2026 Mercedes-AMG Models Receive New 450kW V8 Powertrain

Mercedes-AMG has revealed updated versions of its V8-powered GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ and GLS 63 4MATIC+ performance SUVs.

The revised line-up retains a 4.0-litre biturbo V8, now in M177 EVO form, with 450kW and 850Nm.

A 48V mild-hybrid system with Integrated Starter Generator 2.0 adds up to 17kW and 205Nm under assistance.

The GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ is available in SUV and Coupé body styles, while the GLS 63 4MATIC+ continues as the larger SUV option.

Mercedes-AMG says the updated V8 uses a flat-plane crankshaft, modified intake camshaft, optimised fuel injection and revised exhaust aftertreatment.

The engine is still built in Affalterbach under AMG’s “One man, one engine” process.

The company says the flat-plane crankshaft reduces rotating mass and is intended to improve engine response and revving ability.

The revised engine keeps the same 450kW output as its predecessor, with peak torque available from 2500rpm to 4500rpm.

A particulate filter is fitted as standard worldwide.

“Our V8 is a central component of our performance DNA and the ideal heart for the new GLE 63 S and GLS 63,” said Michael Schiebe, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Production, Quality & Supply Chain Management, and Chairman of the Management Board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ SUV and Coupé both claim a 0 to 100km/h time of 3.9 seconds.

The GLS 63 4MATIC+ completes the same sprint in 4.2 seconds.

All three variants have an electronically limited top speed of 280km/h.

The latest large AMG SUVs keep V8 performance in the brand’s range at a time when Mercedes-AMG is also moving into high-output electric models, including the AMG GT 4-Door.

The chassis hardware includes AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension with adaptive damping and AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL active roll stabilisation as standard.

The Trail drive program raises ride height by 55mm for off-road use, while Sport and Sport+ lower the vehicle by 10mm.

In Comfort mode, the suspension also lowers by 10mm from 120km/h.

Drivers can raise the ride height by up to 20mm at the push of a button when extra ground clearance is needed.

Both models use AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution.

An electronically controlled AMG rear axle locking differential is standard.

Drive programs include Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Trail, Slippery and Individual.

The update also brings a redesigned front end with an AMG-specific radiator grille, larger air intakes and an AMG-specific LED light signature.

At the rear, the SUVs use twin tailpipes as part of a newly developed AMG Performance exhaust system with valve control.

Wheel options extend up to 22 inches on the GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ and up to 23 inches on the GLS 63 4MATIC+.

Inside, the models add Mercedes-Benz’s new MB.OS operating system with AMG-specific displays for items such as torque distribution, G-forces and engine parameters.

Available cabin options include Nappa leather upholstery, MICROCUT microfibre trim, carbon or aluminium-look AMG trim elements and MANUFAKTUR leather choices.

The MANUFAKTUR program also adds paint finishes including hightech silver magno, Patagonia red metallic, mystic blue metallic, opalite white metallic, Alpine grey solid, opalite white magno, silicon grey solid, Côte d’Azur light blue metallic and Ireland mid-green metallic.

Australian pricing, local specifications and launch timing are yet to be confirmed.

Model	Power	Torque	0-100km/h	Top speed	Combined consumption	CO2 emissions
Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ SUV	450kW + 17kW ISG	850Nm + 205Nm ISG	3.9 seconds	280km/h	13.6-13.2L/100km	308-299g/km
Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupé	450kW + 17kW ISG	850Nm + 205Nm ISG	3.9 seconds	280km/h	13.4-13.1L/100km	303-297g/km
Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ SUV	450kW + 17kW ISG	850Nm + 205Nm ISG	4.2 seconds	280km/h	13.7-13.4L/100km	312-305g/km