2016 Mercedes GLE 63 S AMG Coupe – video review

Some old, some new, some fast – very fast indeed!

By Shahzad Sheikh

2016 Mercedes GLE 63 S AMG Coupe - video review

There’s an elephant in the room and it’s called the X6. Yes, yes, the GLE coupe is a blatant rip-off of the BMW X6. But then BMW started doing four-door coupes after Merc’s success with the original CLS saloon. So fine, get over it. There’s now an alternative to the X6. I think it looks terrific, and what’s more, it’s rather good!

Click below to watch the video review of the 2016 Mercedes GLE 63 S AMG Coupe

Now just to clarify, there is still a regular GLE which is essentially the updated and rebadged former Mercedes ML. But now there’s also this coupe version. And for our market, we only get it in AMG 63 flavours – regular and S.

2016 Mercedes GLE 63 S AMG Coupe - video review

And there’s a bit of a price difference: AED444,804 ($121k) and AED489,211 ($133k). Considering the ‘normal’ GLE 63 makes do with ‘only’ 557bhp but still hits 100kph from rest in 4.3 seconds – only a tenth slower than the S, and still faster than the Range Rover Sport SVR (4.4secs), you might as well go for that one.

But most won’t. Over here we like to be able to boast that we’ve got the top one, so GLE 63 S it is then.

2016 Mercedes GLE 63 S AMG Coupe - video review

However you can still be smug about it, as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S is only a tenth of a second quicker (4.1secs), but costs a whopping AED692k ($189k). So in one sense, this Merc is still a bit of bargain. And the 0-100 time of 4.2 is identical to its nemesis, the BMW X6 M – which is also a bit more expensive.

Put your foot down and it goes. Boy, does it blast off the line. There’s even a hint of four-wheel spin if it’s a bit sandy out there (power is rear-biased 40:60), and it makes a delicious AMG V8 noise which alone is worth the entry ticket. It’s not as sharp as the Cayenne when it comes to handling, but it’s not far off and the grip is there. Plus, being a bit more lively, makes it a little more fun. And the ride, despite running on 22-inch rims, is fantastic due to that air suspension.

2016 Mercedes GLE 63 S AMG Coupe - video review

Rear space is not as bad as you might have thought, only the tall-torsoed will complain of being robbed slightly of headroom. But there is a criticism to be levelled at the interior, and that’s to do not so much with how this car looks and feels inside, but the fact that genuinely newer Mercs, like the S-Class, C-Class and forthcoming E-Class have moved the game on.

There’s a surprise and delight quality to the newer interiors that this old ML-based barge doesn’t quite have. I suspect though, that that will come with the next round of updates. And honestly speaking, you’re not missing out on much really, it’s still very comfortable and well equipped with great ergonomics.

2016 Mercedes GLE 63 S AMG Coupe - video review

Verdict

It’s quite simply one of the fastest SUVs you can buy, and the only thing quicker (the Cayenne Turbo S) is about AED200,000 more expensive. It’s a mean bruiser with an attitude, but has all the comfort and kit you’d expect on the inside. And who can resist that AMG growl?

Mercedes GLE 63 S AMG Coupe – The Specs

Price:
GLE 63 S AMG Coupe (tested above) AED489,211 ($133k)
Engine: 5.5-litre V8 BiTurbo, 585bhp @ 5750rpm, 561lb ft @ 1750-5250rpm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic, Four-wheel drive
Performance: 0-100kph 4.2 seconds, Top Speed 250kph, 11.9L/100km
Weight: 2350kg

GLE 63 AMG Coupe AED444,804 ($121k)
Engine: 5.5-litre V8 BiTurbo, 557bhp @ 5750rpm, 516lb ft @ 1750-5500rpm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic, Four-wheel drive
Performance: 0-100kph 4.3 seconds, Top Speed 250kph, 11.9L/100km
Weight: 2350kg

Let us know what you think of the 2016 Mercedes GLE 63 S AMG Coupe below in the comments!

 

One response to “2016 Mercedes GLE 63 S AMG Coupe – video review”

  1. Utk says:

    Saw one of these emerging out of a parking basement. Looked more like a lion emerging from its den. Beast.

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