In the world of luxury SUVs, there are some incredible options out there, with manufacturers like Aston Martin and Lamborghini pushing the boundaries of performance and price. However, there aren’t many brands that can offer a wider range of luxury SUVs than Mercedes Benz, with some eye-watering price tags.
In this article, we’ll look at the most expensive Mercedes SUVs on sale right now. As you’d expect these models are the top spec options, mostly with AMG parts, so expect some serious performance along with comfort and technology.
The Most Expensive Mercedes SUV Models
6. Mercedes GLC AMG 43: $59,900 – $84,794
The first car on our list is the Mercedes GLC AMG 43. The GLC is part of Mercedes’ mid-level SUV lineup, more premium than the entry-level GLA and GLB, but still missing some of the higher-spec features on other models.
The AMG 43 is the most expensive GLC currently on sale in the US. Being an AMG model, as you’d expect this comes with plenty of power. The AMG 43 is powered by a 3-liter V6 engine, with 385 bhp and 385 lb-ft of torque. For an AMG those aren’t amazing numbers, but they still get the GLC from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. Even with this performance, the AMG 43 still gets 25 / 18 mpg figures, which is respectable for an SUV with this power.
The GLC AMG 43 doesn’t sacrifice practicality for performance either. This SUV seats 5 comfortably and is packed with the latest Mercedes technology. The AMG 43 version comes with upgrades that include a Burmester Soundsystem, a 12.3-inch driver’s display, and plenty of driver assistance tools. Cabin material quality is as good as you would expect from Mercedes, although you have to pay for some of the more premium options.
The exterior design of the standard GLC isn’t going to win any awards, but Mercedes has improved a number of aspects with the AMG 43 version. Firstly, the larger 20-inch wheels suit the GLC much better (even if the ride quality is impacted slightly), and the quad exhausts make it clear what model you’re driving.
Overall, the GLC AMG 43 is competitively priced against rivals like the Porsche Macan and BMW X3M, although you can overspend on the options. With the basic packages, you can keep the GLC cost below $70,000, which feels like the best price range for this car.
5. Mercedes GLC Coupe AMG 43: $66,500 – $89,060
Next up is the Coupe version of the GLC AMG 43. Don’t let the name fool you – this is still a four-door SUV, just with a more aggressive and less practical design. The GLC Coupe shares a lot of performance and interior features with the standard GLC, including the engine’s performance stats. The fuel economy is slightly worse though, with a claimed 24 / 16 mpg in the Coupe.
The most notable difference in the Coupe is the exterior styling. The GLC Coupe is a product of the move towards more Sports Activity Coupes (SACs) to offer an alternative to the larger SUVs on sale. The GLC Coupe follows in the footsteps of cars like the BMW X4, mirroring the more practical X3. For me, the sacrifice in practicality isn’t quite worth the looks, but as far as sporty SUVs go, the GLC Coupe is one of the best looking out there.
The front cabin in the GLC Coupe AMG 43 is almost identical to the standard GLC. You get plenty of tech and cabin comforts and the latest Mercedes safety systems. You need to pay for the optional extras to access more advanced features like lane keeping and speed limit assists, but the standard features are still generous.
Practicality is where the GLC Coupe falls down. This won’t come as a surprise to most of you, but rear space and trunk storage is limited in the GLC Coupe. It’s suitable for short trips, but anyone in the back of this model on a longer journey will wish you’d bought something more practical.
Overall, the SAC craze is here to stay, and although these don’t sell as well as their traditional counterparts, there is definitely a market for cars like the GLC. With the AMG version, you’re getting a well-designed, aggressive-looking, powerful SUV – with some impressive features. The downside is the price tag, and some will be put off when you start adding options and realize you’re into $80,000 territory for the GLC Coupe AMG 43.
4. Mercedes GLE AMG 63+: $117,900 – $150,775
In fourth place is the GLE AMG 63+. The Mercedes GLE is a step up from the GLC, with more power, better technology, and a higher-quality interior. All of that comes with a price though, and this is the first car on our list to pass $100,000
The GLE 63+ is powered by a handcrafted V8, with a mild hybrid system. Performance in this SUV is in another league to the GLC, with 602 bhp and 627 lb-ft of torque. All this power gets you a 0-60mph time of just 3.7 seconds, which is ridiculous in a full-sized SUV.
The GLE 63+ isn’t just about the power. The cabin is noticeably improved from the GLC, with a host of options. Interior trims range from wood to carbon fiber, and there are multiple color choices for the Nappa leather seats. The rear passenger room is spacious too, and even the rear headroom is plentiful.
Technology in the GLE 63+ includes all the latest Mercedes features. You get the twin-screen layout found in models like the E Class, with a host of driver assistance functions. Optional extras include front massage seats, a heads-up display, and the Mercedes augmented navigation. You also have access to a number of packages, adding more features.
Overall, if you want a ‘true’ AMG SUV this is the cheapest option right now, and won’t be here forever. Mercedes are slowly removing their V8 engines and replacing them with hybrid systems, so this is probably going to be one of the last V8 SUVs they make.
3. Mercedes GLE Coupe AMG 63+: $118,900 – $148,925
Following the standard GLE is the coupe version. Like we saw with the GLC and GLC coupe, this car shares a lot of features with its more traditional sibling. The GLE Coupe 63+ carries across the same V8 engine with the same 602 bhp, with the same 0 to 60 times. It’s only when we start looking at the design that the differences become clear.
The first thing you notice is the exterior design of the GLE coupe. For me, this is a far more imposing car than the standard GLE, and it’s easily comparable to the BMW X6, its main rival. The sport-focused design of the GLE Coupe does result in the problem of the rear passenger room, but no one is buying this SUV for its practicality.
The interior design and technology in the GLE coupe 63+ are almost identical to the standard GLE 63+. All the driver assistance aids and material choices carry over, and the result is another excellent cabin. Longer journeys are easy and comfortable in this, provided you’re sat in the front, and the driving aids make highways as simple as possible.
The GLE Coupe AMG 63+ is impractical and expensive, at almost $150,000, but there’s no denying it’s just about the perfect mix of comfort and performance. Design-wise we love the GLE Coupe, but we know it won’t be for everyone, although you’d struggle to find too many issues with the interior of this car. The main question for most prospective owners is whether this is a better option than the standard GLE, and that’s a tough choice to make.
2. Mercedes AMG GLS 63: $135,400 – $164,505
In second place is the largest Mercedes SUV, the GLS AMG 63. Like the GLE versions, the AMG spec features a handcrafted V8 engine with just over 600 bhp. As the GLS is a much larger SUV performance drops slightly, but you’ll still get from 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds, which is an incredible performance for a car weighing over 5,000 lbs.
So what makes the GLS an upgrade from the GLE? For starters the GLS is a true 7-seater, competing with the likes of the BMW X7 as a true luxury SUV. Storage space is plentiful in the GLS too, and wherever you sit it’s incredibly comfortable. With the 5-seat option, it’s even better for passengers and feels more spacious than its rivals.
Technology in the GLS AMG 63 is abundant. As the name suggests this SUV has a lot in common with the S-Class sedan, which tells you plenty about the quality of this car. Options include a panoramic roof, massage and ventilation seats, and five-zone climate control. The centerpiece of the GLS is the twin-screen setup, just like the S-Class. Even the high-tech interiors in the Range Rover and Audi Q7 don’t feel as futuristic as this, even if it can be difficult to navigate initially.
If you need the space and you have a spare $150,000 this is as good as it gets from a premium SUV. Some owners will prefer the driving quality of the BMW X7, and the Audi SQ7 is cheaper (with a lot less power). For interior design and technology, along with that incredible V8 soundtrack, the GLS AMG 63 can’t really be beaten.
1. Mercedes G 63 AMG: $156,450 – $186,750
In first place is the Mercedes G 63 AMG. This one might have been obvious if you know your Mercs, but the G Wagen has occupied a place at the top table of the SUV market for years now. It’s difficult to think of a premium SUV that’s more recognizable than the G-Class, and Mercedes can’t sell enough of these.
Behind the iconic design sits a V8 engine, in true AMG fashion. Surprisingly this only produces 577 bhp, less than we saw in the GLE and GLS models, and for a car with less than ideal aerodynamics, your 0-60 time is a moderate 4.5 seconds. That performance won’t matter to most G 63 owners, as this is a car you want to be seen in.
The G 63 comes with all the luxury and tech features from our earlier models. Trim choices include wood and aluminum, with various Nappa leather colors for the seats. Ambient lighting fills the cabin, and the dual-screen setup allows you to access all the driver assistance tech you need.
The most surprising aspect of the G-Class has always been its off-road capability. Out of all the SUVs on this list, the G 63 is the most capable on difficult terrain, thanks to a host of off-road features. You get three locking differentials, a low-range gearbox, and over half a meter of wading depth. Most G 63 owners will avoid taking this car anywhere near dirt or snow, but it’s great to see Mercedes hold onto the G-Class tradition as a serious SUV.
At a starting price of over $150,000, this is serious money, but G 63 models traditionally hold their value well and even appreciate in some cases. The status of the G Wagen, along with its luxury and capability, sets this aside from almost anything else on the road.
If you liked this and want to find out more about Mercedes, and other Manufacturers, check out the links below:
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