Driving performance new pinnacle of Mercedes SUVs

The Stuttgart-headquartered Mercedes-Benz brand is making further breakthroughs in automotive manufacture. This is evident in this new segment contender. More power, better dynamics, more equipment features.

With a rated output of 430kW, a discrete suspension and a revised AMG Speed shift Plus 7G-Tronic transmission, the new Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4matic marks the pinnacle of Mercedes SUVs. Given the change of model designation, Mercedes-AMG is emphasising the proximity to the S-Class.

A look at the technical data underscores the brand’s hallmark “Driving Performance”: the output increases to 430kW, the acceleration from rest to 100km/h is claimed at 4.6 seconds. The power delivery of the AMG 5.5-litre biturbo V8 engine culminates in a peak torque of 760Nm.

Larger radiators at the front and special air vents in the bonnet ensure proper thermal regulation of the V8 engine. “With the new GLS 63 4Matic, we are completing our unrivalled line-up of high-performance SUVs. The new model captivates with further sharpened dynamic handling, superior product quality and highly individual equipment features.

The superior driving sensation is also characterised by the new AMG Dynamic Select transmission modes: drivers can choose from “Slippery“, “Individual“, “Comfort“, “Sport“ and “Sport+“.

The rotary switch on the centre console allows the driver to influence not only the throttle response of the engine, the gear-change strategy of the transmission, the ESP thresholds and the steering power assistance, but also the infinitely variable damper adjustment.

Its system networks all the control systems and thereby generates a wide variety of distinct driving experiences. “Individual” mode allows drivers to configure their own personal set-up of engine characteristics, gear-change strategy, steering characteristic curve and damper tuning.

As is typical for any AMG model, the acoustic presentation of the new GLS 63 is exceptional. The V8 engine sounds diff erent depending on the selected transmission mode: restrained in “Comfort” mode or markedly throaty and distinctive in “Sport+” mode.

Depending on the selected transmission mode, the driver experiences comfortable or decidedly sporty gear changes. The “Sport+” mode exclusive to AMG features short response times, high gear-change speeds and emotional gear changes to boost the driving pleasure. Dynamically minded drivers also benefit from the temporary M mode, which combines the performance of manual gear changes with automatic upshifts and downshifts.

The ECO start/stop function and the sailing function are active in the “Comfort” transmission mode. This mode helps to further lower fuel consumption: When the driver releases the accelerator in a speed range between 60 and 160km/h, the engine is disengaged from the driveline and idles.

The permanent AMG performance 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is equipped with a discrete transfer case: in the interests of higher agility, the torque has a rear-biased split of 40:60 between the front and rear axle.

Ride Control sports suspension with Airmatic air suspension and automatic level control is fitted with the special spring struts of the infinitely variable ADS Plus damping system. This solution is exclusive to AMG and optimises dynamics and comfort.

Active curve system roll stabilisation is also part of the standard equipment. Active anti-roll bars on the front and rear axle reduce body roll during cornering.

The reduced roll angle and outstanding cornering properties make for enhanced lateral dynamics and driving pleasure. At the same time, the system provides increased handling stability and safety, especially at higher speeds.

Roll stabilisation, infinitely variable damping and suspension adapt automatically to the prevailing handling situation to offer the best conditions for optimal ride comfort and maximum stability.Damper control changes depending on the selected mode.

Specific AMG design elements convey dominance and exclusivity: from the front, the high-performance SUV impresses with new LED high-performance headlamps and an aerodynamically optimised front bumper with the hallmark AMG “A wing”.

The front bumper features flics and serves as an air deflector for the large cooling air intakes. The new radiator grille with two high-gloss black louvres, chrome trim and AMG logotype also distinguishes the top-of-the-line V8 model from the other variants.