Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S and GLS 63 Return for 2027 with 603 HP V8

Mercedes-AMG is keeping its V8 alive in two of its biggest performance SUVs. The updated 2027 AMG GLE 63 S and AMG GLS 63 have been revealed with a thoroughly reworked 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine producing 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, and both models are due to reach US dealerships in fall 2026. At a time when many rivals are shrinking their engines, AMG is signaling that its hand-built eight-cylinder will stay in the lineup for years to come.

The two SUVs share the same engine and much of the same chassis technology, but they target slightly different buyers. The GLE 63 S is the sharper, more focused of the pair, while the larger three-row GLS 63 trades a fraction of outright pace for extra space and presence. Both arrive with mild-hybrid assistance, air suspension and a redesigned front end that AMG says gives them greater road presence.

The Updated V8 at the Heart of It

The centerpiece is the new AMG M177 EVO engine, a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo that has been heavily revised to meet tightening emissions rules without giving up its character. Key changes include a new flat-plane crankshaft that reduces rotating mass and helps the engine rev more freely, a modified intake camshaft, an optimized fuel injection system and updated exhaust aftertreatment with a particulate filter fitted as standard worldwide. As before, the engine is hand-assembled in Affalterbach under AMG’s “One man, one engine” philosophy.

Peak output stands at 603 hp, the same as the outgoing version, with 627 lb-ft of torque available across a wide band from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. Backing up the V8 is a new-generation integrated starter generator, ISG 2.0, working with a 48-volt electrical system. It adds up to 23 hp and 151 lb-ft at lower engine speeds, smooths out the stop/start function and recovers energy under braking.

Michael Schiebe, Chairman of the Management Board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, said: “Our V8 is a central component of our performance DNA and the ideal heart for the new GLE 63 S and GLS 63. For years, the V8 has stood for impressive performance and great popularity among our customers. With the new generation M177 EVO, we have fundamentally revised the power unit and secured its presence in our portfolio for the long term. The result is an engine that impresses with agile response, strong performance and a pronounced appetite for revs, while at the same time meeting increasingly demanding regulations worldwide.”

Performance and Sound

The numbers stay firmly in supercar-baiting territory. The GLE 63 S sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, while the heavier GLS 63 manages the same run in 3.9 seconds. Both are electronically limited to a top speed of 174 mph. For two-and-a-half-ton family SUVs, those figures remain remarkable, and they are delivered with the relaxed flexibility of a big-torque V8 rather than the peaky feel of a smaller turbo engine.

Sound has always been a big part of the AMG appeal, and the new AMG Performance exhaust system is designed to keep it that way. Standard exhaust valve control lets the driver dial the character from a subtle note in Comfort mode to a far more dramatic tone in Sport+. The valves also adapt the sound to the driving situation and the chosen AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive program, so the V8 can stay civilized on a quiet morning commute or come alive on a back road.

Chassis and Everyday Ability

Both SUVs ride on AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension with adaptive damping that constantly adjusts to the road. The system can firm up for dynamic driving or soften for comfort, and it manages ride height intelligently. Select Sport or Sport+ and the body drops by 0.4 inches; in Comfort mode it lowers by the same amount above 75 mph to cut drag. When the road runs out, the Trail program raises ground clearance by 2.2 inches, and the driver can also lift the body by up to 0.8 inches at the push of a button.

To keep all that mass composed, both models use AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL active roll stabilization, with electromechanical stabilizers on each axle and sensors that read the road up to 1,000 times per second to counter body roll almost instantly. Power goes to the ground through AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution, backed by an electronically controlled locking rear differential that sharpens cornering and improves traction in poor weather, including snow. A full suite of AMG DYNAMIC SELECT modes, from Comfort through Sport, Sport+, Trail, Slippery and Individual, lets the driver tailor the experience.

Design, Wheels and Interior

A redesigned front end gives both models a more aggressive look, with an AMG-specific radiator grille, larger air intakes to cool the V8 and LED headlamps with an exclusive AMG light signature. At the rear, twin tailpipes and a reworked diffuser complete the performance theme. Buyers can choose from a wide range of AMG forged wheels, with the GLE 63 S going up to 22 inches, including a new cross-spoke design in Tech Gold, and the GLS 63 stretching up to 23 inches for an even more commanding stance.

Inside, AMG mixes sport and luxury. The latest AMG Performance steering wheel comes in Nappa leather, microfiber, or a mix with carbon fiber, and includes the AMG DRIVE UNIT buttons for quick access to performance functions. Upholstery choices run from sporty black through Macchiato Beige and Red Pepper Nappa leather to exclusive MANUFAKTUR finishes such as Yacht Blue and Carmine Red. The new MB.OS operating system drives high-resolution displays that can show AMG-specific data including torque distribution, G-forces and detailed engine readouts. The MANUFAKTUR program extends personalization further with special paints, the AMG Night Package Plus and bespoke interior trims.

Mercedes-AMG has not confirmed US pricing yet, but with the updated GLE 63 S and GLS 63 due in showrooms in fall 2026, those figures should follow closer to launch. What is clear is that AMG intends to keep the V8 SUV alive and well, pairing old-school cylinder count with new mild-hybrid hardware to meet the rules and keep the performance faithful.