2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Is a Coupe on V8 Steroids
4 min
The coming model year brings an updated machine into the Mercedes-Benz AMG garage: a large, powerful coupe launched by a wonderfully inappropriate V8 engine.
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S is a type of vehicle that didn’t exist for previous destinations. Bigger than some lesser SUV models at 195-inches long and weighing more than 2.5 tons, the AMG GLE 63 S rides higher than most Mercedes-Benz models. It lives under the coupe label despite its four-door frame, preserving the moniker with a hard top roof and sloping rear lines. Still, as the 63 S muscles its way along from its almost 118-inch wheelbase to its broad haunches, its visual impact says “coupe, but on AMG steroids.”
If there’s a challenge to overcome in getting comfortable with the GLE 63 S Coupe, it’s those visuals. With so many modern vehicles on the road taking the form of SUVs or crossovers that are really no more than large hatchbacks, the sight of a vehicle that’s none of the above while also shrugging off the modest lines of a sedan takes some getting used to from the outside. Still, once the driver makes that adjustment, he or she can get on with the enjoyment of driving an AMG-tuned Mercedes barely tamed brute.
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For the uninitiated, AMG is the Mercedes-Benz tuning shop where already great cars become more aggressive. AMG amps the power and handling abilities, adds more than a few more bucks, quid, or euros to the price tag and hands them along to serious driving enthusiasts.
For the GLE 63 S, the shop penned in a handcrafted 4-liter V8 Biturbo beast under the hood—but at least nodded to environmental concerns by layering electric hybrid assist. The result of all that uncompromising German engineering is 603 horsepower and a 0-to-60 time of 3.8 seconds. That’s serious, “snap your head back” speed in a large, solidly built vehicle.
A combination of AMG Speedshift TCT 9-speed automatic transmission with sport paddle shifting and all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution keep all of that power on the road. The end result driving experience features a grounded, balanced, and stately ride that elevates the owner above the ugliness of common pavement—with truly aggressive, roaring power waiting if you put your toe down in Sport or Sport+ mode.
Michael Knoeller, head of marketing and sales at Mercedes-AMG, says a lot of planning and thought go into how the company maintains two identities: an automaker providing traditional, tuned power and performance for enthusiasts, while also forging technology for electric vehicles.
“Mercedes-AMG is in the transformation phase in the mid- and long-term,” Knoeller says. “While our handcrafted V8 powertrains will continue to be offered in familiar models for some time, we are also working on AMG’s own BEV platform, AMG.EA. This will enable us to meet a wide range of customer needs in markets where the V8 engine continues to play a role, as well as with our all-electric EQ models.”
And regardless of the drivetrain technology, a Mercedes has to be a Mercedes, Knoeller adds. There are high expectations for buyers of make and its models, whether or not they’re AMG-forged vehicles.
“All Mercedes-AMG models must deliver on our brand promise of superior performance and unique technology,” he says. “In doing so, we can adopt certain technologies from the world of combustion engines, while other technologies we develop completely from scratch.”
As for what purpose the 2024 AMG GLE 63 S Coupe plays in this grand scheme of old meets new and power meets preservation, the answer is a mixed grill. The monster-sized coupe is large enough to serve as a luxury people carrier, but powerful enough for the occasional track day before standing in as a grand tourer with ample power.
“We think the GLE 63 S Coupe excels in a variety of areas,” Knoeller explains. “It perfectly meets the demand for luxury and comfort, while also offering ample space.”
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He points to the distinctive, though challenging appearance as a plus that brings interested eyeballs to the vehicle, while the 603-horespower output looks to thrill the human behind the wheel. The Sport + dynamic driving setting is intended for track days and maximum driving entertainment, he says (even if there are more suitable products in the Mercedes-Benz portfolio for track days, such as the SL Roadster).
In terms of the future, Knoeller reassures passionate drivers that high performance models such as the GLE 63 S Coupe and its ilk will have a place in the Mercedes AMG family for a while yet.
“The segment of sporty SUVs and the demand for our models has grown steadily in recent years,” he says. “We also see further potential here in the long term, so there is no need to worry about the future of the GLE 63 S Coupe. We have already set the course for an electric future and recently presented our new Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV.”
The starting MSRP for the rides making up the GLE class start around US$80,000, with the AMG enhancements on the GLE 63 S Coupe nudging the price up to US$125,000 and beyond. If the lover of German meticulousness can get used to the edgy and nontraditional styling cues, he or she will buy into a unique blend of stately performance with deceptive and effective power.
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Whitewill has identified nine top luxury projects in Abu Dhabi
5 min
Luxury real estate agency, Whitewill, has highlighted nine leading luxury projects in Abu Dhabi. These projects showcase the pinnacle of opulence and modern living, offering a variety of high-end residences that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Each project boasts unique features and amenities designed to provide an unparalleled lifestyle experience.
Al Jurf
Al Jurf is a residential development featuring 1,500 villas near the rural area of Ghantoot, along the coast of Sahel Al Emarat.
These villas blend traditional influences with contemporary architectural elements, boasting multiple terraces, an outdoor swimming pool, and a double-car garage. For those looking to escape city life, Al Jurf offers a private beach with stunning Arabian Gulf sunsets and a private marina for easy sea access.
Elie Saab
The Elie Saab Residences is a 33-storey apartment tower located canal-side on Al Reem Island. The project offers a selection of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments with classic interior decoration, including glossy light floors and white walls, allowing residents to customize their living spaces. Apartments can be furnished by renowned Lebanese designer Elie Saab. The rooftop podium features sun loungers, an infinity pool, a padel court, a gym, and a yoga area.
Yas Golf Collection
The YAS Golf Collection on Yas Island offers a residential complex surrounded by lush lawns and the serene waters of Khor Laffan Bay, providing direct access to stunning landscapes.
It provides premium services, including laundry, dry cleaning, dedicated customer service, nanny and pet-sitting services, personal shopping, and interior design assistance. The complex offers fully furnished one, two, and three-bedroom apartments with elegant interiors and panoramic views of Yas Theme Park, Yas Links, and gardens. Apartments include branded furniture and a “smart home” system.
Residents can exercise in the gym with panoramic sea views or enjoy outdoor workouts in the yoga and Pilates areas. The terrace offers a garden with views of the sea and Abu Dhabi skyline.
Saadiyat Lagoons
Saadiyat Lagoons offers four to six-bedroom mangrove villas on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, surrounded by 900,000 square meters of protected wildlife with direct access to Soul Beach.
The development includes shopping centers, kindergartens, and a multifunctional hall. Villas feature customizable interiors with options for cool grey tones with dark wood or warm beige schemes, and choices between standard or premium finishes.
Each villa includes a garage with electric car charging stations. Residents can enjoy lush greenery, a landscaped farm, playgrounds, a skate park, an outdoor cinema, and an adventure park for children. Private gardens can be upgraded for a home office or gym.
Nouran Living
Nouran Living, a 12-storey apartment project on Saadiyat Island, blends contemporary architecture with the natural landscape, featuring neutral colors and rounded corners. Lattice balconies and vertical elements enhance the facade.
The complex offers studios and one to three-bedroom apartments with cool-toned interiors using porcelain, quartz, and wood. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning panoramic views.
Designed for active individuals, Nouran Living features a spacious two-story lobby with a large lounge area, a multifunctional hall with table tennis, a basketball court, and a music corner. Residents enjoy indoor and outdoor playgrounds, a library, a gym, a cinema, and a landscaped podium rooftop with a swimming pool, paddle court, and walking trail.
Sama Yas
Sama Yas is a prestigious apartment project on Yas Island, featuring three 17-storey buildings with unique cascading architecture resembling mountains amid lush green landscapes.
Apartments, available in one, two, and three-bedroom configurations, boast premium materials such as glossy Italian marble countertops, natural wood, textiles, and porcelain stoneware. The project offers luxurious amenities, including valet service, an elegant lobby, and a dedicated concierge desk. Convenient key cards and smart home system access ensure easy entry to apartments.
The ground floor hosts a fully equipped gym, coworking space, library, event rooms, private cinema, spa center, restaurants, and shops. On the rooftop podium, residents can unwind by the pool surrounded by palm trees. The standout feature is the expansive green lawn in front of the buildings, complemented by walking and jogging paths.
The Icon Tower
The Icon Tower comprises 300 apartments within an 18-story tower near the coastal area of Yas Island. Situated in the southern part of the island, the complex offers breathtaking views of Yas Bay.
The complex provides a diverse selection of formats, from cozy studios to spacious apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms. Residents can enjoy the infinity pool on the podium level or relax on the nearby beach area. A modern playground is available for young residents, and a fully equipped gym allows residents to stay in shape. The complex offers 20 berths on the private pier for watercraft owners.
Renad Tower
Renad Tower is a contemporary complex on Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi, featuring ample open spaces for strolling and infrastructure for a comfortable lifestyle.
The 37-story tower offers stunning views of the Arabian Gulf waters and provides accommodations to suit every preference, including cozy one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. Residents can relax in the azure pool on the podium roof or bask in the sun on comfortable loungers. For those with an active lifestyle, there’s a modern gym and outdoor jogging trails.
Vista Del Mar
Vista Del Mar is a contemporary residential complex on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The eleven-story building comprises comfortable one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, each featuring a balcony. The ground floors offer villas with three or four bedrooms, complete with a private terrace, an outdoor pool, and a spacious patio.
Residents enjoy access to a recreational area with a swimming pool on the podium of the complex. The project also boasts a modern gym suitable for both strength training and yoga or Pilates, while an outdoor playground has been provided for the youngest residents.
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