Mercedes-AMG has revealed the 2027 GLE 63 S and GLS 63 and the headline is a new engine — a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft, badged M177 EVO, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Combined output is 603 hp and 850 Nm on both models. The GLE 63 S hits 0-100 kmph in 3.6 seconds, the GLS 63 in 3.9 seconds. Both are electronically capped at 280 kmph. No India pricing or launch timeline has been announced yet but the current GLE 63 S and GLS 63 are already sold here as CBU imports, so an India arrival is a matter of when, not if.
The Flat-Plane Crank — What It Actually Changes
The outgoing Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 and GLS 63 used AMG's M177 V8 with a cross-plane crankshaft — the conventional layout most V8s use. The new M177 EVO switches to a flat-plane crank, the same architecture
you find in Ferrari V8s and high-revving motorsport engines. In practical terms, flat-plane cranks allow better exhaust gas scavenging between cylinders, which means the turbochargers spool faster and throttle response sharpens up noticeably compared to a cross-plane setup.
Peak torque of 850 Nm arrives between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm — a wide band that makes the car feel consistently fast rather than having a narrow hit of power at a specific rpm. The 48-volt starter-generator contributes 23 hp and 205 Nm on top of what the combustion engine makes, filling in low-end response before the turbos fully build pressure. Power goes through AMG's nine-speed Speedshift TCT gearbox and 4Matic+ all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution. The rear axle gets an electronically controlled locking differential as standard — useful in the kind of dynamic driving these cars rarely see in Indian conditions, but it's there.
Suspension is AMG's Ride Control+ air setup with adaptive damping across multiple modes. In Trail mode, ride height climbs 56mm. In Sport and Sport+ settings it drops 10 mm from the standard position. AMG Active Ride Control works alongside to manage body roll and pitch under hard cornering and braking.
What It Looks Like and Where India Fits
The visual changes are measured. The GLE 63 S gets a blacked-out grille and reshaped air intakes. The GLS 63 keeps chrome grille treatment. Both get quad exhaust pipes and wheel options up to 22 inches on the GLE and 23 inches on the GLS. Inside, a new AMG Performance steering wheel in leather or microfibre, updated upholstery choices and carbon fibre trim are the notable additions.
The engine upgrade is the real story here, and enthusiasts following AMG globally will appreciate the flat-plane crank shift. But at Rs 2.5-3 crore, the typical Indian buyer in this segment is weighing this against a BMW X5 M or a Porsche Cayenne Turbo — and the purchase decision rarely comes down to crankshaft architecture. Worth tracking, but nothing to act on until AMG confirms India timing and pricing.
