2019 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 SUV Review: A Luxury Brute

Sitting below the GLS in Mercedes' SUV range is the five-seater GLE. Right on top of the GLE range is the fire-breathing GLE 63 with the full AMG treatment providing sports car performance in a spacious, family-friendly SUV. The 5.5-liter bi-turbo V8 engine is good for up to 577 horsepower in the 63 S, sending this brute to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The 4Matic permanent all-wheel-drive system puts the mammoth power down as cleanly as possible, but the GLE 63 remains an absolute riot on the open road. AMG has had its way with the GLE's design as well - it's all about enormous wheels, massive air intakes, and quad tailpipes delivering that V8 bellow to anyone in the surrounding neighborhood. This much performance in a raised SUV will probably never make sense, but that hasn't stopped BMW and Porsche from releasing equally formidable versions of the X5 and Cayenne, respectively. Along with these competitors, the GLE 63 takes the traditional notion of an SUV and shatters it with each prod of the throttle.

What's the Price of the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 SUV?

The GLE 63 starts at an MSRP of $103,050, a price that excludes tax, licensing, registration, and Mercedes' destination charge of $995. The GLE 63 S costs $110,200 - that extra outlay gets you a bit more power and some additional features. If these hairy-chested 63's are too much of a stretch, remember that there's also the AMG GLE 43 at a considerably cheaper $68,150.

Handling and Driving Impressions

Mercedes' full-time 4Matic all-wheel-drive system features an AMG-specific transfer case and a 40:60 front/rear torque split. Using the adaptive damping system, you can also choose between Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes, depending on whether increased ride refinement or more stiffness and control are required.

Regardless of the driving mode, the AMGs are obviously more stiffly sprung than other GLEs. This contributes to a ride that can be too harsh for some, with sharper bumps being felt more than you'd want them to in a luxury Mercedes, even one with such overtly sporting intentions. Comfort mode does improve matters, but it's never going to filter out road scars as well as an E-Class. However, on a smooth highway, the GLE 63 is an excellent cruiser thanks to prodigious available power and impressive levels of refinement. Handling is surprisingly reassuring; the steering system is well-weighted, has decent feedback, and makes it satisfying to place the GLE 63 where you want it. It's not what we'd describe as chuckable, but on the right road, the GLE 63 is far from a dull SUV to drive. Although the braking performance is solid, the pedal's relatively long travel can be a bit disconcerting at first.

Verdict: Is the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 SUV A Good SUV?

Even though the GLE is soon due for replacement, it remains a hugely accomplished five-seater SUV with a compelling mix of space and power. In the GLE 63 and 63 S, that means performance on a truly epic scale. You'll never tire of the bi-turbo V8 as it launches the 63 towards the horizon with frightening pace. When the roads aren't smooth, however, you may tire of the 63's busy ride, but this is the price to pay for all of that power and the 63's sharpened responses. Inside, the GLE does little wrong - it's superbly screwed together, has enough toys, and makes you feel as though you've arrived. Only the infotainment system could do with an upgrade, which it will no doubt receive when the brand new model gets here. The newer BMW X5 M is a formidable competitor. Not only does the Bimmer's cabin finally feel worthy of a luxury SUV, but it is the more athletic of these two Germans. Does it dilute the appeal of the GLE 63? Not one bit - the Mercedes will still delight fans of the brand and convert those on the fence once you fire up that V8.

What Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 SUV Model Should I Buy?

At over $100k, we'd go for the GLE 63 S as it's the ultimate GLE, and the one you know you already want. Honestly, the S model's enhancements are more psychological than anything else because performance is negligible between the two, but it does have bigger wheels, red brake calipers and one or two trim differences to set it apart. Of the available extra features, we'd spec ours with the Premium 3 Package ($1,600) and the black AMG wheels ($500) to take the total cost to $112,300. It's anything but cheap, but then again, this is one of the world's fastest and most powerful SUVs.

2019 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 SUV Comparisons

2019 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 SUV vs BMW X6 M

Although featuring a similar roofline as the GLE Coupe, the X6 M is a close power and performance match for the GLE 63. The BMW has 567 horsepower at its disposal and uses it to hit 60 mph in only four seconds - a tenth of a second quicker than the GLE 63 S. As has often been the case between these two German marques, the BMW is the more agile-feeling of the two, even if it ultimately lacks feedback through the muted steering system. Similar performance aside, the AMG's V8 evokes a far greater sense of occasion. BMW was once known for its stimulating powerplants, but they haven't quite cracked how to consistently engineer a pleasing engine note when turbocharging is thrown into the mix. The X6 is the more dramatic looking of these two SUVs, but we'll leave the style choices up to you. Where the X6 falls far short is in its 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space, well behind the GLE's 38.3 cubes - the X6 does, however, offer 3.6 more cubes of cargo space than its natural rival, the GLE Coupe. The Mercedes makes more sense on paper and in the real world, so it's our choice.

2019 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 SUV vs Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 SUV

The price differential between the GLE 43 and the GLE 63 is comfortably over $30k. The most significant change, of course, is that the 43 swaps out the 63's burly V8 for a less violent bi-turbo V6 that's good for 385 hp. It's enough for the 43 to get to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, about 1.4 seconds after the 63 reaches that mark. The 43 is still a muscular and highly capable SUV, though, and we don't think you need more than its almost 400 horsepower to have fun behind the wheel. Of course, you do lose out on a few extras like a surround-view camera system and exclusive Nappa leather upholstery - these items are standard on the 63 and optional on the 43. Whether they're worth the price jump of over $30k is the question you'll need to ask yourself. If you can afford the 63, it's the more desirable SUV here, but the 43 is far from a meek and basic alternative.