2014 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG: Review

The Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG sparked quite the debate at ZigWheels recently. On one hand the argument was about whether giving more power than it already had was the best way to make a vehicle better, especially if it was a full sized, seven-seater SUV meant to ferry the family in comfort. While on the other hand, was the question of as to who, if anyone, would actually buy something that was as crazy as the GL63? Is AMG then simply there to make every Mercedes-Benz faster, aggressive and noisier or have they finally found something with the GL63 AMG that might appeal to the family oriented driving enthusiast? I think they have.

The first thing AMG does with the rather sober GL-Class is rip out the standard engine and replace it with a bigger, meatier engine. Made by AMG’s finest, the 5.5-litre, twin turbo V8 is the same one found in the impressive Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. The fire-breathing V8 makes 558PS, which is the same power as an Aston Martin Rapide, enough to propel the 2580kg car from 0-100kmph in 4.8 seconds onto a restricted top speed of 250kmph (270kmph with the optional AMG driver’s pack).

The V8 also makes a noteworthy 760Nm of torque at as low as 2000rpm. Basically, the moment you step on the gas pedal, all you get is a push back into the large and comfortable sports seats and a deafening growl, pop and bang from the quad exhaust pipes! The seven-speed AMG double clutch gearbox with downshift rev matching is spot on with quick and seamless shifts at both slower driving conditions and out on the open highway.

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AMG also replaced the suspension and the all-wheel-drive system on the GL63. The AMG tuned adaptive air ride suspension now gets three settings, Comfort, Sport and Sport+. The GL63 also gets a set of adaptive ‘Active Curve System’ stabiliser bars that helps keep the 2580kg SUV's body roll in check. While the sportier modes definitely render a firmer and more encouraging drive on smooth tarmac, the large GL does get a little fidgety over the broken stuff. The ride takes a beating too, particularly over squarish bumps and deep potholes.

What is impressive, is this AMG's ability to go around a corner. It doesn't exactly feel very light or agile, but given its weight and size, we were surprised that it rarely felt cumbersome or ungainly. In fact, the GL has a monocoque based construction, and it feels that way. The 295 section tyres mated to 21-inch wheels help the GL63's cause too offering tremendous grip while taking corners are really high speeds. That said, the best part of the GL63’s chassis though has to be the monstrous brakes. Not only are they cross drilled and ventilated both up front and in the rear that help the GL63 stop on a dime but they also show almost no sign of fading after prolonged aggressive use.

In terms of styling, the Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG is possibly the most under rated AMG ever. The GL63 gets a set of slightly flared wheel arches to occupy the large wheels and tyres and a slightly larger air intake in the front bumper to feed massive turbos and cool the V8 engine. The two-slat grille too gets the AMG treatment with the horizontal bars painted in black with chrome accents. The biggest difference though is at the rear with the typical AMG calling card, the trapezoidal quad exhausts pipes. In the right color, the Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG would probably pass off as just another normal expensive SUV. There is of course an assortment of badges, including the AMG, V8 and Bi-turbo badges that reaffirms the Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG’s sporting character.

Mercedes consider the GL-Class to be their flagship SUV. It is no surprise then that the interiors of the GL class are draped in a level of luxury expected in a vehicle that costs about Rs 1 crore. On the GL63 AMG version though, the addition of the AMG sports seats and the AMG flat bottomed steering wheel add a bit more zest to an already interesting interior. The AMG seats in particular offer phenomenal support, a massaging option and a cooled or heated option, making them a complete package. All the metal trim in the car is made of well-crafted aluminum and the leather feels special and premium to the touch. The car we drove was equipped with a gloss black wood trim option although we would personally chosen our GL63 with carbon fibre trim instead.

The GL63 does feel premium and it is well equipped, but it could still have had more comfort and convenience related features, especially with the price it commands. For example, the GL63 AMG does not come with a dual zone climate control at the rear and does not offer a massage seat option for the second row of passengers. The GL63 does have a 'practical' party trick though: a third row of seats. With an upright and comfortable seating position, the third row is spacious enough to fit two adults. Both the centre and third row can also be folded down using a set of well placed switches, giving the owner enough space to carry around whatever he/she may desire.

Summing up the GL63, we'd say AMG has done a remarkable job with its engine and suspension setup. The GL63 will get to speeds over 200kmph quicker than you can imagine and can still manage to do a moderate level of offroading in wood paneled luxury. It is frightfully expensive though at Rs 1.66 crore (ex-showroom, Mumbai) and there are a lot of really fast sports cars one can buy for that kind of money. Some might even argue that the GL63 offers all the performance of a sportscar in a large SUV shell but so does the G63 AMG and the Supercharged Range Rover Sport.

But the twelve year old child in all of us would want the GL63 AMG for the exhaust note alone. For the sake of fairness lets snap back to adulthood, and even then, this SUV makes such a good case for itself that you'd still want it. A brilliant good engine, good exterior dimensions and styling, an extremely comfortable interior and overwhelming performance; attributes that make the GL63 such a good alternative to almost anything. In fact, the Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG might possibly be one of the most complete automobiles on sale today.