Mercedes Unveils GLS 63 S & GLE 63 S at 2019 L.A. Auto Show

By Brett Foote - November 22, 2019

Mercedes unveils two powerful and exciting new ‘utes with sports sedan-like performance and familiar looking wheels.

The 2019 L.A. Auto Show has served up plenty of new car reveals, and Mercedes was front and center in that regard. The legendary German automaker pulled the covers off not one, but two exciting, newly revised AMG-ified SUVs during the show’s press opening November 18-21. The first, the GLE 63 S, was joined by its bigger sibling, the GLS 63 S. Both share the same 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 producing a healthy 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Along with an extra (temporary) 21 hp and 184 lb-ft from a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

4Matic all-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic transmissions are also standard on both models. Performance, as you might imagine, is pretty spectacular. Particularly from the GLE 63 S, which Mercedes says will do 0-60 in a mere 3.7-seconds. The larger GLS 63 S will do the deed in 4.2-seconds, which is still impressive given its extra girth. And despite this, Mercedes says both are more efficient thanks to the inclusion of the new mild-hybrid system and cylinder deactivation technology.

The hybrid system also powers AMG’s Active Ride Control, which helps keep the vehicles flat in tight corners and on uneven surfaces. An adaptive air suspension helps provide a superior ride, and the pair of SUVs can even lower themselves 0.4-inches at speed over 75 mph or when the driver engages sportier driving modes. This improves both fuel economy and handling, of course. Or, dial up Trail or Sand mode, and the Mercedes duo can lift themselves up two inches to clear obstacles.

Throw in speed-sensitive steering and massive 16-inch front calipers, and you’ve got a couple of seriously fun utility vehicles. And the AMG versions of the GLS and GLE also feature the same sort of styling upgrades you’d expect. That includes a full body kit, AMG’s Panamericana grille, and unique 21-inch wheels. And yes, on the GLS, they most certainly look like a modern interpretation of those legendary Mercedes hammer-style hoops.

On the inside, you’ll find sport seats up front, Mercedes’ new MBUX infotainment system, and model-specific graphics for the digital instrument cluster. You’ll be able to get your hands on these speedy new members of the Mercedes-AMG family here in the North America sometime mid-2020. For now, Mercedes is being mum on pricing and fuel economy.

If you want to check out the Mercedes GLE and GLS 63 S duo in person, you can do so now. The 2019 L.A. Auto Show is open to the public November 22-December 1.