By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(October 22, 2020) Chances are, nothing in the 659-page operator’s manual — properly cached in a leather-bound and stitched folder located in the glove box — will even begin to prepare you for the first time you slip behind the wheel of the 2021 AMG GLE63S, with its 603 asphalt ripping horsepower launched by 627 lb.-ft of toque. The experience? Well, think of the G force of a rocket that’s launching toward Mars.

For those not familiar with Mercedes nomenclature, all G-Class vehicles are SUVs with the GLE slotting into the mid-sized segment. The AMG driven here is the two-row version and the first AMG to feature Mercedes’ hand-assembled 48-volt 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine that includes a new EQ Boost integrated electric motor. It’s fast – very fast. It can hit 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.7 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 174 mph.

Layered on that backdrop is Mercedes' AMG Dynamic Select performance mode system, which alters the vehicle's throttle, transmission, suspension, and stability control systems to span a broad range of mild off-road, comfortable city or highway driving from the steering wheel selectable dial; just move from Sport to Sport+ to Race performance.

Clad in designo diamond white metallic finish with a starting price of $114,000, it priced above $134,000 when adding supplemental options like a carbon fiber engine cover, augmented video navigation, multi-contour diamond stitched Nappa leather massaging seats, an advanced technology assist package, 22-inch cross spoke wheels and much more.

In case you were wondering, yes, it also checks all the SUV boxes. It’s incredibly comfortable to cruise in, and hauls all the stuff people and families need — cargo, kids, dogs and sporting gear.

Bottom line and without question, the GLE63S is a richly authentic performance SUV that’s been immortalized by Mercedes’ most-talked-about AMG high-performance division. There are very few cars, let alone SUVs, that can hang with it, and even fewer that can outrun it. No need to launch for Mars, but it’s downright heavenly to drive.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $114,000
Price as Tested: $134,455
Engine/Transmission: 4.0-liter 603-horsepower biturbocharged V8 engine and integrated EQ Boost paired with an AMG Speedshift 9-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC+® all-wheel-drive.
Fuel Economy: 15-19-16 mpg, City-Highway-Combined
Seating: 5

Where Built: Vance, Alabama USA

Crash Test Results: The GLE has not been crash tested by either the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Competes With:
BMW X5 M
Maserati Levante GTS
Porsche Cayenne Turbo SE-Hybrid
Range Rover Sport SVR

Fab Features:
Massive horsepower and performance
Opulent, serene, and spacious interior
State-of-the-art infotainment and safety technology