof open. We were afraid that if we placed too much pressure on the mechanism, we could possibly break it.

Also we’re surprise that the rear seats don’t partially recline in our vehicle. At this price point, we would expect the seats to partially recline.

Finally, we were surprised that this vehicle was not outfitted with a heads up display (HUD) system. With so much power underneath the hood, this should have been a no brainer.

Verdict: For those seeking the ultimate midsize SUV, with a car-like ride and every bell and whistle one could imagine packed inside the vehicle. The GLE, which was once known as the M Class, should rank high on one’s shopping list. This brand new trim to the GLE line up is the pinnacle of what every midsize crossover can grow up to become one day.

Unfortunately, its going to take an arm and a leg for most of us to afford this AMG GLE 63 S. Rest be assured, its worth every penny.

Competition:  BMW X5 M Competition