LA show: Mercedes reveals AMG SUV pair

MERCEDES-AMG has lifted the lid on two of its largest high-performance offerings, with the reveal of the GLE63 and GLS63 SUVs at the LA motor show ahead of an Australian debut next year.

The GLE63 S will touch down in local showrooms in the third quarter – in S guise only, as usual – while the GLS63 S will follow in the fourth quarter.

The all-new SUV pair usher in new levels of performance with the 48V mild-hybrid-enhanced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, which has increased its outputs over the outgoing versions by 20kW/90Nm, with both models punching out 450kW from 5750-6500rpm, and 850Nm from 2500-4500rpm.

An EQ Boost starter-alternator is paired with the AMG V8 engine for the first time, and can temporarily add 16kW of power and help reduce fuel consumption, which still comes in at a generous 11.5 litres per 100km in the GLE, up to 11.9L/100km in the thirstier GLS.

Cylinder deactivation technology is used when the car is driving in Comfort mode with engine revs between 1000-3200rpm, with half of the engine’s eight cylinders able to be shut off to save fuel.

Both versions drive all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the GLE63 S sprinting from standstill to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds, while the GLS follows 0.4s behind.

The AMG 4Matic+ all-wheel drive is capable of sending up to 100 per cent of torque to the rear axle or 50 per cent to the front, while an electronic locking differential on the rear axle helps efficiently channel power to the ground.

Also standard on both versions is the AMG Ride Control+ air suspension with adaptive damping which can be lowered by 10mm when in Sport and Sport+ mode, and can also raised by up to 55mm.

AMG Active Ride Control roll stabilisation features, which helps to minimise body roll in corners when driving in a dynamic fashion, and increases comfort in a straight line by levelling out bumps and imperfections on one side of the road.

Electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering provides greater feedback in sportier settings, and can be configured by the driver.

High-performance brakes feature on both, with six-piston front callipers with 400 x 38mm ventilated and perforated discs, while at the rear single-pot grabbers with 370 x 32mm ventilated discs feature.

The usual array of exterior enhancements are included, with large 21-inch AMG alloy wheels, quad-exit exhaust pipes, an enhanced front apron and rear diffuser. GLS variants can be optioned with rims up to 23 inches in size.

Mercedes’ new-gen MBUX infotainment system features on both models with dual 12.3-inch screens housing the infotainment system and instrument cluster, while Nappa leather AMG seats feature and a number of options such as carbon-fibre trim available.

As the most luxurious Mercedes SUV, the GLS63 can also be optioned with features such as the Air Balance package, Warmth Comfort package and Burmester 3D surround sound system.

The regular Mercedes-Benz GLE range arrived in Australia in August, while the new-gen GLS is set to touch down next month.