BIG, BRAVE & BOLD |
I have an old friend who detests performance SUVs and claims that these “abominations” make no sense at all. “Why not just buy a sports car and then a minivan with the change,” he often says. True, there is logic to his thinking. But given how these sorts of vehicles have proven to be so popular, obviously there is something he is failing to appreciate. So when we got hands-on the GLS 63 AMG, I took him for a drive to help him see the light. While he’ll never admit it, he spent the entire drive grinning and taking pictures. Clearly, there is no resisting the charm of an AMG SUV.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS63 AMGis a behemoth. Even in its standard guise before AMG treatment, the GLS is an imposing vehicle. In its GLS63 AMG form, however, things are dialled up a notch. The front end gets a more aggressive bumper with larger, functional air intakes. The expansive Panamericana grille, reserved strictly for AMG products, is hard to miss, as are the AMG badges dotted around the car. The rear also gets a reworked bumper with an integrated diffuser and quad exhaust tips. There are several wheel options to choose from, with our test car riding on 23” forged monochrome wheels. The GLS 63 looks classy and yet aggressive from any angle, which gives the car some serious kerb appeal.
The Inner Sanctum
To those who aren’t familiar with Merc’s recent naming convention, the “S” in GLS is synonymous with S class. Put differently; the GLS is the S class of Mercedes-Benz SUVs. With this comes the highest level of luxury and refinement you can get from a Mercedes-Benz SUV, to the exclusion of the Mercedes Maybach GLS600, of course. So, I was slightly disappointed when I discovered that the dashboard layout is nigh identical to the smaller and cheaper GLE models.
This disappointment soon dissipates, however, once you realise that there is more to this cabin. The choice of materials is top-notch, and the interior trim and materials can be customised on the AMG configurator to build the premium SUV of your dreams. Regardless of which trim you pick, you’ll get an AMG performance steering wheel, dual integrated displays that house the infotainment system and instrument cluster, AMG kick plates, and Nappa leather climatised seats, with the front having the added benefit of AMG sports seat bolstering and massage function.
On the tech side of things, the infotainment system runs Mercedes’ MBUX system with “Hello Mercedes” functions that allow users to give commands through voice inputs. It is an impressive piece of kit once you figure out how to pronounce certain words in the right accent. Android Auto and Apple Car Play also add functionality to the system.
Space is a strong point of the GLS. The car is a proper seven-seater offering comfortable seating for all, including the rear passengers in the third row who benefit from an added 78 mm of legroom over the previous generation model.
Performance Dynamics
The performance side of things gives you the other half of the GLS 63’s Jekyll and Hyde persona. Powered by AMG’s tried and tested 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8, the GLS 63 produces 450 kW of power and 850 Nm of torque delivered to all wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. The car also comes with an EQ booster starter-alternator which can add on 16 kW and 250 Nm to give the car extra shove when required. These figures translate to a 0-100 km/hr sprint in a claimed 4.2 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/hr. These figures are frankly mind-boggling, given that the GLS 63 weighs a whopping 2,630 kg! That is the combined weight of two Ford Fiestas.
Driving the GLS 63 certainly gives you a sense of authority and occasion. The seating position is relatively high, allowing you to look down at the peasants as you drive past. You are also aware of the size and weight of the vehicle, although neither are detrimental to the driving experience. The GLS 63 comes with the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT switch, giving the driver different performance options to match the required driving style. If the pre-set configurations are not to your liking, you have an option to create your own custom individual settings.
With that bonkers engine up front, the car can gain momentum in an unsettlingly swift manner. Despite having two turbos, the V8 provides a raucous soundtrack that only incites you to drive faster. My enjoyment was curtailed by speed limits, which forced me to exercise restraint with the gas pedal.
You could be forgiven for assuming that the GLS 63 is a hopeless mess when faced with a corner due to its hulking mass. After all, the laws of physics demand body roll around corners from vehicles of this ilk. However, the car comes with dynamic engine mounts and AMG Active Ride Control, which negate body roll and keep the car flat around corners in an unnatural fashion. You truly can hustle this car on a winding road, though the electronic aids will jump in to reign you back when your driving style becomes a bit too overzealous.
However, when you are done driving like a hooligan, you simply turn off the exhaust system and dial all the settings back to their softest. The GLS immediately turns from the Hulk back into quiet Dr Banner. The cabin insulation is excellent, which together with the refinement of the ride and the plushness of the cabin, creates one of the best environments to take a road trip in.
Last Word
Old school AMG fans will likely frown at the concept of a 2-tonne AMG SUV. To most, the necessity of a vehicle of this ilk is a tough one to defend. And sure enough, there is a point to be made there. However, who isn’t tempted to try out a ludicrously fast premium SUV? With the way things are going with emissions regulations, this sort of car will not be around for much longer. There has never been a more compelling time to own a practical SUV with a fire breathing V8 up front, combined with AMG performance with S class levels of build quality and luxury. Though, there is a hefty price to be paid for this beauty, starting at R3,178,120.
Report by BRYAN KAYAVHU | Images © RYAN ABBOTT
