2020 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 revealed as AMG’s halo SUV

If you need to transport seven people in relative luxury at a rather swift rate there are actually a few options now, but AMG’s latest entrant into the ring is the new Mercedes-AMG GLS63.

The headline for this new version of Affalterbach’s opulent Toorak tractor (also acceptable: Mosman minivan; Teneriffe troopcarrier; Portsea people mover; etc) is that it shares the mild hybrid 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with the GLE63 S, also revealed today.

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This grants the GLS63 the same 450kW and 850Nm as its smaller sibling, plus the extra 16kW from the EQ Boost hybrid unit, though the luxo-barge is almost half a second slower to 100km/h at 4.2 seconds. In Sport+, the EQ Boost system also increases engine idle speed to allow faster acceleration from a standstill.

The rest of the drivetrain is also essentially the same, a 9-speed TCT dual-clutch and AMG-tuned 4Matic+ all-wheel drive with variable torque distribution. Top speed is 250km/h, though with AMG’s driver package that increases to 280km/h.

Underneath, variable air suspension and active roll stabilisation work in tandem to keep the ride suited to whichever mode the driver has selected. In Comfort, the ride height remains normal (though lowers by 10mm above 120km/h) and the stabilisation system keeps imperfections in the road surface from translating through into the cabin.

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In Sport and Sport+, however, the GLS63’s ride height is lowered by 10mm and the suspension stiffens, creating a better setup for “agility, neutral cornering behaviour and optimum traction.”

In Australia, the GLS63 will likely land around, albeit probably north of, the $221K its predecessor sold for. Mercedes-Benz Australia has yet to confirm local pricing and availability.