Eight-cylinder engines that give you goosebumps will disappear from the Mercedes model range in the future. But they are still there. ntv.de tested the candidates Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupé 63 S and GLS 580 4Matic. They combine fun and utility in completely different ways.
Whether SUVs are really the jack of all trades is a long and lively discussion. But they are useful and comfortable, that can be taken for granted. At least the sales success proves that the car manufacturers are right, who don’t even think about reducing the SUV portfolio – quite the opposite. Even the station wagon, which used to be so popular and undoubtedly practical, is being replaced more and more often by the high-rise automobile type.
Of course, Mercedes also has a wide range of SUVs, from the small GLA with a diesel engine to countless electric models and the high-end eight-cylinder. And since everyone is talking about electromobility, it’s time to think again about eight-cylinders, whose time seems to be running out. Their fanbase, on the other hand, isn’t crumbling at all. And then why not combine the popular SUV with the fan eight-cylinder?
So there shouldn’t be a lack of demand, how else could you explain that the Swabians are sticking to the eight-cylinder at least in the upper segments, in the SUV area anyway? As an example, ntv.de looked at two quite different Kraxler types with eight pots under the hood. Among them the sporty GLE Coupé from AMG with the hottest V8 engine under the hood. And in general, the Coupé, which is around five centimeters lower (1.73 meters high) than the conventional version, is also the sharpest sports machine in Mercedes’ SUV arsenal as a top AMG variant.
The athlete should not only run energetically in a straight line, but also perform to the maximum across the board. The propellant is a double-charged four-liter plus electric compressor and crankshaft starter. The latter not only restarts the direct injection engine in a flash after the automatic start-stop system has switched it off at the traffic light, but also boosts the crankshaft with up to 22 electric horsepower to make the power pack as efficient as possible.
The V8 counterpart to the thoroughly athletic GLE Coupé is the GLS without the AMG badge. As a top model, it also uses the M176/M177 engine range and also benefits from the electrical efficiency measures, but with a still brutal 489 hp it is somewhat tamer than its 612 hp brother. Here too, of course, a small electric motor with 22 hp provides support.
But which one to take? In any case, the two heavy ships develop their individual character traits fairly quickly after the first few meters of test drive. The taut and wild GLE grips its passengers with its seating and promises: You won’t even fly out of the central lane if you take a corner across the road. The sporty armchairs show what lateral support means. But does the SUV coupé really want to turn around so badly that they are necessary? Well, at least it can, especially since body roll is compensated for with the help of electrical stabilizers. But the sharpest GLE edition is also fun as a more moderate cruiser.
Of course, dealing with the gas pedal needs to be moderated. Even from a standstill, the drive unit builds up massive pressure, while the bassy, ??rumbling V8 sound massages the auricles. Anyone who uses the rev range should be careful: the 63 ends up in the driver’s license endangering area so quickly that you could get dizzy. The 100 km/h mark falls after 3.8 seconds, and if need be, the 2.4-ton chunk (the weight is not noticeable) marches tightly towards the 280-thing mark.
Switch to the dignified GLS 580 4Matic. You don’t experience a culture shock, but not much is missing. Tight, binding sports seats give way to cuddly armchairs with luxury class flair. The impression of space is much more spacious – no wonder, the more than 5.20 meter long strand is more reminiscent of the American than European way of life. But if you don’t feel alienated by the expansive dimensions, you can confidently look at the GLS. The incredibly powerful chassis allows the giant SUV – resting on air bags – to hover stoically over even the worst roads as if they had just been resurfaced.
And noises? The noise of bustling cities penetrates the airy and luxuriously appointed passenger compartment only in a very muffled manner. Instead of a loud hammering, the four-litre engine, which has the same design as the AMG basic engine, only produces a gentle murmur, which, however, develops into the characteristic roaring as the engine speed increases. The eight-cylinder GLS is not dead insulated, the engine enjoyment is by no means neglected.
The sprinting ability of the GLS is still impressive at just 5.3 seconds before the 2.5-tonner reaches country road speed. Even more impressive, however, is how velvety the acceleration orgy happens here. The five-eighty starts so calmly and silky, offers so much space on the cuddly leather upholstery and is somehow so dynamic – you really don’t want to get out anymore. The “S” in the model designation is not without symbolism and promises comfort that is at least on par with the S-Class.
That’s exactly right, and by the way, the noble off-roader also delivers a phenomenal 2400 liters of trunk volume (the GLE Coupé can also pass as practical with 1790 liters). If you want, you can also carry seven people (standard), although there is not quite as much space in the third row of seats as further forward. Incidentally, the GLS is not an alibi off-road vehicle, but can do a lot off the road. Especially with the 2261 euro off-road package on board. Then the inconspicuous bolide climbs even the nastiest slopes thanks to terrain reduction and various mechanical locking functions of the longitudinal differential.
It must be reassuring to know that the GLS can also dig through mud and sludge, although in practice it is more likely to be found on the promenades of major European cities. All GLE and GLS variants – yes, even the sporty AMG – can also take 3.5 tons on the (optional) hook, which literally makes them draft animals.
With lots of infotainment and huge touchscreens, both the GLE Coupé and the GLS appeal to target groups with an affinity for technology. However, they also have to be financially in good shape. At least 149,744 euros are due for the Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupé 63 S 4Matic in the rapid “S” version, while the velvety GLS 580 4Matic collects a not inconsiderable 119,749 euros. It’s little consolation that features like adaptive LED headlights or hard drive navigation are standard. But exclusivity has its price. And apparently he’s getting paid.
