--- title: 'AMG put a ''FERRARI'' V8 in the NEW GLE 63?!' source: 'https://youtube.com/watch?v=Vv17lcivu_g' video_id: 'Vv17lcivu_g' date: 2026-07-28 duration_sec: 363 --- # AMG put a 'FERRARI' V8 in the NEW GLE 63?! > Source: [AMG put a 'FERRARI' V8 in the NEW GLE 63?!](https://youtube.com/watch?v=Vv17lcivu_g) ## Summary Mercedes-AMG has updated the GLE 63 and GLS 63 with a flat-plane crank V8, a technology typically found in Ferrari supercars. The video explores the design changes, engine upgrades, and performance implications of these new SUVs. ### Key Points - **New Flat-Plane Crank V8** [00:00] — Both SUVs get a flat-plane crank V8, similar to Ferrari and the AMG GT Black Series, for faster revs and a higher-pitched sound. - **Bold Front End Design** [00:27] — The front grille is larger and illuminated at night; headlights feature four star-shaped LEDs. - **GLS Unique Headlights** [01:13] — The GLS has vertical star clusters in the headlights, described as 'face tattoos'. - **Power Figures Unchanged** [03:14] — Both cars retain the same 612 hp and 850 Nm torque, with a 22 hp mild hybrid system. - **Turbo Efficiency Gain** [03:46] — The flat-plane crank improves turbo efficiency by providing smoother exhaust pulses. - **Performance Numbers** [04:03] — 0-60 mph times are 3.9 seconds (GLE) and 4.2 seconds (GLS); top speed is 174 mph. - **Interior Overhaul** [04:36] — New wraparound driver display, passenger screen, and AMG-specific graphics and seats. - **Pricing** [05:39] — Expected prices: GLE 63 over £140,000, GLS 63 over £160,000. ## Transcript This is the new AMG GLE 63. And this is the new GLS 63. Forget electric motors and giant batteries. These new SUVs both come with massive twin turbo V8s. And there's more, because these new engines get the sort of tech you normally see in track-focused supercars. And there are plenty of other exciting upgrades as well. It looks like AMG has finally got its mojo back. But before we get into the engines, we need to talk about the design. Starting with this GLE 63. Just look at the front end. The old car wasn't exactly subtle, but this one has dialed the aggression all the way up. The new grill is bigger, bolder, and has a silver ring around the edge, which makes the car look like it's getting a dental exam. And check out what it looks like at [music] night. Yeah, the whole thing lights up like an influencer's ring light. And speaking of lights, just look at what the designers have done to the headlamps. Instead of a relatively subtle nod to the iconic Mercedes logo, like on the AMG GT 4-door, you get four massive stars across the front. >> [music] >> They remind me of novelty sunglasses, which probably isn't the high-end image Mercedes was going for. And it's the same story on the GLS. Although on that car, the stars are stacked vertically, so they look more like face tattoos. The rest of the new car's bumpers are actually pretty similar to before. You get large intakes on either side and some contrasting trim at the edge of the front splitter. But that's [music] it. It's almost impossible to spot the differences down the side. The bodywork is almost identical. And yes, you'll be able to get the GLE as this coupe and a taller upright SUV. However, there are new alloy wheels on offer across the range. They measure up to 22 inches on the GLE and a whopping 23 inches on the GLS. But can you spot what's changed at the back? Yeah, both cars [music] have even more star graphics in their brake lights. The GLE keeps things relatively sensible with four, but the GLS has gone all out with six. I get the AMG has always been slightly flashier than BMW's M division or Audi's RS department, but this is ridiculous. At least the four massive exhaust pipes have stuck around on both cars. Although, if they're anything like the old models, these will be oversized metal trims with smaller pipes hiding inside. [music] As you probably guessed by now, these aren't completely new models. They're comprehensive updates for the same GLE that's been on sale since 2018, and the same GLS [music] that's been around since 2019. But, I'm not mad that Mercedes is keeping these cars alive, especially because it means they are iconic 4-liter twin-turbo V8 are getting a new lease of life. As well as new intakes exhausts camshafts and upgraded turbos, [music] Mercedes has given these SUVs a new flat-plane crank. The crankshaft converts the pistons' up-and-down motion into rotation. [music] A cross-plane crank has its throws set 90° apart, giving a rumbling V8 sound, but [music] more inertia. A flat-plane crank has its throws 180° apart, enabling faster revs and A HIGHER-PITCHED WAIL. FERRARI FAMOUSLY USES FLAT-PLANE cranks in its V8 supercars, and so did AMG in the ultra-exclusive GT Black Series. So, what on earth is it using a flat-plane crank for [music] on a big, heavy SUV? Well, it's not for huge power gains. Both cars have 612 horsepower and 850 Newton meters of torque, which is the same as before. And, they still use the same 22 horsepower electric motor and mild hybrid system to save a bit of fuel when you're cruising, and add an extra 205 Newton meters of torque when you suddenly accelerate. But, there is method in AMG's apparent madness. The internals of a flat-plane crank V8 tend to be lighter than a cross-plane crank, and this is one reason why they can rev up so quickly and hit insane redlines. This saves [music] fuel, and therefore reduces carbon dioxide emissions. Also, with a flat-plane crank, [music] the exhaust pulses coming from each cylinder bank are more regular. That's why they have that high-pitched wail. But, actually, this doesn't make much difference in a naturally aspirated engine like in an old Ferrari, but in a twin turbo car like the new GLE and GLS 63s, this smoother flow of exhaust gases helps the two turbos work more efficiently. Basically, they create more boost more of the time. So, how does this affect the performance of the new SUVs? Well, the 0 to 60 times haven't changed for either car. The GLE 63 does it in 3.9 seconds and the GLS in 4.2 seconds and they both hit the same 174 mph top speed. But I don't really care because these engines should feel very different to drive and they should sound completely different, too. [music] And that's not the only thing that's completely changed about these cars because check out these interiors. There are screens for days. [music] Both cars get a new wrap-around driver's display that completely absorbs the central touchscreen. And because it's 2026, you can't have a high-end luxury car without some kind of dedicated passenger display as well. Seriously, does anyone actually use these? Most passengers will just be on their phone, not messing around with the car's screen. Anyway, this stuff is carried over from the standard non-AMG versions of the new GLE and GLS, but in these 63 models, you get different [music] graphics, specific performance readouts, and customization options. The seats have also been given an AMG makeover with extra support and new exclusive leather options. And you also get a very similar steering wheel to the AMG GT with the all-important rotary switches. You use these to switch between different driving modes, adjust the stiffness of the adaptive air suspension, and my favorite, crank those exhaust valves all the way open. Passengers in the GLS's third row will thank you for it, at least for a bit. But, will your wallet thank you? Well, almost certainly not. Mercedes hasn't confirmed exactly how much these cars will cost yet, [music] but you can guarantee they'll be slightly dearer than the outgoing models. That means the GLE 63 will set you back over 140,000 pounds and a range-topping GLS 63 will be over 160,000 pounds. I'll be reviewing both these cars as soon as I can get my hands on them to tell you if they're worth the cash. Or are these European SUVs just overpriced? Because China [music] is offering more power for less money in the form of the Zeekr 8X. If you want to find out exactly what I mean, you need to check out the video just on the right of this screen. Thanks for watching, and I'll see you next time.