Mercedes-AMG’s largest SUVs have gained a more serious performance edge.
The updated GLE and GLS now use a new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft, bringing motorsport-inspired hardware to two of the brand’s most imposing road cars.
It’s a notable move because AMG hasn’t just added power. The changes reach into the engine architecture, chassis hardware and visual presence of both SUVs.
At a glance
- Mercedes-AMG has updated the GLE and GLS with a new 604 hp twin-turbo V8.
- The 4.0-litre engine uses a flat-plane crankshaft, revised turbo hardware and 48V mild-hybrid assistance.
- Both SUVs can run from 0-62 mph in under 4 seconds and are limited to 174 mph.
A flat-plane V8 for AMG’s biggest SUVs
The headline change is the new 4.0-litre V8, which produces 604 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.
It’s paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system that can add a brief 23 hp boost while helping smooth the way power is delivered.
The flat-plane crankshaft is the detail that gives this update its character.
Combined with a revised firing order, it’s designed to deliver a sharper throttle response and a more vivid soundtrack than a conventional large-capacity SUV engine.
AMG has also reworked the fuel injection system, improved airflow through redesigned intake and exhaust ports, and updated the turbo hardware.
The result is properly rapid performance for vehicles of this size, with both the GLE and GLS capable of reaching 62 mph from rest in less than four seconds.
Chassis hardware built for the extra punch
More power in a heavy SUV only works if the chassis can keep pace, and AMG has addressed that with updates beyond the engine bay.
The active ride control system has been revised to reduce body roll, a key detail for keeping these tall, powerful models composed when driven quickly.
Strengthened driveshafts have also been added to cope with the additional output.
The GLS receives an extra dynamic measure in the form of a rear axle locking system, intended to improve agility in the larger of the two SUVs.
Sharper AMG details without a full redesign
The visual changes are more measured than the mechanical ones, but they make the updated GLE and GLS easier to spot.
Both models receive new AMG grilles, larger air intakes and revised lighting signatures.
The GLS can also be specified with wheels measuring up to 23 inches, underlining its position as the more imposing flagship SUV in the pair.
It’s a familiar AMG approach, with just enough exterior aggression to signal the engineering underneath without turning the SUVs into caricatures.
Details & Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-AMG |
|---|---|
| Models | GLE and GLS |
| Engine | 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 |
| Crankshaft | Flat-plane crankshaft |
| Output | 604 hp |
| Torque | 627 lb-ft |
| Hybrid system | 48V mild-hybrid system with 23 hp boost |
| 0-62 mph | Under 4 seconds |
| Top speed | 174 mph, limited |
| Chassis updates | Updated active ride control and strengthened driveshafts |
| GLS-specific update | Rear axle locking system |
| Wheels | Up to 23 inches on the GLS |
For buyers who want AMG pace without giving up SUV space and presence, these updates make the GLE and GLS considerably more focused.
The new V8 is the star, but the broader package suggests Mercedes-AMG is still intent on making its largest performance SUVs feel more alert than their size suggests.
