Should you buy one?

It’s a controversial choice these days, being so large, fast, loud and proud. Obviously there are some caveats, and we need to address those first. It’s a lot of money and the steering wheel controls will drive you to distraction, but it will really make you smile every day. Importantly the Mercedes-AMG is more forgiving than a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, BMW X5M or Audi RS Q8 making it better to live with day-to-day.

While it’s still plenty fast, drives brilliantly, and sounds like thunder, the question is which model should you go for. The PHEV GLE 53 Hybrid is probably the one to go for, as it has a useable battery range that puts it in the territory where the average commute won’t need any petrol – and in the city, where better to demonstrate this. But – it also weighs 2.8 tonnes, which is a ludicrous amount of weight to be dragging around city streets on a daily basis.

The GLE 63 S, on the other hand, is a true performance sledgehammer. Does anyone need an 600hp+ SUV in this country? Of course not. But that doesn’t stop it being a hoot when the opportunity arises. Having said that, the Porsche Cayenne makes the better super-SUV, and the Audi RS Q8 is a more accomplished fast luxury alternative, leaving this one the choice for AMG fans only, really.

What we like

The 63 S’s noise. It’s loud and will always perk you up. And if you’re feeling embarrassed you can turn the exhaust to quiet. It’s also brilliantly silly. All that weight and leather and it’s still entertaining to drive. The long battery range and combination of (potential) efficiency and performance of the GLE 53 Hybrid have some appeal for those who can keep it plugged in.

What we don’t like

It costs a lot to buy or finance, there isn’t a huge amount of room in the rear, plus if you really try you can get the mpg down to single figures in the 63 S. That silliness might be a bit much for some. At a time when the environmental effects of humans are being scrutinised further and further, a powerful SUV like this might not be the most logical choice.