Reviews
Gallery 1
Affalterbach is nothing if not diverse, one moment popping out a 911 challenger and the next – perhaps with a slight grimace – a 2505kg seven-seater served via sweet home Alabama.
The SUV formerly known as GL adds an ‘S’ to its name, but here it stands for semantics rather than sports. ‘S-Class of SUVs’ is the new marketing pitch.
The GLS63 retains AMG’s 5.5- litre bi-turbo V8 and seven-speed automatic. Power rises 20kW to 430kW while torque stays at 760Nm, now over a 500rpm-wider window between 1750-5250rpm. The auto claims quicker shifts thanks to a new Sport-Plus mode, which helps deliver a claimed 4.6sec 0-100km/h, three-tenths faster than the 2012-era GL63.
With a 40:60 front/rear torque split and 285mm-wide 22s all-round, merely breathing on the throttle will have sports cars chewing from its crackly quad exhausts. There will be much to eat, because fuel consumption rarely dips below 20.0L/100km. Oil tanker? BYO. There is surplus response, as expected, and when moving through Sport to Sport-Plus, intelligently timed blipped downshifts are quicker than before.
AMG claims the GLS63 offers pointier dynamics, but the revisions frankly feel like a nail file has been used to sharpen the tips of a bulldozer. The adaptive air suspension doubles up with AMG-specific steel springs and active antiroll bars, as with its predecessor. A new sport setting for the electronic stability control (ESC) appears the major change – and it’s a good one.
This is AMG handling of the old school: charge forth, brake hard, turn, be patient then fire. Equally surprising is the steering, now with a faster ratio. It is naturally weighted and quick enough to allow hands to remain at nine and three.
The GLS63 is expensive at $217,900, plus on-roads, and it is no looker. However its ride quality and refinement are exceptional, adults fit comfortably in the third row and a decent boot is left behind them. It can tow 3.3 tonnes and possibly will only feel a fraction slower doing so.
3.0 OUT OF 5 STARS
LIKE: Outrageous engine; seven-seat practicality DISLIKE: Massive weight; massive thirst; no supermodel
SPECS: Engine: 5461cc V8, DOHC, 32v, twin-turbo Power: 430kW @ 5500rpm Torque: 760Nm @ 1750rpm Weight: 2505kg 0-100km/h: 4.6sec (claimed) Price: $217,900
