Best Car Reviews - 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 S Coupe

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Introduction

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 S Coupe is a high-performance, coupe-styled luxury SUV built for drivers who want supercar-like thrust in an all-weather, family-sized package. Positioned above the “regular” GLE models, the GLE63 S Coupe targets buyers who value aggressive design, a premium cabin, and a powerful V8 with standard all-wheel drive. Its standout traits are the hand-built twin-turbo V8, AMG-tuned chassis hardware, and the bold SUV-coupe silhouette that rivals vehicles like the BMW X6 M.

Design and Exterior Features

The AMG GLE63 S Coupe blends the height and presence of a midsize SUV with a fastback roofline that emphasizes sportiness over maximum cargo practicality. The front fascia typically features AMG-specific intakes and a more assertive stance, while wide wheels, flared bodywork cues, and quad exhaust outlets underline its performance mission. In 2018, the overall look remained close to prior versions, focusing more on equipment and tech updates across the broader GLE range than on a full exterior redesign.

Coupe-like roofline with a wide, muscular stance
AMG-specific body styling and performance exhaust with quad outlets
Standard all-wheel-drive performance posture and large wheel fitments
LED lighting and premium exterior detailing typical of AMG models

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the GLE63 S Coupe aims for a blend of luxury and performance: supportive sport seats, high-grade materials, and an AMG steering wheel and instruments that keep the driver at the center of the experience. It’s a comfortable long-distance cruiser when you want it to be, but it also feels purpose-built, with a cockpit-like driving position and a focus on tactile controls. The coupe roofline can slightly impact rear headroom compared with a conventional GLE SUV, but the overall cabin experience is still firmly premium.

AMG performance-oriented front seating and driver-focused cockpit layout
Premium audio availability, including Harman/Kardon on many configurations
High-end trims and upholstery options commonly associated with AMG models
Five-passenger layout with a sportier, more tapered rear profile than the standard SUV

Performance and Handling

Power is the headline: a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 using gasoline direct injection, paired with a 7-speed AMG automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel drive. Verified output for the 2018 AMG GLE63 S Coupe is 577 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque, delivering extremely strong real-world acceleration and effortless passing performance. Independent testing has reported 0–60 mph times around the 4-second mark. Fuel efficiency is not its strength; EPA fuel economy is rated at 15 mpg combined (14 city/18 highway), which is roughly 15.7 L/100 km combined, about 16.8 L/100 km city, and about 13.1 L/100 km highway.

5.5L twin-turbo V8 (premium gasoline) with direct injection
577 hp and 561 lb-ft, routed through a 7-speed AMG automatic and AWD
0–60 mph performance reported around 4.0 seconds in instrumented testing
EPA-rated 15 mpg combined (about 15.7 L/100 km combined)

Technology and Connectivity

The 2018 GLE63 S Coupe combines AMG performance hardware with the luxury tech expected in its class. Infotainment and connected services depend on options and packages, but the model line includes features such as integrated navigation, premium audio, and connected assistance services. Many examples also include driver-assistance tech that supports highway comfort and urban maneuvering, plus convenience features like surround-view camera systems and advanced lighting depending on configuration.

Connected services and in-car connectivity features available within the GLE range
Premium branded audio commonly found on GLE63 S Coupe builds
Available navigation and infotainment functions typical of Mercedes-Benz luxury SUVs of this era
Optional driver-assistance features and camera systems depending on packages

Safety Features

Safety equipment on the GLE family includes core protections such as stability control, airbags, and modern braking systems, with optional advanced driver aids on many vehicles. For crash-test results, coverage can vary by exact body style and configuration; however, the broader 2018 GLE-Class was reported as earning a Top Safety Pick Plus recognition from IIHS when properly equipped. If you are shopping used, verify the presence of specific packages (especially active safety systems and lighting) because ratings and performance can depend on equipment.

Standard stability and traction control with all-wheel drive traction benefits
Available forward-collision mitigation and other active driver aids depending on packages
Surround-view and parking assistance features available on many configurations
2018 GLE-Class reported as an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus when properly equipped

Pricing and Variants

When new, the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe carried a base price around $112,855 in the U.S., with many vehicles climbing higher after options, packages, and destination fees. In most markets, the key performance “variants” for the GLE Coupe lineup centered on the AMG GLE 43 and the more powerful AMG GLE 63 S. Against competitors, the GLE63 S Coupe sits in the same high-performance luxury SUV-coupe niche as models like the BMW X6 M, Porsche Cayenne Turbo (of the era), and similar V8 performance SUVs, trading fuel efficiency and ultimate practicality for speed, sound, and style.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Explosive V8 power with strong low-end torque
Standard all-wheel drive for confident year-round performance
Distinctive SUV-coupe styling that stands out in traffic
High-end cabin feel with luxury amenities and performance design cues
Impressive straight-line acceleration for a midsize SUV

Cons

Fuel consumption is high, especially in city driving
Coupe roofline reduces rear-headroom feel and some cargo practicality
Options and AMG-specific parts can make ownership expensive
Firm ride on larger wheels can be less comfortable on rough roads
Used examples vary widely by equipment, so shopping requires careful spec checking

Maintenance and Common Issues

Maintenance and repair costs for high-output AMG models can be significant. A published estimate for the Mercedes-Benz GLE63 AMG S average annual maintenance/repair cost is about $2,122, and real-world costs can be higher depending on mileage, location, tire/brake wear, and prior service history. Common owner-reported concerns for this generation and powertrain family often include oil or coolant leaks around front engine/turbo-related sealing points, air-suspension or ride-height component wear, accelerated brake and tire wear due to vehicle weight and performance, infotainment or electrical glitches typical of complex luxury vehicles, and occasional issues tied to panoramic roof drains/seals or other water-intrusion-related complaints on some vehicles.

Rating

Overall rating: 8.6/10. Design: 9.0/10. Comfort: 8.3/10. Performance: 9.6/10. Technology: 8.4/10. Safety: 8.0/10. The 2018 AMG GLE63 S Coupe excels as a fast, luxurious SUV-coupe with a proven twin-turbo V8 formula, but it loses points for operating costs, fuel use, and the compromises that come with the coupe body style.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback patterns for the AMG GLE63 S Coupe tend to be consistent: people love the power delivery, the sound and character of the V8, and the sense of occasion in daily driving. Many also praise the seating position and the luxury ambiance. The most common complaints cluster around running costs, ride harshness on big wheels, and the realities of maintaining complex performance hardware as the vehicle ages.

Very strong satisfaction with acceleration and effortless passing power
High praise for the AMG character, exhaust note, and driving presence
Mixed opinions on ride comfort, especially with larger wheel/tire setups
Frequent mentions of high tire and brake replacement costs
Some reports of small electrical/infotainment annoyances over time

Best Cars in This Category

2018 BMW X6 M
2018 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
2018 Range Rover Sport SVR
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
2018 Audi RS Q8

Summary

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 S Coupe is best suited for buyers who want a luxury SUV that feels genuinely fast, looks dramatic, and delivers a premium, performance-focused experience every time you drive. It offers verified V8 output, confident all-wheel-drive traction, and a strong blend of luxury and AMG personality, but it demands a healthy budget for fuel, consumables, and maintenance. If you prioritize speed, presence, and an upscale cabin over maximum practicality and low running costs, it remains a compelling high-performance SUV-coupe even years after its release.