Brutish powerhaus lays down the law
On the back of the updated E-Class range launch, Mercedes-Benz SA invited us for a day of high speed antics in their updated range of high performance SUVs.
Related: Revitalized Mercedes-Benz E-Class - First Drive Impressions
With a storied history dating back to the early 90's, Mercedes-AMG have stamped their authority on making crazy, powerful SUVs that stand out from the crowd. From the cost-effective GLA and GLC derivatives all the way up to the monstrous G, GLE and GLS marques, these vehicles command respect and demand your undivided attention when driving them.
Mercedes had already launched the previously mentioned models and now it was time for the luxury brutes of the family. We were able to drive all the derivatives over a number of kilometres, and it goes without saying that this was a fantastic day at the office!
GLE 53 4Matic and Coupe'
The GLE 53 sets the ball rolling, powered by a 3l in line six cylinder engine that pumps out 320kW and 580Nm this mated to a 9 speed auto. The GLE53 gets the AMG treatment with the vertical slat grille, body coloured wheel arches, 22' alloy wheels and aggressive bumper styling.
The GLE also receives the new AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension that is self levelling and sets the car up for extremely sporty handling.
The AMG treatment extends to the interior with a host of colour and material options. From red stitched black leather to carbon fibre, piano black and brushed aluminium to Alcantara trim, the options are very sporty indeed.
The 53 may not be as brutish as its larger sibling, but that does not mean that it is any less fun to drive, the 0-100km sprint is done in just 5.3 seconds yet becomes incredibly compliant with the just to flip of a switch.
GLE 63 4Matic and Coupe'
The 63 takes it up a notch, fitted with a 4.0l V8 bi-turbo engine mated to the 9 speed TCT Speedshift. This will see you rocket to the 100km/h mark in just 4.85 seconds and on to an electronically limited 280km/h in the blink of an eye. The V8 engine puts out 450kW and 580Nm, and you can feel every bit of it.
The AMG styling team also attacked the exterior here, adding the AMG vertical slat grille, body coloured wide flared arches and aluminium step side skirts, the option of 21-23 inch wheels and the 4 exit exhaust. The exhaust note is also something special, calm and withdrawn when the vehicle is set to Comfort, and then giving off a throaty burble when flicked over into Sports+.
Interior trim for the 63 is also option laden. You can have your choice of Alcantara clad steering wheels with brushed aluminium inserts, carbon fibre trim panels and piano black switch surrounds. All these vehicles are fitted with the optional MBUX infotainment systems with twin 12-inch screens as well as the AMG Dynamic Drive systems which assist with traction and suspension control.
GLS 63S 4Matic
We saved the best for last as the GLS63S is the epitome of luxury and performance. Sporting the same 4.0l V8 but getting the 9 speed auto transmission, the GLS achieved very similar times and speed to the GLE. Despite the obvious size disadvantage the GLS was still able to very decent times on track. Tracking a flat 5 seconds for its 0-100km/h run, the linear power delivery allowed the GLS to actually outrun the GLE on a couple of occasions down the drag strip.
I think it's safe to say that those who choose this model won't be drag racing that often and prefer the refined interior. Finished in luxurious leather on the seats and door cards, the interior also gets fitted with the Alcantara steering wheel with aluminium inserts, the GLS63 represents a near perfect balance between luxury and power.
Exterior trims are also representative of the overall package, menacing and powerful, there's the same vertical slat grille, body coloured wheel arch flares and aluminium step sills as well as the optional 23" Monobloc wheels (at 70k) in either silver or matt black.
Both the models V8 engines are also accompanied by the EQ system that gives a power boost of 16kW under load and also provides charging for the stop/start restart system.
Models and Pricing
| Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ | R1 837 000 |
| Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé | R1 925 000 |
| Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ | R2 885 000 |
| Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupe | R2 948 000 |
| Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ | R3 154 000 |
Verdict
It goes without saying that anything with a 53 or 63 badge on the tailgate is going to blow your hair back. The power and the way it is delivered fly's in the face of the size of these vehicles. If you need the power and torque while floating along in the lap of luxury then look no further than the AMG kitted GL models.
