Driving review: Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe
As a motoring journalist you get to drive all sorts of cars. It’s not all about fast cars and it is most certainly almost never about super cars. It is generally run of the mill, every day cars. And then you get one of those out of the ordinary days that come along. The moments that make being a motoring journalist that much more exciting. The day a Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe 4MATIC is dropped off.
All I knew, and if I am honest with myself all I needed to know, was that this beast carried a 5,5-litre V8 biturbo engine under its bonnet. That is all. Review over!
That wouldn’t be fair now would it. Although, all I would really need to do is put up a few pictures and play an audio clip of the engine and I think most people would be satisfied. That’s the thing with these types of cars…they are for entertainment really. Wherever you go people will stare, people will stop you and people will want you to rev the engine. These aren’t run of the mill kinds of cars! These are the kinds of cars that feature in movies such as Jurassic World.
So what is it exactly? It is an SUV come sports coupe that is set to rival the likes of the BMW X6. “We see great potential in this vehicle segment, which is new to Mercedes-AMG. The GLE 63 S Coupé 4MATIC is the logical progression of our ambitious growth strategy. The new GLE 63 S Coupé 4MATIC will inspire SUV fans focused on dynamics while at the same time representing a new interpretation of driving performance,” says Florian Seidler, Co-CEO Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director, Mercedes-Benz Cars.
There is no doubt this car is striking. But one gripe I have is with the intrusive A-pillar due to the lowered roofline coupe-style. Most of my taller colleagues would not have a problem with this, but I am all of 1,64m tall and so the seat is quite close to the steering wheel which means the small gap created to get in to the car is tricky to maneuver at best. I kept smacking my head on the A-pillar even after attempting a limbo-style entry.
But once inside, I didn’t care about the bruises on my forehead or the spasm in my neck, I had 430 kW and 750 N.m to play with. That’s 0-100 km in just 4,2 seconds. This car is comfortable when it counts and exhilarating when it counts. It’s not often you get the best of both worlds. Pop this beast in to Sport + and you might as well leave all your inhibitions behind. I think my exact words where, “Jinne f#k!”
The sound of this car is what can get your heart racing. It is unmistakably AMG and if it still isn’t enough for you you can opt for the Performance exhaust system. Fuel consumption is claimed to be 11,9 l/100 km but you can’t expect much less for the car you are driving.
If space is what you after you won’t be left wanting in the GLE. The boot is a generous 640-litres! And space in the back is ample.
Basically, if you want to turn heads, you buy this car. It would also help if you have R1 859 900 in your bank account.
For your money you will get:
Adaptive brake, attention assist, collision prevention assist plus, COMAND online, easy-pack tailgate, Eco stop/start function, door sill panels in brushed stainless steel with AMG lettering, Harmon Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system, LED intelligent light system, ISOFIX childe seat points, Pre Safe system, tyre pressure monitoring system, reverse camera, crosswind assist, heated seats for driver and front passenger, sports pedals in brushed stainless steel and electrically adjustable front seats.
The GLE63 AMG S Coupe comes standard with a 6 year/100 000 km maintenance contract.