2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 Is Your Glorious 603 HP Luxury 7-Seater SUV

Update: We’ve added new images of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 from the 2019 LA Auto Show floor. You can also check out all the debuts in our handy A-Z guide here

If you feel as though neither the 2020 Mercedes GLS 450 nor the 580 version is quick enough, then the brand new Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ variant might just be what you’re looking for, thanks to its 603 HP (612 PS) twin-turbo V8 engine.

This flagship spec also comes with a 22 HP EQ Boost unit, providing assistance at low engine speeds. Other major features include the variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system, 9-speed gearbox and AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL air suspension.

Power to spare

As for performance, the previously-mentioned EQ Boost starter-alternator adds 22 HP and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque to the 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine’s 603 HP (612 PS) and up to 850 Nm (627 lb-ft) of torque. This means that the 2020 GLS 63 4MATIC+ can accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph) – although the optional AMG Driver’s package unleashes you all the way to 280 km/h (174 mph).

Read: Is The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS Truly The 7-Seater S-Class Of SUVs?

Compared to the previous-generation GLS 63, this new one is quicker to 62 mph by less than half a second (0.4 sec).

Drivers will also benefit from the high-performance AMG 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system, with fully variable torque distribution from 0:100 to 50:50, and an AMG electronic rear-axle locking differential.

This flagship GLS model is of course available with AMG’s speed-sensitive sport power steering system, as well as high-performance brakes. Since this is an SUV, its six available driving modes also include Trail and Sand settings, to go with the Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual settings.

How can I tell it’s the GLS 63 AMG?

The exterior gained an AMG-specific radiator grille with gloss-chrome vertical louvres, while Multibeam LED headlights are included as standard. There’s also a newly designed AMG front apron with an integrated high-gloss black jetwing, a front splitter and sporty side air inlets, vehicle-color side skirts and exterior mirror housings, high-gloss chrome window surrounds, an AMG rear apron, rectangular tailpipes for the AMG exhaust system and 21-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels – buyers can opt for wheel variants with diameters of up to 23 inches.

As an optional extra, one can also opt for the AMG Night package, which adds high-gloss black trim features. Other options include the black-chrome tailpipes, matte-black AMG wheels, anodised window surrounds and more.

Uber luxurious, high tech cabin

Inside, this is a regular all-new 2020 GLS with special touches and additional kit. These include the AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel, illuminated door sill panels with ‘AMG’ lettering, black floor mats with ‘AMG’ lettering, AMG instrument cluster with a choice of four display styles (Modern Classic, Sport, Discreet and Supersport), plus the AMG seats, badges and steering wheel.

Aside from getting the latest MBUX infotainment system with the Widescreen Cockpit, the new GLS 63 4MATIC+ also comes with a wide range of driving assistance systems such as Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adjustment, while the Active Stop-and-Go Assist is able to keep you in your lane and maintaining a safety distance at speeds of up to around 60 km/h (37 mph).

“With the new GLS 63 we are offering a vehicle to those customers who are not willing to accept compromises when it comes to versatility, effortless superiority and spaciousness,” stated Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers. “We have further increased the powertrain’s efficiency in conjunction with the EQ Boost starter-alternator and 48-volt electrical system, so making our GLS 63 the ideal companion for long distances, on a par with the S-Class, with rough-terrain attributes and space for up to seven people”.