Mercedes-Benz India has started the week with a high-octane product launch. Which one? The GLE 63 S AMG 4Matic+ Coupe. It becomes the twelfth AMG model in India. Priced at Rs 2.07 crore, it takes the crown from the GLE 53 AMG and becomes the new range-topper. And if you compare their prices, the newcomer costs approximately Rs 54 lakh more.

Propulsion for the GLE 63 S AMG comes from a 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a slick 9-speed automatic transmission and an active all-wheel-drive system. The internal combustion engine pumps out 603bhp/850Nm, while the integrated starter generator provides an extra 21bhp/250Nm in certain circumstances. As a result, the GLE 63 S AMG can hit 100kmph from nothing in 3.8 seconds and reach 280kmph before running into the speed governing nannies. For the record, that top speed figure is with the AMG Driver’s package selected. All in all, it is the most powerful SUV-coupe from Mercedes-Benz in India.

Of course, it isn’t all about the grunt. There’s some serious kit on offer that helps relish the driving experience. The list includes the Active Ride Control, three-stage electronic stability program, Dynamic Handling Control and an AMG-spec electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential. The car also has a cylinder deactivation system that turns off cylinders two, three, five and eight in the partial load range. Sure, that won’t excite the enthusiasts, but it will help reduce fuel consumption.

Coming to the list of creature comforts, it is an exhaustive one. It includes Multibeam LED headlamps, a panoramic sunroof, support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless mobile charger and two 12.3 inch displays, one each for infotainment purposes and the driver’s instrument cluster. Also included are temperature-controlled cup holders, heated front seats with memory function, ambient lighting and a Burmester sound system. Yes, the connected-car tech, Mercedes me, is also included.

The GLE 63 S AMG arrives in India via the CBU (Completely Built Unit) route, attracting steep import duties. In India, it competes directly with the Audi RS Q8, which costs about the same. So, which one would you pick?