Get Hotcars Premium. Start your free trial today
The current Mercedes-Benz SUV range is one of the freshest and most diverse on the market, with some models arguably priced for the one percent.
Like other corporations globally, Mercedes-Benz Group has faced macro risks such as supply chain bottlenecks, inflationary pressure, and geopolitical uncertainties in the second quarter of 2022. Nonetheless, the brand has enjoyed healthy and high-quality demand thanks to a strong product portfolio, pivoted by a bulky premium SUV lineup. Every Mercedes-Benz SUV is infused with world-class agility, capability, versatility, and comfort, not forgetting a wide array of powertrain, luxury, and personalization options.
Related: Most People Forgot These 10 Mercedes-Benz Models Actually Existed
The current Mercedes SUV range is undoubtedly one of the freshest and most diverse on the market, ranging from the compact crossover-styled GLA to the mid-size GLE and full-size GLS with optional third-row capacity. Furthermore, select SUV classes are expanded to include sportier AMG-specific performance versions and more efficient hybrid variants. We dissected this dizzying Mercedes-Benz lineup and uncovered a list of the coolest SUVs that money can buy.
The passionate design, impressive interior dynamics, excellent practicality, well-balanced off-road capabilities, and spacious interior for up to seven occupants make the AMG GLB 35 an unrivaled offering in the compact SUV segment. The AMG GLB 35 is directed at consumers who prioritize versatility, boasting features such as electromechanical power steering, direct steer, ESP dynamic cornering assist, AMG dynamic select, four-wheel independent suspension, AMG sports exhaust, AMG ride control, and AMG high-performance braking system.
Under the hood lies a responsive AMG-enhanced 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine mated to an AMG Speedshift DCT eight-speed transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC AWD to deliver 302hp. The 2022 AMG GLB 35 starts at $49,950, with multimedia, exterior lighting, parking assistance, and driver assistance listed as optional packages.
The compact AMG GLA 45 encapsulates an exceptionally sporty look, characterized by the AMG-specific front grille, AMG aerodynamic package, AMG exhaust system with two twin tailpipes, and red-painted brake calipers, and a striking roof spoiler. AMG upgraded the standard GLA crossover SUV with features like a multifunction steering wheel, three-stage electronic stability program, high-performance braking system, ESP cornering assist, AMG dynamic select, and AMG performance 4MATIC+ AWD.
Related: 10 Things We Love About The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45
The handcrafted AMG 2.0-liter inline-four turbo engine makes the AMG GLA 45 the most powerful four-cylinder SUV in production, boasting an AMG Speedshift DCT eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that helps deliver 382hp. The AMG GLA 45 costs $55,400 without optional packages like exterior lighting, multimedia, driver assistance, and AMG dynamic plus.
The mid-size AMG GLC 43 offers a customized blend of typical AMG sportiness with Mercedes-Benz comfort, making it excellently suitable for everyday use. As a benchmark SUV, the AMG GLC 43 features AMG performance 4MATIC AWD, exclusive front axle and wider track, AMG suspension based on air body control, ESP dynamic cornering assist four-wheel multi-link suspension, AMG dynamic select, electromechanical power steering, direct steer, AMG sports exhaust, and AMG sport braking system.
The AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter V-6 Biturbo engine with revolutionary Nanoslide cylinder wall technology is paired to an AMG Speedshift TCT nine-speed transmission to churn out 385hp. The five-passenger AMG GLC 43 starts at $59,900, with AMG offering optional features and packages such as the AMG drive unit, class two trailer hitches, AMG performance studio package, driver assistance, and multimedia.
The AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ remains at the top of the performance SUV pyramid with an attractive design, unmatched individuality, revolutionary innovations, and impeccable driving dynamics. To this extent, AMG equipped the AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ with a three-stage electronic stability program, AMG dynamic select, AMG performance 4MATIC+ AWD, adaptive damping system, AMG ride control, AMG sports exhaust, and AMG performance braking system.
The centerpiece is the electrified AMG 3.0-liter inline-six turbo engine featuring a hybrid integrated starter-generator, 48-volt lithium-ion battery, and an AMG Speedshift TCT nine-speed transmission combined to deliver 429hp. The 2022 AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ starts at $74,150, exclusive of options such as AMG active ride control with roll stabilization, class three trailer hitches, third-row seat package, an air balance package, AMG dynamic plus, and driver assistance package plus.
The GLS 580 is one of the largest and most luxurious SUVs in the lineup, offering a confident presence, class-leading intelligence, and an impressive interior spaciousness with three fully electrically-adjustable seat rows. Standard performance features include 4MATIC fully variable AWD, dynamic select, adaptive damping system, and Airmatic suspension.
Related: Here's Why We Love The Mercedes-AMG E-Class
The GLS 580 houses an AMG mild hybrid 4.0-liter Biturbo V-8 with a hybrid integrated starter-generator and a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission that help deliver 483 at 5500rpm. GLS 580 prices start at $101,250, with under guard, E-active body control, class four trailer hitch, off-road package, night package, air balance package, executive rear seat package, and driver assistance package offered as optional.
With most V-8 offerings sidelined for 2022, the top-of-the-line AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ becomes a stand-out offering with unrivaled driving performance, practicality, efficiency, and high day-to-day suitability. Part of the appeal also comes from standard features such as AMG electronic limited-slip rear differential, AMG performance 4MATIC+ AWD, three-stage electronic stability program, AMG dynamic select, AMG drive unit, adaptive damping system, AMG active ride control with roll stabilization, AMG performance exhaust, and AMG high-performance braking system.
The AMG-enhanced 603hp 4.0-liter V-8 Biturbo engine in the AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ features a hybrid integrated starter-generator, computer-controlled dynamic engine mounts, and an AMG Speedshift TCT nine-speed transmission. The AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ has a starting MSRP of $116,850, exclusive of optional packages and features such as class three trailer hitch, air balance package, and driver assistance package plus.
The G-Class sets a high bar both on and off the road through its remarkable performance, outstanding handling, cutting-edge assistance systems, and intelligent safety features. Key features include permanent all-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, extraordinary off-road aptitude, three lockable differentials, dynamic select, double-wishbone front suspension, rigid-axle rear suspension, and a trailer hitch.
The G 550's 416hp 4.0-liter Biturbo V-8 engine is enhanced by a 'Hot inside V' turbocharged configuration, Nanoslide cylinder wall technology, Camtronic with cylinder shutoff, direct injection, and multi-spark ignition. Optional features and packages like adaptive suspension and AMG line night package are not included in the $131,750 starting MSRP for the Mercedes-Benz G 550.
Dubbed the S-class among SUVs, the AMG GLS 63 is an unrivaled package in the luxury SUV segment thanks to its expressive design, class-leading driving dynamics, exclusive interior appointments, and spacious interior with up to seven-seat capacity. Effortless superiority is achieved through the three-stage ESP, dynamic select, drive unit, AMG performance 4MATIC+ AWD, AMG electronic limited-slip rear differential, adaptive damping system, AMG adaptive ride control with roll stabilization, AMG high-performance braking system, and AMG performance exhaust system.
Related: 10 Things To Know Before Buying The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
The 603hp handcrafted mild hybrid AMG 4.0-liter V-8 Biturbo powertrain boasts dynamic engine mounts, a hybrid integrated starter-generator, and an AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission. The AMG GLS 63 starts at an MSRP of $135,400, exclusive of extras like a class four trailer hitch, executive rear seat package plus, and air balance package.
Mercedes-AMG reinterpreted the unmistakable design of the G-Class while still retaining the well-proven virtues and unadulterated capabilities. The Mercedes-AMG G 63 underpins its dominance among performance off-road SUVs through performance features like permanent all-wheel-drive with a two-speed transfer case, three lock differentials, extraordinary off-road aptitude, AMG dynamic select, AMG drive unit, AMG performance exhaust, AMG high-performance braking system, and AMG ride control adaptive damping suspension.
The handcrafted 577hp AMG 4.0-liter Biturbo V-8 features Camtronic with AMG cylinder management, Nanoslide cylinder wall technology, dynamic engine mounts, direct injection, and multi-spark ignition. The 2022 Mercedes-AMG G 63 starts at $156,450, while the exclusive special 'Edition 55' offered in commemoration of 55 years of AMG demands an extra $19,590.
The ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 lives up to the Maybach badge, offering a first-class travel experience with a head-turning design, exquisitely-furnished interior, indulgent cabin, and a pillowy-soft ride. Eye-catching features include a hood-mounted Mercedes-Benz star, exterior chrome highlights, two-tone paintwork, tailpipe trim elements, and electrically extending running boards.
Powering the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is a mild hybrid 550hp 4.0-liter V-8 Biturbo engine with a hybrid integrated starter-generator, 4Matic full variable all-wheel-drive, and a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission with shift paddles. Currently, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is the priciest SUV in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, with an eye-watering starting MSRP price of $165,100.
Simon Kim has always been passionate about machines since childhood, and this has grown into an obsession well into adulthood. As an avid reader and creative content writer, he finds joy and fulfillment in sharing his love for cars and bikes with other machine heads. Currently, Kim seeks to deliver exciting and informative articles on HotCars. He enjoys music and art and dabbles in active sports and virtual gaming in his spare time.