It’s raining fast SUVs at the LA Auto Show this year (maybe because of their reign over the market?). Audi just launched the 592bhp V8 powered RSQ8 and the Aston Martin DBX, here is Mercedes-Benz with not one but two super-SUVs.
The GLS 63 and GLE 63s share the same weapon under the bonnet — a four-litre twin-turbocharged V8 making 603bhp and 850Nm of torque; you could probably power a ship with that engine!
If that wasn’t enough they also get an EQ Boost starter-generator that provides an extra 20bhp and 250Nm of torque. Both cars get the same nine-speed automatic gearbox and patented 4Matic+ system that can send all the power to the rear wheels if required (drift mode?). The GLE 63 S takes a mere 3.7 seconds to hit 100kmph while the larger GLS 63 takes just over four seconds for the same.
Both SUVs get the usual set of AMG goodies on the exterior — aggressive bumpers all around, quad exhaust pipes, panamericana grille, black details and flared wheel arches that cover the 21-inch rims on the GLE, while the GLS gets mafia boss spec rims that measure in at 23-inches!
The interiors get the AMG treatment as well including the AMG sports steering wheel, AMG specific dials on the driver’s display and optional carbonfibre trim. The GLS is the larger of the two and gets more space overall, while the lighter GLE 63 S is the faster of the two.
Prices are not revealed for the two yet but they will go on sale internationally in mid-2020. We will probably get the more sedate GLE 43 in India after the new GLE launches. Depending on the demand, Mercedes-Benz might (hopefully) also bring the mighty GLS 63 to our shores.