The 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63 S may resemble other Mercedes SUVs at a glance, but beneath its familiar lines lies a high-performance machine built with precision, comfort and sheer driving excitement in mind.
There are several Mercedes-Benz sport utility vehicles (SUVs) whose exterior aesthetics may appear similar at first glance, but they each have distinct differences. For example, the Mercedes-Benz ML shares a similar shape with the Bluetec, while the Mercedes-Benz GLS is similar to both but can be easily differentiated by its extended length.
Another less common Mercedes SUV is the 2018 AMG GLE 63 S. Inside, it features user-friendly elements that you would expect in a modern SUV, from the steering wheel and dashboard to the seating.
Comfort and smart controls
The leather-coated steering wheel provides a firm grip and enhances control over the vehicle, giving a cockpit-like feel. It includes various controls such as buttons for answering phone calls and adjusting the infotainment volume. At the centre of the dashboard, there is a nine-inch smart screen, along with many controls mirroring those on the steering wheel, all designed to help you maximise the car’s features.
The AMG GLE 63 S offers several driving modes: comfort, individual, economy, sport, and sport plus. You can switch between these modes using a knob on the centre console, which allows the vehicle to adjust its settings accordingly.
Driving experience
Each mode offers different performance characteristics. For example, the economy mode ensures that the engine operates efficiently, while the sport and sport plus modes are geared towards speed.
During a test drive of the GLE 63 S from Speke Resort Munyonyo to Entebbe via the expressway over the weekend, I noticed that in sport mode, the car accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in just four seconds after the Munyonyo roundabout, as I approached the Busabala junction. As I increased speed, I felt the car becoming more stable and controlled through the steering wheel, especially when navigating corners.
The gear lever in the GLE 63 S is not a traditional long gear stick; instead, it fits comfortably in your palm for selecting park, drive, or reverse. If you are driving this car for the first time, it may take a few minutes to get used to how the modern gear lever operates, as it functions differently from conventional ones that require more physical effort to shift.
Regardless of hot or cold weather, the car offers both heated and ventilated seats, allowing you to easily enjoy warm or cool air at the touch of a button on the steering wheel. Additionally, rather than just lighting up when low on fuel, the fuel gauge in the AMG GLE 63 S will not only indicate low fuel but also display a message on the smart screen asking if you would like to search for a nearby refuelling station.
Exterior
When it comes to exterior aesthetics, the AMG GLE 63 S boasts an aggressive front bumper and quad exhaust pipes at the rear, with two on each side of the vehicle. If you are a motorist who enjoys the roar of the engine, these exhaust pipes provide a thrilling sound reminiscent of a rally car, especially when driving in Sport Plus mode. For optimal comfort, it is recommended to drive on 22-inch wheels.
Under the hood, the AMG GLE 63 S is equipped with a 5.5-litre V8 Biturbo petrol engine that produces 577 horsepower.
This engine consumes 11.7 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. AMG represents the pinnacle of performance within the Mercedes-Benz lineup, and the distinct AMG badging throughout the vehicle sets it apart from other SUVs on the road.
To ensure proper maintenance, it is advisable to use high-octane fuel from reputable stations and an OW-40 synthetic oil grade. It is also recommended to service the vehicle at a trusted dealership to maintain an accurate service record, and if replacement parts are needed, sourcing them from Dubai or China is a good option.
Cost
Mujib Tusuubira, a car dealer at mujibexotics.com, says the AMG GLE 63 S is priced at Shs300m.
Understanding model differences
Gilbert Wavamunno, the managing director of Spear Motors Limited, clarifies that Bluetec is a fuel system rather than a specific model from Mercedes. The ML, E, and C are examples of models. The ML-class transitioned to the GLE-class with the model change that began around 2018; however, the new coupe version, the GLE-class coupe, was first introduced in 2016.
Wavamunno explains, “The GLE-class (formerly the ML-class) offers two body configurations: a traditional SUV and a coupe-style SUV. The coupe design was created to attract buyers who desired an SUV but were turned off by the traditional boxy styling.
These customers may have previously driven saloon cars but wanted more space and higher ground clearance. They did not consider an SUV until they saw the sleeker coupe shape. That is why we offer two body styles to cater to different segments of the SUV market.”
Regarding Bluetec, it is a badge indicating that the vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine that uses AdBlue, a liquid additive designed to treat diesel emissions. This system reduces the emissions released from the exhaust of a diesel engine.
In the latest models, this feature is generally not advertised, as all diesel vehicles are identified by a ‘d’ in their model designation such as the E220d, where the “d” signifies diesel. The AdBlue system is now standard in all diesel passenger vehicles.