The new Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+: the S-Class of SUVs is here

Compiled by John Floyd

SUV that blasts you from zero to 100 km/h in 4,2 seconds, while wrapping you in the lap of luxury?

You’d better believe it. Welcome to the new Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+, which is about to redefine the South African luxury SUV segment.

Dubbed the ‘S-Class among SUVs’, the new AMG GLS 63 combines striking design, exclusive appointments, and space for up to seven people with unrivalled driving dynamics.

Its 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine delivers 450 kW and 850 Nm to all 4 wheels, with a 9-speed automatic transmission. No wonder the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, although 280 km/h is possible with the optional AMG Driver’s package.

“The new GLS 63 is a vehicle for those who are not willing to accept compromises when it comes to versatility, effortless superiority and spaciousness.

It’s the ideal companion for long distances, on a par with the S-Class, with rough-terrain attributes and space for up to seven people,” said Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars.

At first glance, it is clear that this SUV means business. The exterior is expressive, dominant and sporty, and leaves you in no doubt as to the sheer power of this performance model. The AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical louvres in high-gloss chrome is larger than in other AMG models, and the vehicle comes shod with 21-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels in tantalite grey as standard, with six further wheel variants with diameters of up to 23 inches available.

The new GLS 63 has a significantly longer wheelbase than its predecessor. The resulting increase in space particularly benefits occupants in the second seat row. Legroom here is increased by 87 mm when the seats are in their rearmost position, which also makes it easier to get into the vehicle.

The interior of the GLS 63 is spacious and displays outstanding quality. As if you needed any reminder this was an AMG, it boasts AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs, and illuminated door sill panels and black floor mats with AMG lettering. Seating comes standard in black AMG nappa leather, with a choice of seven further colour and material variants, and a 3-spoke AMG steering wheel completes the look.

The MBUX infotainment system includes numerous AMG-specific features. The modern widescreen cockpit, instrument display and high-resolution multimedia touch display form one visual unit. Numerous functions can also be activated via the intelligent voice-operated control ‘Hey Mercedes’, and MBUX functions by movement recognition and gestures, creating an even closer connection between the vehicle, driver and passengers.

For the first time, the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine is equipped with an integrated EQ Boost starter-alternator, combining a starter motor and an alternator in a single, powerful electric motor compactly integrated between the engine and the transmission. The briefly and additionally available 16 kW of output and 250 Nm of torque allow particularly fast sprints from a standstill and when overtaking.

The 9-speed automatic transmission ensures highly dynamic acceleration with short shift times, and allows a comfortable and fuel-efficient driving style. The transmission is optimally configured for the engine and promises hallmark agility along with speedy gearshifts. Another strength is the fast multiple downshifts: for example, on

kick-down, the transmission can shift directly from 9th to 5th gear, or from 5th to 3rd gear.

The AMG GLS 63 is outfitted with a high-performance braking system to provide effective stopping power and short braking distances, even with heavier loads. 400 x 38 mm internally ventilated and perforated integral brake disks are used at the front axle, with internally ventilated integral brake disks of 370 x 32 mm at the rear.

The standard-fit AMG RIDE CON- TROL+ air suspension with special spring/damper set-up and adaptive adjustable damping ADS+ (Adaptive Damping System) combines outstanding driving dynamics with high ride comfort. Thanks to pneumatic self-levelling, the GLS 63 maintains a constant vehicle level regardless of the vehicle load.

Ride height is generally lowered by 10 mm in the Sport and Sport+ programs, while in the Comfort drive program, the vehicle only lowers when above 120 km/h, and is raised back to normal level below 70 km/h.

This reduces aerodynamic drag and therefore fuel consumption. To increase ground clearance on poor surfaces or on ramps, the ride height can be raised by up to 55 mm at the touch of a button at up to 70 km/h.

The latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems further enhances the level of active safety. As standard these include Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adjustment, which uses information from LiveTraffic to recognise tailbacks or slow-moving traffic and respond accordingly. With the Driving Assistance package Plus, Active Stop-and-Go Assist helps the driver stay in their lane and maintain safe following distances up to around 60 km/h.

AMG DYNAMICS allows widely variable driving dynamics, and therefore a highly variable driving experience, from moderate, to sporty, to extremely dynamic. The driver either selects the preconfigured mode or defines the vehicle configuration themselves in Individual mode. The six driving modes include Comfort, which enables comfortable and fuel-efficient driving;

Sport+, which delivers a more agile throttle response and sportier handling dynamics; and Trail and Sand, which enable safe driving at maximum performance on soft, muddy or sandy surfaces.