New Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+, luxury and performance together in a seven-seat SUV

“The S-Class among SUVs” is how Mercedes describes its GLS, a large SUV that has now been handed over to AMG to give it a more sporting image and characteristics despite its size, combining in a single vehicle features such as design, exclusive technology, generous interior space and greater dynamism, the latter partly provided by its powerful engine, which relies on EQ Boost technology from Mercedes.

The aesthetic changes applied to the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ are obvious, but they do not clash with the luxurious look the GLS already has; in fact they suit it very well, giving it a more rebellious appearance. As is usual on AMG models, the grille is replaced by a new one with chrome vertical bars, to which we must add the AMG front apron with a gloss black painted Jet Wing profile, splitter at the front and new-design grilles for the air intakes.

Chrome plays an important part in the aesthetics of the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+; in fact we can see it on other elements such as the window surrounds, although this contrasts with other parts painted in body colour, such as the wheel arches, the mirror housings and the side trim. To finish this area, there are standard 21-inch alloy wheels with a 10-spoke design, although as an option we can choose from six other designs in 23-inch size. The rear is dominated by a new bumper that includes a diffuser to emphasise its width, together with the outlets of the AMG exhaust system, which now have a rectangular design.

It should be said that we can add a greater dose of sportiness thanks to the optional AMG Night package, in which we find elements painted in high-gloss black, such as the Jet Wing trim strip, the front splitter, the mirror housings and the rear apron trim strip. This package also includes more: window surrounds in anodised finish, tinted rear glass, black chrome trim for the exhaust outlets and, as an option within the package, matt black wheels.

Inside, we have a generous amount of space thanks to the increase in wheelbase that the new generation has undergone, together with a generous standard technology specification that can be expanded to suit our needs and budget, along with a more exclusive and sporty design. This design comes from elements such as the AMG pedals and floor mats, the standard ambient lighting, the ARTICO imitation-leather upholstery along the waistline of the doors, black Nappa leather upholstery, and inserts in glossy anthracite lime wood.

To all this we must add other elements that bear the AMG stamp directly, as they were created by the performance division itself, such as the sports seats, the AMG three-spoke steering wheel with Touch Control buttons and aluminium gearshift paddles, or the instrument cluster, which adds specific functions such as the stopwatch Racetimer or an AMG-specific display mode added to the four other modes available.

Under the bonnet we find an AMG 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that moves this large SUV with ease. We have 612 CV of power at our disposal, which can be temporarily increased by 22 CV thanks to the EQ Boost system, together with a large torque figure of 850 Nm. Power is transmitted through the AMG Speedshift TCT nine-speed gearbox, which sends it to all four wheels thanks to the fully variable torque distribution 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system. This allows it to reach 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds despite its size and weight, while top speed is limited to 250 km/h, though this can be raised to 280 km/h with the optional AMG Driver’s Package. Its combined consumption is rated at 11.9 l/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 273 g/km.

To keep all this power under control, along with a high level of comfort, the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ comes as standard with AMG Ride Control+ air suspension, which offers three configuration levels (Comfort, Sport and Sport+). To this we must add the sporty parametric steering with electromechanical power steering, whose assistance varies according to the programme selected in the AMG Dynamics system; and a sporty braking system with ventilated and drilled discs measuring 400 mm at the front axle and 370 mm at the rear axle.

At the moment we have no information on the availability and price of the new Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+, which we will no doubt have to wait to learn about during 2020.