Mercedes will create two new AMG SUVs for 2021, the GLS63 (below) and the GLE63 S (pictured above), both with 603-hp V-8s.

The pair are the first AMG 63 models to use the EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system employed in several non-AMG models.

Both vehicles will go on sale in the middle of 2020.

A high-end Mercedes without an AMG63 option would be like a pizza without pepperoni. It would be like a car magazine without a Corvette on the cover. It would subvert the natural order of things.

So, Mercedes-Benz's unveiling of the GLS63 is both the most comforting and most predictable introduction of this year's Los Angeles auto show. Mercedes completely redesigned the GLS-class for the 2020 model, powered by either a 362-hp 3.0-liter inline six- or a 483-hp 4.0-liter V-8. But those more than adequate powerplants are for regular rich folks. What the discerning rich buyer needs is the 603 horsepower of the 2021 GLS63. True, the 63 uses basically the same basic 4.0-liter V-8 that the non-AMG version employs, but in addition to the 120 more horsepower than the regular V-8 version, the GLS63 also adds unique big standard wheels, sportier body trimmings, a recalibrated nine-speed automatic transmission, and a retuned suspension.

View Photos Michael Simari Car and Driver

Like its lesser brethren, the GLS63 will have an additional 21 horsepower worth of electric power available for certain circumstances thanks to the standard 48-volt EQ Boost system. Mercedes estimates it’ll get to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. The GLS63 will go on sale in the middle of next year for, well, Mercedes isn’t ready to say yet how much it will cost. But the last GLS63 started at around $128,000, so figure a little more than that for the new one.



The GLS63 will share space at Mercedes's Los Angeles show stand with another new 63. The GLE (that's the mid-size, two-row SUV) will also be available for the 2021 model year with a 603-hp 4.0-liter V-8. In the case of the GLE, it will be called the GLE63 S, implying that there might be a lesser powered, non-S version in the future. This is the first 63 version of the new-generation GLE-class SUV, and it will only come as an S "at this time" according to a Mercedes spokesperson, although the 2021 GLE53 coupe was revealed at Frankfurt and is making its U.S. debut here.

View Photos Michael Simari Car and Driver

Naturally, the GLE63 S gets the same basic treatment as its big brother, including mechanical upgrades as well as cosmetic changes. The GLE gets one thing the GLS63 does not: Along with the usual Comfort, Sport, Sport +, and off-road settings, the new hot mid-sizer also offers a RACE mode (the capitalization is Mercedes's, not ours). This mode would be for use when you would like to terrify up to four passengers all at the same time.

The company claims the GLE63 S should complete the zero-to-60-mph run in 3.7 seconds. Like the GLS63, the GLE63 S will be available in mid-2020 for an as yet unspecified amount of money. The last GLE63 S started at a little more than $110,000.

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