The GLS is Mercedes-Benz's full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) that competes in the SUV market with the BMW X7 and the Cadillac Escalade. In particular, the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63, sold in Korea since Jan., is called a "sports car-like full-size SUV," combining outstanding driving performance with the GLS, which is considered the byword for luxury full-size SUVs, from AMG, Mercedes' high-performance brand.
From the exterior, the car exudes a strong AMG vibe. The front, with its thick vertical radiator grille symbolizing AMG models leading down to a black lower bumper, evokes a shark's face. The hood is not especially long for a dynamic silhouette, but it feels like it will roar off at any moment.
V8 lettering on the side, red brake calipers, black 22-inch wheels, and a quad muffler at the rear are other elements that signal a high-performance vehicle.
Inside, Mercedes' signature design is accented by AMG's unique dynamism. Between the Nappa leather seats, suede leather adds a highlight, and the red seat belts also stood out.
Unlike several Mercedes models that use a touchscreen for climate controls, this car uses physical buttons. Physical buttons also handle body height adjustment and drive mode selection. There is also a bar-style grab handle in the center console area, which gives a sense of stability when getting into the driver's seat.
Matthias Geisen, Mercedes' head of sales, said in a recent interview, "We have top-tier hardware craftsmanship in interior materials and finishes," and noted, "This sophistication must continue seamlessly in the digital realm." That means the brand plans to increase the share of physical buttons going forward.
The core element that defines the AMG GLS 63's identity is its driving performance. When the engine starts, the brake and accelerator pedals rise slightly. Pressing the accelerator brings the speedometer up smoothly. Both the steering wheel and the pedals felt weighty.
The takeoff after a stop is also smooth. An integrated starter-generator and a 48-volt (V) electrical system provide an additional 16 kilowatts (kW) of output. The system not only recuperates energy but also assists with engine restarts, increasing fuel efficiency and making restarts smoother.
The AMG GLS 63's drive modes are broadly divided into Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus (+). In Comfort, it was smooth and comfortable. Switching to Sport Plus lightens the steering and delivers immediate response to inputs. In this mode, pressing the accelerator brings a half-beat-late surge of power that shoots the car forward. External noise intrusion was low at both low and high speeds.
The car is equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine. It delivers a maximum output of 612 horsepower and peak torque of 86.7 kg·m. Mercedes-Benz Korea said, "This engine is characterized by precisely controlled power and explosive power delivery," adding, "At very high speeds, the BlueDIRECT multi-injection system and multi-spark ignition technology deliver engine efficiency and a smooth-revving character."
The AMG GLS 63 accelerates from a standstill to 100 kph in just 4.2 seconds, the quickest among its rivals. Top speed is 280 kph. The Maybach GLS from Maybach, Mercedes' luxury brand, has a maximum output of 557 horsepower, and the BMW X7 M has 530 horsepower.
The exhaust note is also impressive. In Sport Plus mode, the exhaust sounds distinctly different. It can be adjusted via the AMG variable performance exhaust system. Producing different exhaust notes for each drive mode adds to the driving fun.
Braking performance is also strong. Even under hard braking, this 2,685-kg vehicle came to a controlled stop where intended. The AMG GLS 63 has large brake discs on the front axle.
It felt stable even at high speeds above 100 kph. Maintaining stability despite explosive performance is thanks to AMG Active Ride Control. Electric-mechanical actuators on the front and rear axles and weight distribution design help reduce roll (the body leaning outward under centrifugal force) in corners.
It also comes with an electronic stability program (ESP), an electronically controlled rear differential lock, a fully variable AMG all-wheel-drive system, and a suspension control system. These devices and systems finely control the vehicle's software to enable highly polished driving performance.
The second row is equipped with various amenities for passengers. Through the second-generation MBUX infotainment system and 11.6-inch displays, passengers can enjoy movies or music. Folding down the center backrest raised concerns about damaging the displays, but it fit perfectly. Space was generous, allowing this reporter, 172 centimeters tall, to extend the legs to about a 60-degree angle. However, unlike the Maybach GLS, there is no leg rest.
The third row felt somewhat disappointing. Getting in was difficult from the start. Because the seats are not independent, the second row must be folded, and the electric operation was slow. There is a handle behind the right-side second-row seat, but you have to bend over. Sitting in the third row, knee room was so tight that even a single fist barely fit. It did not look comfortable for long periods.
Having buttons in the trunk to adjust the third row automatically could be seen as an advantage. Folding the third row made the trunk space very large. Folding down the second row as well yields about 2,400 liters of storage space, enough for several golf bags. With the third row up, space is 355 liters. There is also an additional storage compartment under the trunk floor.
The AMG GLS 63's wheelbase (distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels) is 3,135 mm, longer than the X7 and the Escalade. The long wheelbase allows for more storage space than competing models. The car's length is 5,245 mm, width 2,030 mm, and height 1,837 mm.
As a flagship, it comes packed with convenience and safety features. The seats have a massage function, and the audio system is Burmester. The cup holders are temperature-controlled. There is Active Parking Assist that supports automatic parking and heated seats in the third row. The body height limited forward visibility on hills, where the Transparent Hood function, which shows beneath the hood, proved useful.
The AMG GLS 63 is priced at 208.6 million won, including the individual consumption tax.