Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE Coupe Review

In the current Malaysian luxury mid-size coupe SUV market, consumers are striving for a sporty visual impact while not compromising on daily practicality and luxurious features. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE Coupe 63S, as the family's performance flagship, features a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 hybrid system as its core selling point, combining the ferocious power of 603 horsepower with mature luxury configurations. In this test drive, we mainly assess whether its performance lives up to its flagship positioning and how balanced it is for daily use.

Approaching the vehicle, the 2024 AMG GLE Coupe 63S boasts a highly distinctive appearance. The front face is equipped with the AMG family-style vertical-bar grille, coupled with large-sized air intakes in the front bumper, exuding a strong sporty vibe. The side profile maintains the coupe SUV's signature fastback design, while the 22-inch large wheels paired with front 285/40ZR22 and rear 325/35ZR22 wide tires further enhance its muscular stance. At the rear, the classic AMG performance car design of quad-round exhausts is unmistakable, while the LED tail light set stands out distinctly when illuminated. The overall design preserves the GLE series' robustness while highlighting its performance attributes through detailing.

Stepping inside, the interior continues the luxurious texture of the Mercedes family, featuring extensive soft-touch materials complemented by metal trim. Everywhere you touch exudes a solid, high-quality finish. The center console adopts a dual-screen configuration with a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster. The operation smoothness and display clarity meet the standards of a luxury brand. The front seats are electronically adjustable, balancing both support and comfort for long-distance driving without fatigue. The rear seats offer a 40:20:40 split-fold functionality, and the trunk provides a storage volume of 655 liters, easily accommodating several suitcases or bulky items for daily use. In terms of features, the HUD head-up display, 360-degree panoramic camera, Burmester 13-speaker audio system, and more are all standard, achieving both practicality and luxury.

Starting the vehicle, the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine coupled with a 48V mild hybrid system demonstrates its explosive performance as soon as the throttle is pressed. According to official data, the system delivers a combined output of 603 horsepower and 850 Nm torque. During real-world driving, the mild hybrid system effectively compensates for turbo lag at the start, and the claimed 0-100km/h acceleration of 3.9 seconds is well justified. Even at mid-to-high speeds, acceleration remains strong, and stepping on the gas for overtaking on the highway provides an intense sense of thrust. The 9-speed automatic transmission has clear shift logic, maintaining smoothness whether during spirited driving or regular cruising.

In terms of handling, the dual-wishbone front and multi-link rear independent suspension is tuned for sportiness while retaining a degree of comfort. During rapid cornering, body roll is well contained, and the steering is precise, giving the driver ample confidence. When dealing with urban speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension effectively absorbs vibrations, avoiding transmitting excessive harsh impacts. The all-wheel-drive system performs stably on slippery road surfaces, efficiently distributing power to ensure grip. In our tests on mixed road conditions, fuel consumption was approximately 10L/100km during highway cruising and around 14L/100km in city traffic. Considering its performance orientation, this fuel consumption is within a reasonable range.

The details of daily driving comfort are also worth mentioning. The vehicle's control over wind and tire noise is well-executed, ensuring the cabin remains quiet even at high speeds; the seat padding has a moderate softness, reducing fatigue during long journeys; the braking system responds sensitively with short stopping distances, providing a strong sense of safety.

Overall, the 2024 AMG GLE Coupe 63S has clear core advantages: its power performance ranks in the first tier among coupe SUVs of the same class, it is fully equipped with luxurious configurations, while also balancing daily practicality. Compared to the more affordable 2023 AMG GLE 53 Coupe, its power output has been significantly improved, with added features like a HUD head-up display and an electric panoramic sunroof, making it suitable for consumers who seek extreme performance without compromising on luxury experiences.

In one sentence, this is an "all-rounder" performance coupe SUV — capable of fulfilling your pursuit of speed and passion while also meeting the needs of daily commutes and family outings. It is most suitable for those with a certain level of financial capability, who appreciate the coupe design and also need to accommodate family use. If you're looking for a luxury performance car that is both "dynamic yet refined," the 2024 AMG GLE Coupe 63S is worth putting on your consideration list.