You’d be forgiven for losing track of Mercedes SUVs, given there’s a GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE and GLS. Plus coupe variants. And then the electric EQA, EQB, EQC, EQE and so on. Don’t forget the G-Class, either. It’s a lot. Today's important AMG SUV news is that the GLS behemoth has been given a stay of execution. The demand remains for three-row super SUVs. Not just any old seven seater, either, but one available with the mighty AMG M177 V8. A totally daft concept, of course, though there’s a sneaking suspicion we might miss such inappropriate cars when they’re no longer available.
Like many of the recently facelifted AMG 63s, the GLS benefits from 48v mild hybrid assistance for the 612hp twin-turbo V8. It doesn’t do anything for peak power or torque (627lb ft), but helps with smoothing out stop start, recuperation and gliding, plus a bit of boost before those turbos nestled in the middle of the cylinder heads have really got going. AMG reckons this 2.5-tonne tank will reach 62mph in 4.2 seconds and a maximum speed of 174mph - you wouldn’t doubt them for a second.
Under the revised look (see the rear lights, AMG specific grille and new wheels) are a couple of chassis updates. The software for the roll stabilisation and air suspension have been tweaked, said to ‘increase the spread between dynamic handling and comfort’. On that former point, the fine-tooth comb has been out for the rear limited-slip diff, ESP and 4Matic+ all-wheel drive, said to benefit the ‘superior driving experience’. Of course it’s all a bit daft to be endlessly finessing the behaviour of an LSD on such a car, but isn’t that why they hold such perverse appeal? Maybe that’s just me. Don’t be surprised if this is a surprisingly sorted car to drive, though.
The GLS 63 interior has been overhauled as well, with equipment like MBUX Augmented Reality (including AMG-specific screens), the Air Balance package, a new AMG Performance steering wheel and a Burmester stereo either standard or optional. Two new colour schemes (Bahia brown/black and macchiato beige/black) are offered, and glossy brown lime wood is an option.
The 63 sits near the top of the updated GLS range, with a Maybach 600 still there at the top of the tree and lower capacity diesels and petrols as well. We’ve included a couple of Maybach images in the gallery below, because it really is a sight to behold. The new range is expected in the UK by the end of October; we’d expect it to mirror the current offering, with a 400d, GLS 63 and Maybach 600 available, with prices from about £100k. Can’t wait? There’s the odd used example lurking out there - certainly won’t miss a GLS 63 when you see one…
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