Mercedes-AMG just pulled two opposite levers at the same time on its biggest-selling performance SUVs. The 2027 GLE53 becomes a plug-in hybrid with 577 horsepower, up from 429. The GLE63 S and GLS63 keep their twin-turbo V-8s but quietly swap in a flat-plane crankshaft, a move typically reserved for track-focused exotics, not three-row family haulers.
The GLE53 Hybrid pairs a reworked version of Mercedes’ M256 inline-six with a large electric motor replacing the torque converter. The old electric compressor is gone. Instead, the e-motor handles the grunt off the line while the exhaust-driven turbo spools up.
Combined output lands at 577 horsepower and 553 pound-feet, a gain of 148 horses over the outgoing model. Mercedes estimates 45 miles of electric-only range and allows EV cruising up to about 87 mph.
Calling it a “53” with that kind of output takes some creative math. Mercedes locked the name in when it previewed the powertrain back in 2023, and apparently nobody wanted to revisit the badge. The company claims a 4.1-second sprint to 60 mph, which, based on Car and Driver’s history of beating Mercedes factory numbers, could easily dip into the high threes.
The flat-plane crank swap in the 4.0-liter V-8 is the bigger engineering story. Flat-plane cranks are lighter, rev faster, and produce a sharper exhaust note, but they also generate more vibration. That is why they usually show up in Ferraris and the Mustang GT350, not 6,000-pound luxury SUVs.
Mercedes says the overhaul improves throttle response and refinement without any perceptible increase in vibration. Power stays at 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet for both the GLE63 S and GLS63. A new selectable exhaust system transitions from quiet to aggressive depending on drive mode.
Launch control arrives on these models for the first time. It is accessible only in Sport+ mode and automatically pre-tensions your seatbelt before catapulting you forward. Mercedes quotes 3.6 seconds to 60 for the GLE63 S, 3.9 for the GLS63.
The chassis gets new ESP calibration and upgraded brakes across the board, with optional carbon-ceramics on the 63 models. The GLE53 loses its optional active roll stabilization but retains air springs and adaptive dampers retuned for the heavier plug-in powertrain. Both 63s get active roll stabilization as standard, though it is a simpler system than the E-Active Body Control on non-AMG GLS models.
Inside, a new electrical architecture brings S-Class-level tech including a second 12.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and the latest MBUX infotainment with over-the-air updates. Level 2 hands-free driving capability is promised via a future software update. Physical controls make a partial comeback: a rocker switch now handles adaptive cruise speed, and a roller dial manages volume.
Pricing starts at $98,450 for the GLE53 SUV, a $7,100 increase that works out to $48 per additional horsepower. The GLE63 S SUV opens at $138,550, with the Coupe at $140,550 and the three-row GLS63 at $156,800.
Two powertrains, two philosophies. The plug-in hybrid gives buyers a way to drive an AMG without burning fuel on the school run. The flat-plane V-8 doubles down on mechanical drama in a segment that is steadily going electric.
Mercedes is betting customers want both options. Whether they want them enough to spend north of $100,000 in a market full of capable, cheaper alternatives is the question no press drive can answer.
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