Mercedes-Benz is gearing up to unleash its heavy-hitting V8 SUVs in India much sooner than anticipated. Following their global mid-lifecycle updates recently revealed in June, the formidable 2026 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S and GLS 63 are officially slated for an Indian launch window between late July and early August 2026.
This rapid turnaround underscores the importance of the Indian market for AMG’s high-performance portfolio. Both flagship SUVs are ditching the plug-in hybrid route in favor of a purist-pleasing, yet more efficient, mild-hybrid V8 setup.
Under the hood of both models lies the extensively reworked M177 EVO 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. The biggest talking point is the motorsport-inspired flat-plane crankshaft, designed to reduce rotational mass, sharpen throttle response, and allow the engine to rev more freely.
While peak outputs remain identical to the outgoing models—a blistering 612 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque—the power delivery is now smoother and more immediate. This is largely thanks to the new 48-volt integrated starter-generator (ISG 2.0), which adds a temporary boost of 23 hp and 205 Nm of torque at lower RPMs. The GLE 63 S will catapult from 0-100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, while the larger, three-row GLS 63 achieves the sprint in a scant 4.2 seconds. Both SUVs are electronically limited to a top speed of 280 km/h.
Visually, the updated pair commands even more presence. Expect to see redesigned front ends featuring upsized, AMG-specific Panamericana grilles, aggressive air intakes, and sharp new LED lighting signatures. Inside, the cabins are treated to the latest generation of the MBUX operating system with AMG-specific displays, a new AMG Performance steering wheel, and extensive carbon fiber or open-pore wood trim options. To keep all that mass in check, AMG’s Active Ride Control with active roll stabilization comes standard, paired with a fully variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. With the launch window rapidly approaching, expect dealerships across India to begin accepting unofficial bookings shortly. Stay tuned for the official pricing announcement in the coming weeks.
