The Pinnacle of Performance SUVs: A Deep Dive into the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe
For over a decade now, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the evolution of automotive engineering firsthand. My journey through the industry has seen performance benchmarks shattered, luxury redefined, and vehicle segments blended in ways previously unimaginable. It’s within this dynamic landscape that the concept of the high-performance SUV has not only thrived but arguably become the ultimate expression of automotive desirability for a significant portion of discerning buyers. This brings me to the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe 4Matic+, a machine that embodies this ethos with an audacious blend of blistering speed, opulent comfort, and commanding road presence. It’s a vehicle that traces its lineage back to an era when the very notion of such a powerful SUV was revolutionary, and it stands today as a testament to AMG’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries.
The genesis of this segment, as many seasoned enthusiasts recall, can be traced back to the late 1990s. SUVs were generally utilitarian tools, either robust off-roaders built for rugged terrain or spacious family haulers. The idea of a high-horsepower, luxury-infused sport utility vehicle was, quite frankly, not on the radar. Then, in 1999, Mercedes-Benz, in collaboration with AMG, introduced the ML 55. This was a paradigm shift. AMG’s inaugural foray into the SUV market was a bold statement, effectively injecting a potent V8 engine into a comfortable, refined package. It wasn’t about transforming a lumbering utility vehicle into a track-day weapon, but rather about distilling the essence of speed, comfort, space, and refinement into a singular, cohesive package. The result was a vehicle that could effortlessly shuttle a family in luxurious comfort one moment and deliver exhilarating acceleration the next. The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe is, in many ways, the direct spiritual successor to that groundbreaking ML 55, carrying forward its core DNA into the modern era.
It’s important to note, as my colleagues and I have observed, that acquiring a brand-new 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe is currently an impossibility. Production of the twin-turbocharged V8 engine that powers this particular beast experienced a temporary halt, affecting the 2022 model year. While this presents a brief hurdle, industry whispers and manufacturer assurances suggest a resumption of production for subsequent model years. Having spent a considerable amount of time behind the wheel of this 2021 example, I can confidently state that the anticipation for its return is entirely justified. This vehicle is a masterclass in engineering and a truly desirable automotive statement.
Unbridled Performance: The Heart of the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe
Fast forward two decades from the ML 55, and the landscape of high-performance SUVs is vastly different. What was once unthinkable – an SUV boasting over 600 horsepower – is now a competitive segment populated by numerous formidable contenders, including the McLaren Artura and other exotic performance vehicles. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe 4Matic+ firmly plants itself at the apex of this echelon. Beneath its sculpted hood resides a formidable 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This powerhouse churns out a staggering 603 horsepower at 5,750 rpm, complemented by an immense 627 pound-feet of torque available from a low 2,500 rpm. This raw power is further augmented by AMG’s innovative EQ Boost mild-hybrid system.
This sophisticated technology integrates a starter-generator, which doubles as an alternator, seamlessly positioned between the engine and the transmission. The effect is an additional surge of up to 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Crucially, this electric assistance isn’t solely dedicated to straight-line acceleration. Instead, it’s intelligently deployed across the powerband to bridge any potential turbo lag, creating an illusion of an even larger, more immediate power delivery. The real-world consequence of this system is a truly instantaneous throttle response. At no point does the GLE 63 S feel anything less than ferociously responsive. It lunges off the line with astonishing alacrity and maintains its impressive pace at higher velocities. The sheer velocity this substantial vehicle can achieve is, frankly, remarkable.
And then there’s the sound. Flattening the accelerator unleashes a proper, ferocious bark from those gloss-black exhaust tips. While it might not possess the same resonant depth as its naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 predecessors, the acoustic experience is still undeniably potent and thrilling. Mirroring its dot-com-era ancestor, the GLE 63 S comes standard with AMG’s performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system, paired with a nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT automatic transmission. While this transmission generally performs admirably, its calibration leans towards smooth, comfortable shifts for daily driving, rather than the hyper-aggressive, lightning-fast downshifts one might expect in a dedicated track machine. While manual shifting via the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters offers more direct control, the downshift response, though improved, still lacks the razor-sharp immediacy found in some competitors. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the GLE 63 S’s intended purpose. This isn’t a dedicated canyon carver, and for its urban and grand touring remit, the transmission’s tuning is more than adequate, providing seamless engagement.
The sheer mass of the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe is always present, yet remarkably well-managed. At nearly 5,500 pounds, it’s a substantial vehicle. Under hard cornering, a degree of understeer is to be expected, and while the body roll is surprisingly well-controlled thanks to its advanced air suspension and active anti-roll bars, the initial turn-in response isn’t as immediate as one might find in a lighter sports car. Yet, these nuances fade into insignificance when considering the totality of the driving experience. The adaptive air suspension, tuned to near perfection, delivers a ride that is both firm and unmistakably AMG-appropriate, while simultaneously offering a surprising degree of comfort, even on less-than-perfect road surfaces. Even the imposing 22-inch wheels, a common source of ride harshness in other vehicles, do little to compromise the overall comfort. While it may not be an outright track champion, its dominion over the urban jungle and its capability for long-distance cruising firmly establish the GLE 63 S as a masterclass in understanding and catering to the desires of its target audience.
A Sculptural Masterpiece: The GLE 63 S Coupe’s Exterior Design
The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe adheres to the increasingly popular coupe-style SUV silhouette, characterized by its dramatic, sloping roofline. This design language has proven so successful that Mercedes-Benz has adopted it across its GLE and GLC model lines. On a vehicle of this size, the coupe form factor works exceptionally well, effectively de-emphasizing its inherent bulk. The GLE, by its very nature, is a substantial vehicle, but the way its roofline elegantly melts into the rear three-quarters of the bodywork bestows upon it a surprising degree of sleekness and dynamism, defying its imposing dimensions.
The expansive taillights, which wrap around the rear, further enhance this visual effect, their proportions harmonizing perfectly with the vehicle’s extensive bodywork. Echoing its distinguished ancestor, the ML55, the GLE 63 S features pronounced, body-colored fender flares. While not as overtly aggressive as those on the original, they serve to visually widen the GLE 63 S, distinguishing it from its less potent, standard GLE counterparts and imbuing it with a more muscular stance.
A subtle yet impactful design cue can be found on the hood: two prominent lines that run nearly parallel to one another. This is not a new styling element; it’s a design trait directly inherited from the ML55 and originally termed “power domes” by Mercedes-Benz, a visual lineage that can be traced back to the iconic 1950s 300 SL Gullwing. The judicious use of darkened elements – the rear diffuser, the wheels, and the front air intakes – creates a captivating contrast, contributing to an aggressive aesthetic without veering into ostentatious territory. This balanced approach to design ensures the GLE 63 S commands attention for its sophisticated sportiness.
An Oasis of Luxury and Technology: The GLE 63 S Coupe’s Interior
Any reservations one might have about the vehicle’s exterior dimensions or its coupe silhouette completely dissipate the moment you step inside. The generous exterior proportions translate directly into an interior offering immense comfort and unparalleled spaciousness. Even with the sloping roofline, the rear-seat accommodation is surprisingly generous. As a 5’10” individual, I experienced ample headroom in the rear, suggesting that passengers of all ages will find ample comfort for even the longest journeys. This focus on passenger well-being is further amplified by the highly adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, ensuring that driver and front passenger comfort is of the highest order.
Beyond sheer comfort, the interior quality is nothing short of spectacular. The GLE excels in its technological integration, featuring two expansive 12.3-inch digital displays that appear to merge seamlessly, creating a forward-thinking and exceptionally well-organized cabin. The proprietary MBUX infotainment system is a joy to operate – intuitive, responsive, and remarkably easy to learn. The seamless integration of smartphone connectivity, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, further enhances the user experience, ensuring that essential digital tools are always within reach.
It’s important to acknowledge the significant price difference between a GLE 53 model and the GLE 63 S Coupe. This delta is demonstrably reflected in the materials used throughout the cabin. Everywhere you look, you’ll encounter exquisite leather, supple Alcantara, or genuine carbon fiber accents. These are tangible reminders of the vehicle’s premium positioning and the rewards of its high-performance ethos. The interior of the GLE 63 S feels every bit as exclusive and luxurious as its substantial price tag suggests, creating an environment that is both exhilarating and supremely comfortable.
The Investment in Performance: Pricing and Competitive Landscape
The entry price for a 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe begins at a considerable $117,050. However, as previously mentioned, new examples of this specific configuration are not currently available. The press vehicle I evaluated, a 2021 model with over 9,000 miles, carried an as-tested price exceeding $130,000. For context, this figure falls short of the starting price for a Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo, which begins at $133,500, and is significantly less than the top-tier Turbo S variant.
The GLE 63 S Coupe’s most direct rivals within this highly competitive segment are the BMW X6 M and the Audi RSQ8. These three German titans, while distinct in their execution, offer remarkably similar performance envelopes and luxury appointments, adhering to a well-established and successful formula. This shared approach, while a boon for consumers seeking this specific blend of attributes, presents a unique challenge for manufacturers: maintaining differentiation in a market where competitors deliver such a parallel experience. For the present, these high-performance SUVs are immensely profitable for their respective brands. However, as the automotive landscape continues to evolve, the ability for these large, family-oriented performance machines to truly stand out will become increasingly crucial. The best luxury performance SUVs are constantly vying for supremacy.
Final Verdict: The Ultimate High-Performance SUV Statement
The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe 4Matic+ unequivocally succeeds in its intended mission. It delivers sports-car-like acceleration in a straight line, all within a package that is exceptionally comfortable for family road trips. It is, in essence, a modern-day automotive Swiss Army knife, capable of excelling in multiple, often contradictory, domains. However, it’s essential to acknowledge the inherent compromises made in pursuit of such extreme performance. If an unwavering focus on outright track prowess and razor-sharp handling were the sole priorities, there might be other, more specialized vehicles that could cater to those specific needs. Yet, for the discerning individual who desires an object of immense prestige, capable of effortlessly whisking them through urban environments with unparalleled comfort, and possessing a reserve of power that could rival a small power plant at a moment’s notice, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe is remarkably close to perfection. For those who will inevitably gravitate towards acquiring one once production fully resumes, rest assured, your patience will be richly rewarded.
If you’re in the market for an exceptional luxury performance SUV and are captivated by the blend of brute force, refined elegance, and cutting-edge technology that the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe represents, we encourage you to explore your options further. Connect with your local Mercedes-Benz dealership to learn more about upcoming production schedules and to schedule a personal consultation and test drive. Experience the pinnacle of performance SUV engineering for yourself.