High and mighty in the GLE

The GLE63 S packs a powerful punch, but is that enough to put it to the top of the performance SUV pile? Jack Evans finds out.

It’s quite surprising just how quickly the performance SUV segment has expanded – you’re awfully well catered for if you’re after a go-faster four-wheel-drive now, with options coming thick and fast from manufacturers like BMW, Bentley and even Alfa Romeo. Mercedes-AMG has been at this lark for a little while and has several performance SUVs. The GLE63 S, which we’re looking at today, acts as the midway point in the line-up, sitting between the smaller GLC63 and the larger GLS63. The question is, does it deliver an all-encompassing experience?

WHAT’S NEW?

Some of the fundamentals of the GLE63 remain unchanged for this latest version. We’ve still got a bruising V8 engine, an opulent cabin brimmed with features and plenty of interior space. However, Mercedes has included a little extra electrification for good measure, equipping the GLE63 with a 48volt mild-hybrid system – called

EQ Boost – which is designed to not only make the car more efficient but also give it a decent slug more power. We’ve also got some neat performance-led touches for the interior, as well as a high level of material quality that you might expect from a Mercedes costing well over £100,000. Unlike the rest of the GLE range however, this 63 version can’t be equipped with seven seats – just five.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

For much of the time the GLE63 S fools you into thinking it’s, well, a regular GLE. On the motorway, it sits at a cruise in an effortless manner, with the V8 barely ticking over ahead of you. The air suspension, when put in its comfiest setting, soaks up the worst of the road imperfections well. Road and wind noise are well isolated from entering the cabin too, so you’re free to kick back and relax. But if you want performance, then there’s more than enough to keep things interesting. There’s an impressive urgency to the GLE’s acceleration, which is accompanied by a consistent burble from the sports exhaust. You can also beef up the support from the suspension, which means that the GLE doesn’t fall apart when it comes to bends either.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

You don’t tend to be looking for a performance SUV if you’re after undercover styling, so in this sense, the design of the GLE63 S is a real success. It’s an imposing-looking thing, this, with a dinner-plate-size Mercedes badge dominating the centre of the ‘Panamericana’ grille. The huge front air intakes give the car an even wider stance, while the flared arches add to this further. You can, of course, opt for the GLE Coupe version should you want a slightly sleeker roofline, but that does come with a slight penalty on headroom.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

As the flagship of Mercedes’ GLE range, this 63 model benefits from all of the bells and whistles you could want. You’ve got electrically adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation and massage functions, while the MBUX multimedia system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display both dominates the cabin but gives a technologically-advanced feel.

THE VERDICT

As mentioned, the Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S has all manner of rivals from competing companies, but it still manages to come out as one of the best. This is down to its well-rounded nature, which manages to deliver both a comfortable ride and an exciting, performance-orientated driving experience. It’ll cost a lot to run, for sure, but for those looking for something that’ll outrun most sports cars yet bring enough room for the family and the dog, that’ll be an acceptable trade-off.