Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe revealed

The new Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe will be pitched as the ultimate high-performance luxury SUV when it comes to Australia in August 2020.

Although it doesn’t quite have the functionality nor the boot space of the regular Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 wagon, the shorter 'coupe' SUV offers a more aggressive look and the sort of power punch that will make young children cry.

Mercedes-Benz Australia hasn't announced pricing yet, but the current AMG GLE 63 S Coupe – which is powered by the previous 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 (430kW/760Nm) – is pegged at $203,470 and provides a ballpark figure.

While there's plenty of fruit inside the car and more luxury features than Buckingham Palace – we're talking multi-contoured, climate controlled Nappa leather sports seats – a lot of the expected $200,000-plus price is down to the vehicle's rumbling twin-scroll, twin-turbo V8.

The 4.0-litre biturbo engine has seen service in a number of AMG models, including the brand's flagship GT sports car, bangs out enough power (450kW/850Nm in S form: the only variant to be sold here) to propel the big rig to 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds.

That matches the smaller GLC 63 S and all of GLE 63 S Coupe's direct competitors, including the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Q and Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe, plus the upcoming Audi RS Q8 and BMW's upcoming X6 M Competition.

Only the Lamborghini Urus and Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk are quicker at 3.6sec and the blistering acceleration is backed up by a 280km/h top speed.

Power is channeled through AMG's Speedshift TCT nine-speed automatic transmission, while the chassis features all the latest suspension tech. We're talking AMG Ride Control+ air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control adaptive dampers, allowing the car to flip from cushy cruiser to sharp-edged corner carver at the touch of a button.

Like all high Mercedes models, it's fitted with every conceivable safety feature and semi-autonomous driver aid as well, ensuring the car can accelerate, brake and steer by itself in certain scenarios.

For the rev-heads out there, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe generates peak power of 450kW over 5750-6500rpm, while peak torque of 850Nm hits between 2250 and 5000rpm. The regular (non-S) AMG GLE 63 Coupe offers 'only' 420kW and 750Nm and does not come with active engine mounts.

Mercedes-AMG has beefed up the stoppers on the GLE 63 S Coupe too, adding massive 400mm front rotors and 370mm rear discs, chomped by six-piston and single-piston callipers respectively. Of course ceramic brakes are also available as an option, should a track day beckon after overnighting at the latest boutique winery.

All AMG GLE 63 S models come standard with big 22-inch alloy wheels shod with super-sticky rubber and there are various bodywork upgrades that mark this vehicle as 'not to be trifled with'.

Up front there's an AMG-specific grille finished in high-gloss chrome underneath, which sits atop a low front splitter flanked by massive black-edged air intakes. An aggressive power dome on the bonnet denotes the V8 hidden beneath while sporty side skirts and flared wheel-arches give it a tougher stance than vanilla GLE Coupe model grades.

At the rear is a new apron with several AMG bits and bobs, like a sporty diffuser book-ended by a quartet of trapezoidal exhaust outlets.

Inside the vehicle there is no lack of luxury, with Nappa leather power-adjustable front seats designed to deliver comfort and support in equal measure. S models get grey seat belts and overt grey stitching throughout while all models come with colour adjustable LED ambient lighting. If you want pink lights, go for it.

Other AMG-specific features include the leather/suede steering wheel and aluminium paddle shifters, sporty brushed steel pedals, AMG door sills and floor mats – the list goes on.

The MBUX AI-powered infotainment set-up is in evidence too, made up of two large LCD screens, including a fully adjustable digital instrument panel. There's a unique 'supersport' mode that brings up a large central rev meter and shift lights that blink on when it's time to slap a paddle.

In terms of everyday usability, AMG has augmented the V8 powertrain with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system (via an EQ Boost starter/alternator) that adds an extra 16kW and 250Nm when required. Such as during full-throttle launches. When used in 'meander' mode (aka comfort), the EQ Boost system works as a recuperation device and engine start/stop system to save fuel.

Meanwhile, cylinder deactivation can shut down four of the eight engine pistons to further reduce fuel consumption. However, with claimed CO2 emissions of 263g/km and fuel consumption of 11.5L/100km, the big AMG is neither clean nor frugal.

The five-seat, five-door high-rider features larger rear door openings to make life easier for back-seat passengers, plus improved boot space of 655 litres -- expanding to 1790 litres with the back seats tipped down. By comparison, the Mercedes-Benz GLE wagon offers up to 825 litres (with the rear seats all the way forward), expanding to 2055 with the rear seats folded down.