2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S and GLS63 pricing and specs detailed: BMW X5 M and Audi RS Q8 rival arrives alongside big brother

Mercedes-AMG Australia has released pricing and specification details for its two largest SUVs, the five-seat GLE63 S and seven-seat GLS 63, ahead of deliveries beginning late this month.

The GLE63 S is priced from $220,600 plus-on road costs, making it $24,571 dearer than its predecessor, while the GLS63 checks in from $255,700 and commands a $34,329 premium over its forebear. Buyers are naturally compensated with a more comprehensive package.

Both the GLE63 S and GLS63 are powered by a 450kW/850Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, which is mated to a nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and AMG’s 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring and a rear limited-slip differential.

This set-up also features Mercedes’ EQ Boost 48V mild-hybrid system, which actually gives a 16kW/250Nm electric boost in short bursts, such as when accelerating off the line.

Speaking of which, the BMW X5 M and Audi RS Q8-rivalling GLE63 S sprints from a standstill to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds, while the one-size-larger GLS63 is only 0.4s off that mark. Both models have an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

Standard equipment in the GLE63 S includes a body kit, speed-sensitive steering, active engine mounts, 21-inch alloy wheels, high-performance brakes, adaptive dampers, active anti-roll bars, soft-close doors, a sports exhaust system with quad tips, and eight drive modes (Individual, Comfort, Slippery, Trail, Sand, Sport, Sport+ and Race).

Inside, a 12.3-inch touchscreen MBUX multimedia system, a Burmester surround-sound system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, heated seats and armrests, temperature-controlled front cupholders, four-zone climate control, a sports steering wheel with Dinamica microfibre trim, multi-contour front seats and Nappa leather upholstery.

Advanced driver-assist systems extend to autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep and steering assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert and park assist, among others.

The GLS63 also includes 22-inch alloy wheels, augmented reality (AR) satellite navigation, five-zone climate control and power-adjustable seats.