New Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S and GLS 63 nearly here
Higher pricing, performance and technology for new-generation large and extra-large luxury SUVsAustralian pricing and specs have been announced for the new 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S and GLS 63 4MATIC+ SUVs, which are now on sale ahead of first local deliveries later next month.
And if you think the names are a mouthful, just wait for the prices.
The new GLE 63 has been priced at $220,600 plus on-road costs (up almost $18,000 on its predecessor) and the new GLS 63 costs a cool $255,700 plus ORCs – about $35,000 more than before.
The price hikes for the two new Mercedes-Benz SUV flagships, which are again offered here only in high-output S guise, mean the new GLE 63 is now over $10K pricier than its most direct rival, the BMW X5 M Competition ($209,900 plus ORCs).
Revealed a year ago, AMG’s newest SUVs join the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d, 450 and 400d range that arrived here in mid-2019, followed this year by the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 ($166,335 plus ORCs).
As you know, the top-shelf 63 versions of the five-seat GLE and seven-seat GLS are both powered by AMG’s 450kW/850Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 matched to a nine-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive including limited-slip rear differential.
That’s a long way from the 255kW offered by the German car-maker’s original performance SUV, the Mercedes-Benz ML 55 AMG of 1999, and it’s boosted by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system including EQ Boost starter-alternator.
EQ Boost adds an extra 16kW/250Nm in short bursts and other hybrid functions including, for the first time, idle speed control.
Matching their chief rivals for pace, the GLE 63 S is claimed to hit 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds and the GLS 63 in 4.2sec. Both are electronically limited to a top speed of 280km/h.
Other key mechanical features include active dynamic engine mounts, four-cylinder deactivation, high-performance composite brakes, selectable performance exhaust system, speed-sensitive sport steering, AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL roll stabilisation and AMG RIDE CONTROL+ adaptive damping with eight AMG DYNAMIC SELECT modes: Comfort, Individual, Slippery, Trail, Sand, Sport, Sport+ and RACE.
Specific cosmetic extras include a twin-powerdome bonnet, chunkier front and rear bumpers, rear diffuser, rear roof spoiler and 21-inch AMG five-twin-spoke alloy wheels in high-sheen black.
Inside, there are multi-contour front seats in AMG Exclusive Nappa leather, an AMG Performance steering wheel finished in Nappa leather and DINAMICA microfibre, and the MBUX ‘High’ infotainment system including specific AMG displays and AMG TRACK PACE data logging.
Other standard equipment comprises four-zone climate control, seat and armrest heating, temperature-controlled front cup-holders, power-closing doors, Burmester surround sound and a panoramic glass sunroof.
Safety features extend to the Driving Assistance Package Plus with Active Traffic Assist, PRE-SAFE, Active Parking Assist and Traffic Sign Assist.
The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ scores all this equipment and adds a bigger cabin with seven power-operated seats and the biggest boot in the Benz range, plus 22-inch AMG multi-spoke alloys, five-zone climate control with AIR BALANCE Package and the MBUX Innovation Package including MBUX Interior Assistant and MBUX Augmented Reality for Navigation.
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