Mercedes-AMG has been on a tear lately — and the 2027 GLE 63 S is the latest proof that they're not slowing down. For the first time in the GLE's history, AMG dropped a flat-plane crankshaft 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 into the cabin of a family SUV, and the numbers are exactly what you'd hope for: 603 horsepower, 590 lb-ft of torque, and a 0-60 time of 3.6 seconds.
This isn't a warmed-over refresh. The flat-plane crank is the real story — it's the same architecture that underpins AMG's GT Black Series and the current GT 63. Moving to flat-plane means higher revs, sharper throttle response, and a sound that has absolutely no business coming out of a vehicle this tall. Reports from the world premiere event put the redline at around 7,200 RPM — nearly unheard of in a force-inducted SUV.
What's Actually New
The headline is the engine, but AMG went deep on the chassis too. The 2027 GLE 63 S gets AMG's latest Active Ride Control system — a fully active suspension that reads road data 1,000 times per second and adjusts each corner independently. On the track, it can stiffen dramatically for flat cornering. On road bumps, it can absorb without affecting body roll. The result, per early drive reports, is an SUV that corners like something much lighter than it has any right to be.
The aesthetic changes are clean: revised front fascia with wider intakes, new 22-inch AMG cross-spoke wheels standard, and a redesigned rear diffuser that's actually functional at speed. The interior gets AMG's latest three-screen cockpit with MBUX integration and a redesigned AMG Performance steering wheel. Carbon fiber trim throughout on the S-spec.
⚡ Why This Matters for Performance Enthusiasts
The GLE 63 S is now legitimately faster than most sports cars you'll encounter on public roads. 603 hp, AWD, 3.6s to 60 — it will dispatch a Cayman GT4, a Civic Type R, and most track-day Miatas before the first corner. The flat-plane architecture means this SUV shares DNA with AMG's most serious track-focused machines. It's a practical daily driver that's also genuinely quick.
The Numbers
| Spec | 2027 AMG GLE 63 S |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0L twin-turbo flat-plane V8 |
| Power | 603 hp |
| Torque | 590 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph | ~3.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 174 mph (electronically limited) |
| Drivetrain | 4MATIC+ AWD, 9-speed AMG Speedshift |
| Suspension | AMG Active Ride Control (active) |
| Brakes | Carbon-ceramic optional |
| Starting Price | ~$155,000 |
| On Sale | Late 2026 / Early 2027 |
How the GLS 63 Fits In
AMG revealed the GLS 63 alongside the GLE 63 S — same flat-plane V8, same power output, but in the three-row body. The GLS is the one you buy when you need to carry six people to the track. The GLE 63 S is the driver's car. Both get the same engine spec; the GLS gives up a small amount of dynamic edge in exchange for the extra row. Both are legitimate AMG performance machines.
The Track Day Angle
Will AMG GLE 63 S owners take it to the track? Some will. AMG has worked hard to make track use accessible — the Active Ride Control and drive mode calibrations are sophisticated enough that an HPDE in an AMG SUV is not a ridiculous idea. We've seen C63 S wagons and GT 63 sedans doing laps at Laguna Seca. The GLE 63 S has the power and chassis chops to follow.
More practically: if you own one of these and you want to drive it hard at an autocross or a cars and coffee drag challenge — the numbers are there. 603 hp, AWD launch, carbon brakes on order. This car isn't embarrassing itself anywhere short of a dedicated track day setup with slicks.
Via Motorsport.com / Mercedes-AMG World Premiere