While a significant portion of the premium automotive landscape is aggressively downsizing to complex plug-in hybrids and four-cylinder setups, Affalterbach is sending a clear, thunderous message to driving purists: the V8 is nowhere near dead. Mercedes-AMG has officially unveiled the mid-lifecycle facelifts for its flagship performance heavyweights—the GLE 63 S (available in both standard SUV and Coupe forms) and the massive, three-row GLS 63.
Rather than executing a basic cosmetic refresh, AMG has given these high-performance haulers a massive mechanical heart transplant to dramatically improve throttle response while meeting global emissions targets.
The Engineering Masterstroke: The M177 EVO V8
The undisputed centerpiece of this mid-cycle update sits hidden beneath the sculpted hoods. Both flagship SUVs swap their older engines for the cutting-edge M177 EVO 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8. While the absolute peak power figures remain anchored at a massive 603 horsepower ($612 \text{ PS}$) and 850 Nm of torque, the engine’s internal character has been completely transformed.
For the first time in an AMG SUV, the engine adopts a motorsport-derived flat-plane crankshaft configuration. By abandoning the traditional cross-plane setup, AMG engineers have substantially reduced rotating mass inside the block. This allows the V8 to rev with extreme fluid precision, delivering immediate, razor-sharp throttle response right from the bottom of the rev range.
To complement the flat-plane architecture, the M177 EVO brings redesigned intake and exhaust ports, an optimized direct fuel injection system, a reworked camshaft profile, and a completely modified turbocharger compressor housing. This mechanical architecture is backed by an advanced 48-volt mild-hybrid system featuring an Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG 2.0). The hybrid motor seamlessly feeds an instantaneous low-end boost of 23 horsepower and 205 Nm of torque, smoothing out turbo lag and enabling highly efficient kinetic energy recuperation during deceleration.
Sharper Styling: Visual Cues and Aero Enhancements
On the outside, the updated AMG models align with the broader design languages rolled out across the standard Mercedes lineup, though with far more aggressive visual treatments. The front fascia of both vehicles is defined by a significantly widened, vertical-slat Panamericana radiator grille, bordered by revised LED headlight clusters featuring a distinct three-point star lighting signature. The lower front bumpers have been sculpted with larger, functional air curtains designed specifically to channel fresh air directly to the upgraded cooling infrastructure.
At the back, a bold rear diffuser housing and the signature square quad-exhaust tips distinguish these flagships from lesser models. Depending on individual tastes, buyers can configure the GLE 63 S with massive Tech Gold 22-inch alloy wheels, while the larger GLS 63 can be optioned all the way up to towering 23-inch monoblock wheels.
High-Performance Tech Specifications
While both SUVs share identical baseline power, their physical weights and structural dimensions result in two distinct performance profiles on the asphalt. The table below outlines the exact mechanical and performance variations between the two updated flagships.
| Technical Parameters | Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ | Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ |
| Engine Architecture | 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 (M177 EVO) | 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 (M177 EVO) |
| Crankshaft Configuration | Motorsport-Inspired Flat-Plane | Motorsport-Inspired Flat-Plane |
| Base Engine Output | 603 hp (612 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | 603 hp (612 PS) @ 5,500 rpm |
| Peak Torque Output | 850 Nm @ 2,500 – 4,500 rpm | 850 Nm @ 2,500 – 4,500 rpm |
| Mild-Hybrid Electrical Boost | +23 hp (+17 kW) / +205 Nm | +23 hp (+17 kW) / +205 Nm |
| 0 – 100 km/h Acceleration | 3.9 Seconds | 4.2 Seconds |
| 0 – 60 mph Sprint Time | 3.6 Seconds | 3.9 Seconds |
| Maximum Electronic V-Max | 280 km/h (174 mph) | 280 km/h (174 mph) |
| Seating & Cabin Capacity | 5 Occupants (Coupe & SUV variants) | Up to 7 Occupants (Three-Row Luxury) |
Inside the Cockpit: Digital Clarity Meets Pure Luxury
The interior updates are nothing short of revolutionary, replacing the older dual-screen glass with Mercedes’ immersive Superscreen display network. Running the ultra-fast, cloud-connected MB.OS operating system, the dashboard features stunning, AMG-exclusive telemetry graphics, track-pace data trackers, and customized performance menus.
Drivers grasp a newly sculpted AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in tactile Nappa leather and carbon fiber, complete with integrated rotary dial controls to instantly shift drive programs.
Chassis dynamics are kept perfectly flat by the standard AMG Ride Control+ air suspension paired with active electromechanical roll stabilization. This intelligent system scans the driving surface up to 1,000 times per second, dynamically stiffening or softening the anti-roll bars to balance high-speed cornering stability with plush, long-distance highway comfort. Dropping in global showrooms this autumn, these refreshed monsters guarantee that AMG’s internal combustion legacy remains unchallenged.
