The 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe carves a unique niche in the automotive world. If you’re just getting acquainted with the Mercedes-Benz lineup, picture the GLE SUV – formerly known as the M-Class, Mercedes’ original foray into luxury crossovers. Now, imagine swapping its traditional SUV silhouette for a dramatically sloping, coupe-inspired roofline, and injecting a massive dose of AMG performance. That, in essence, is the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe: a statement vehicle that’s as much about making an impression as it is about pure driving exhilaration.
This model year marked the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe as a relatively new entrant in the burgeoning segment of 5-door coupe SUVs. While some competitors have entered and exited this niche, German automakers, Mercedes-Benz and BMW in particular, have shown a strong commitment to its longevity. The GLE Coupe, and especially the high-performance AMG variant, is a testament to this dedication.
Opinions on the GLE Coupe’s styling are often polarized, and our team was no exception. Reactions ranged from enthusiastic praise for its “beautiful” and striking design to more critical views questioning its practicality and purpose. Some found its form sacrificed function, asking “what’s the point?”.
However, if Mercedes-AMG’s objective was to create a vehicle that commands attention, they undeniably succeeded. The sheer presence of the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe is undeniable, amplified by aggressive AMG styling cues, like the imposing 22-inch cross-spoke alloy wheels that fill the wheel arches with authority.
Furthermore, the resemblance to the BMW X6, a pioneer in the coupe SUV segment, is striking – almost to the point of being a near-perfect doppelganger. Even the driving dynamics echo the X6’s blend of SUV robustness and sporty handling.
Mercedes-Benz positions the GLE Coupe as the embodiment of their core design philosophies, merging the ruggedness of SUV fender flares and high ground clearance, the sleek, low greenhouse and sweeping roofline of their coupes, and the refined, elegant front-end aesthetics found in their luxury sedans.
While the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe undeniably prioritizes style over outright practicality compared to the standard GLE SUV, its appeal is clear in a market increasingly driven by visual impact. It caters to buyers who prioritize aesthetics and making a statement, even if it means compromising on some traditional SUV virtues. It’s a different breed of crossover, one geared more towards on-road dynamism.
This focus on performance is underscored by the GLE Coupe’s unique suspension tuning, optimized for road handling rather than off-road excursions. The standard 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, while providing excellent traction, is not equipped with dedicated off-road modes.
The powertrain options further reinforce the performance-oriented nature of the GLE Coupe, as all models fall under the AMG umbrella. The 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe sits at the top of the range, boasting a hand-built 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing a staggering 577 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse is paired with AMG’s SPEEDSHIFT 7-speed automatic transmission, engineered for rapid and responsive gear changes.
For those seeking a slightly less potent but still thrilling experience, the GLE 43 Coupe offers a twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine delivering 362 horsepower, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
On the test track, the sheer acceleration of the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe was immediately apparent. From a standstill, the launch is nothing short of breathtaking. The engine unleashes a torrent of torque, and the AMG-calibrated 4MATIC system expertly distributes power to maximize traction.
The result is an explosive launch, propelling the GLE 63 S Coupe to 60 mph in a mere 4.1 seconds. From there, the acceleration is relentless. The SPEEDSHIFT transmission executes lightning-fast upshifts, accompanied by a satisfying crackle from the exhaust on each gear change. The quarter-mile mark arrives in just 12.5 seconds, with a trap speed of 112 mph – remarkable figures for a vehicle of this size and type.
Despite its substantial 5,225-lb weight, the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe displayed surprisingly minimal body roll through the slalom course. However, in Sport+ mode, the handling felt somewhat overly aggressive and rigid. The steering became hyper-sensitive, making it challenging to find a smooth rhythm through the cones.
Switching to the standard Sport mode proved to be the optimal setting, offering a more balanced and forgiving driving experience.
Braking performance is equally impressive. The high-performance brakes bring the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe to a halt from 60 mph in a mere 115 feet, with a firm and responsive pedal feel. The only minor drawback was the wide 285-series tires’ tendency to follow imperfections in the track surface, transmitting feedback directly to the steering wheel.
Whether you’re unleashing the full power of the twin-turbo V8 or navigating daily commutes, the interior of the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe provides a luxurious and comfortable environment.
AMG sport seats and steering wheel, along with carbon-fiber trim accents, create a sporty ambiance. For audiophiles, the optional Bang & Olufsen BeoSound system delivers a truly immersive audio experience with 900 watts of power.
The primary compromise in opting for the Coupe over the standard GLE SUV is cargo capacity. The 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offers 23.0 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, compared to the GLE’s 38.2 cubic feet. Maximum cargo volume with the rear seats folded is 60.7 cubic feet, down from the GLE’s 80.3 cubic feet.
Fuel economy figures, as expected for a high-performance V8 SUV, are not a strong suit. EPA ratings are 14 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined. In real-world driving, we observed an average of 17.2 miles per gallon on premium fuel during our test, which is reasonably close to the EPA estimates.
The price of entry for GLE Coupe ownership starts at $70,575, but the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe commands a significantly higher price tag of $111,575.
In conclusion, the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe is an unapologetically extravagant and powerful machine. It’s a rolling showcase of Mercedes-AMG’s engineering prowess and design flair, capable of delivering exhilarating performance. While it may not be the most practical or budget-friendly choice, it delivers on its promise of bold style and thrilling driving dynamics. For those who prioritize visual impact and performance over ultimate practicality, the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offers a unique and undeniably fun driving experience.
Specifications
- Engine: 5.5 liter twin-turbo V8
- Horsepower: 577
- Torque: 561 lb-ft.
- 0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds
- 1/4 mile: 12.5 seconds @ 112mph
- EPA: 14 mpg city / 18 mpg highway
