The GLE twins - the GLE 63 S and GLE 63 S Coupé – represent the two distinctive body styles, the more traditional SUV or wagon shape and the much sleeker Coupé.

Back in 1999, what was then known as the M-Class, the mighty ML 55 AMG and later the ML 63 AMG were the sprinters in this range. Today’s Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S range again features state-of-the-art engine technology, with an AMG 4.0 litre V8 biturbo engine generating 450 kW.

The exterior design of the new AMG GLE is distinctive with a specific radiator grille with vertical louvres affirming its membership of the AMG model family. The side skirts, exterior mirror housings and flared wheel arches are painted in the vehicle’s colour to seamlessly blend into the overall look.

Different wheel and tyre combinations cover all on and off-road requirements. The GLE base model is shod with 21-inch light-alloy wheels with AMG lettering as standard and 22-inch wheels as an optional extra. The Coupé comes standard with 22-inch wheels.

The latest generation, three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles has made its way into these models. AMG seats are upholstered in Nappa Leather as standard, and individually adjustable ambient lighting also comes as standard and the second row of seats is optionally available with full electric adjustment.

The vehicle functions are directly visualised on the instrument cluster on the left side and on the touchscreen display on the right, which visually blend into a Widescreen Cockpit. The centre console has an AMG-specific control panel with additional switches with which the 3-stage ESP, manual transmission mode, the adaptive damping adjustment, the optional AMG Performance exhaust system and the suspension level can be controlled.

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For the first time, the new GLE 63’s 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine is fitted with an integrated EQ Boost starter-alternator that combines a starter motor and an alternator in a single electric motor. It provides an additional 16 kW of output and 250 Nm of torque and supplies the 48-volt on-board electrical system to use as a power generator and perform hybrid functions. These include boost, recuperate, load point shift, gliding and the virtually imperceptible restarting of the engine with the start/stop function.

For increased efficiency, Mercedes-AMG has also equipped the V8 engines with cylinder shut-off. In the partial-load range, cylinders two, three, five and eight are deactivated, which crucially reduces fuel consumption. When the driver has selected the Comfort drive program, the cylinder deactivation system is available from 1 000 to 3 250 r/m.

Mercedes claims both models can reach 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds with the top speed limited to 280 km/h. The gearbox is a 9-speed SpeedShift TCT 9G and claimed fuel consumption is said to be 11.5 l/100 km.

The standard AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension and the adaptively adjustable ADS+ (Adaptive Damping System) are configured for the characteristics of an SUV and combine agility and vehicle dynamics. The damping characteristics can be preselected in three stages - Comfort, Sport and Sport+.

• Pricing (April 2021):

GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ (R2 885 000)

GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupé (R2 948 000)