Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 2021 obbor

It's fair to say that Mercedes-AMG GLS63 buyers really want it all; beautiful looks, advanced technology, seven-seater practicality, leading safety and V8 performance are just a few of the key benefits. And luckily for them, a new model has finally arrived.

Yes, the latest GLS63 is another overkill that leaves a lot to be desired for buyers. In fact, it fits in almost every way when it comes to an SUV that turns the sport into a sport utility vehicle well and truly.

But of course, this raises questions about whether the GLS63 is trying to do too much. And given that this model does a lot more than its predecessor, these questions need to be answered again. Read more.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class: GLS 450 4Matic (hybrid)
Safety Rating	-
engine's type	3.0 L turbo
fuel type	Hybrid with premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	9.2l / 100km
Landing	7 Places
Price from	$126,100

Is there anything interesting about its design? 9/10

If GLS63 were a Marvel superhero, it would undoubtedly be the Hulk. Simply put, it has road presence like some others. In fact, it's downright threatening.

If GLS63 were a Marvel superhero, it would undoubtedly be the Hulk.

Sure, the GLS is already pretty intimidating due to its sheer size and blocky design, but the full AMG GLS63 treatment takes it to the next level.

Naturally, the GLS63 gets an aggressive body kit with its purposeful bumpers, side skirts and rear spoiler that serve as an instant reminder of what you're dealing with, but AMG's signature Panamericana grille insert really gets the point across.

On the sides, 63-inch GLS22 light alloy wheels with offset tires (front: 275/50, rear: 315/45) make their presence known, positioned under the wheel arch extensions.

63-inch GLS22 alloy wheels with offset tires (front: 275/50, rear: 315/45) make their presence felt.

However, there was also some fun at the rear, where the GLS63's diffuser element very neatly integrates the sinister quad-tailpipe sports exhaust system.

Focused Multibeam LED headlights also look decent, while the opposite LED taillights pull the whole thing together quite nicely.

It has road presence like some others.

Inside, the GLS63 stands out from the GLS crowd with its sports steering wheel with Dinamica microfiber accents and multi-contour front seats that are wrapped in Nappa leather along with armrests, instrument panel, door shoulders and inserts.

It should be noted that the door drawers are unfortunately made of hard plastic, which is very disappointing in a car that costs so much. One would expect that they would also be applied cowhide, but, alas, this is not the case.

The GLS63's black headlining serves as a must-have reminder of its sporty intent, and while it does darken the interior, there are metallic accents throughout, while the optional trim (our test car was carbon fiber) blends things together with the ambient lighting. .

And let's not forget that the GLS63 still packs a lot of cutting-edge technology, including a pair of 12.3-inch displays, one of which is a central touchscreen and the other is a digital instrument cluster.

Both feature the class-leading Mercedes MBUX infotainment system and support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This setup is arguably the best to date due to its speed, breadth of functionality and input methods.

How practical is the interior space? 9/10

Measuring 5243mm, 2030mm wide and 1782mm high with a 3135mm wheelbase, the GLS63 is a big SUV in every sense of the word, which means it's also very practical.

For example, cargo capacity under the luggage compartment lid is decent at 355L, but remove the 50/50 power split folding third row through the trunk and it's very good at 890L, or drop the 40/20/40 power split. -Folding middle bench gets cavernous 2400hp too.

Even better, the boot opening is almost square and its floor is flat and there is no cargo lip, making it even easier to load bulky items. There are also up to four attachment points (depending on seating configuration) to secure loose loads.

There is a compact spare under the raised floor, which is to be expected, but not necessarily expected, is the fact that there is also enough space for the trunk lid when not in use, which would be the case if six or more are regularly on board. passengers.

Moving on to the mechanically slidable second row, the GLS63's practicality once again comes to the fore, with up to six-plus inches of legroom available behind my 184cm driving position.

There is six-plus inches of legroom in the second row behind my 184cm legroom.

There's also two inches of headroom with the panoramic sunroof in place, not to mention ample legroom. The small transmission tunnel and the huge width of the GLS63 also mean that three adults can sit on the middle bench without any complaints.

In terms of amenities, the second row has map pockets on the back of the front seat and a small drop-down bin under the rear climate control that has two smartphone slots and a pair of strategically placed USB-C ports.

The baskets in the tailgate can hold one large bottle each, while the fold-down center armrest is also handy, with a shallow tray and pull-out (and flimsy) cup holders.

Alternatively, the $2800 "Rear Seat Comfort" package was installed on our test car's subwoofers in the form of a tablet that can control the multimedia system, a wireless smartphone charger and a small compartment in the former, as well as a heated/cooled cup holder. at the back of the center. prefix.

The third row is not as spacious if you are an adult. When the middle bench is in its most comfortable position, my knees are still resting on the back of the bench, which is to be expected given that it is primarily designed for children. I also have an inch above my head there.

The third row is not as spacious if you are an adult.

However, getting in and out of the third row is relatively easy, as the power-operated middle bench slides forward and provides just enough room to make getting in and out somewhat graceful.

Rear seat passengers have two USB-C ports and one small cup holder each, so they may be better cared for than those in the middle.

The child seats are well and properly placed, with four ISOFIX anchor points and five top tether anchor points located in the second and third rows, although the latter is bound to be much tighter.

The driver and front passenger are still taken care of, with the front compartment housing two heated/cooled cupholders, a wireless smartphone charger, two USB-C ports and a 12V outlet, while their door baskets take up one large and one small. each bottle.

The driver and front passenger are well taken care of.

Interior storage options include a large central storage compartment that hides another USB-C port, while the glovebox is on the smaller side, about a third of which is scent, which is pumped into the cabin to ensure the cabin always smells its best.

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

Starting at $255,700 plus road costs, the GLS63 costs $34,329 more than its predecessor. $147,100 GLS450d.

Starting at $255,700 plus travel expenses, the GLS63 costs $34,329 more than its predecessor.

Standard equipment, not yet mentioned on the GLS63, includes the usual metallic paint (our test car was painted selenite gray), dusk sensors, rain sensors, heated folding side mirrors, door closers, roof rails, rear bodywork. safety glass and power tailgate.

The GLS 63 has augmented reality (AR) satellite navigation with real-time traffic.

In-cabin keyless entry and start, live traffic augmented reality (AR) satellite navigation, digital radio, Burmester 590W surround sound system with 13 speakers, head-up display, panoramic sunroof, heated seats (including middle outboards) and armrests , cooled massage front seats, power adjustable seats, power steering column, temperature controlled front cup holders, five zone climate control, stainless steel pedals and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

There's a 590-watt Burmester surround sound system with 13 speakers, cooled massage front seats and power seats.

With BMW not offering the X7 M (although the slightly smaller $209,900 X5 M Competition is available) and the $208,500K Audi RS Q8 really from the bottom end, the GLSX has no direct competitor in the large SUV segment.

In fact, the $334,700 Bentley Bentayga V8 is actually the model that comes closest to the GL63 when looking for a seven-seat car with a similar level of performance.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 9/10

The GLS63 is powered by the familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine, its version delivering 450kW at 5750rpm and 850Nm of torque from 2250-5000rpm.

This unit is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission with torque converter and AMG 4Matic+ fully variable all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring and rear self-locking differential.

The GLS63 is powered by the familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine.

This setup also includes the Mercedes EQ Boost 48V mild hybrid system, which actually delivers an electrical boost of 16kW/250Nm in short bursts, for example when accelerating from a standstill.

Speaking of which, the GLS63 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds, and its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

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How much fuel does it consume? 6/10

The fuel consumption of the GLS63 during the combined cycle test (ADR 81/02) is 13.0 liters per 100 km, and carbon dioxide emissions are 296 grams per km. All things considered, both requirements are unsurprisingly high.

In our actual testing, we scored a fearsome 18.5L/100km on 65km of track divided between highway and country roads, so it's not a common combination. A very heavy right leg definitely contributed to this result, but don't expect much better in normal running.

For reference, the GLS63's 90-litre fuel tank can be filled with at least 98 octane gasoline.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 9/10

Neither ANCAP nor its European counterpart, Euro NCAP, has given the GLS range a safety rating, but it's fair to assume it performed well in tests.

Advanced driver assistance systems in the GLS63 extend to autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping and steering assistance (including emergency situations), adaptive cruise control, active blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition , Driver Attention Alert, High Beam Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, Parking Assist, Surround Cameras, and front and rear parking sensors.

Other standard safety equipment includes nine airbags (dual front, front, curtain and rear, plus a driver's knee), anti-skid brakes (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), and conventional electronic stability and traction control systems. . . And in terms of security, there is no need to wish for better.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

5 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 9/10

As with all Mercedes-AMG models, the GLS63 is covered by a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, which is now the standard for premium cars. It also comes with five years of roadside assistance.

GLS63 service intervals are relatively long, every 12 months or 20,000 km (whichever comes first). What's more, it's available with a five-year/100,000km limited-price service plan, but it costs $4450.

What is it like to drive? 8/10

Frankly, the GLS63 has absolutely no right to be as capable as it is. This is a really big bus that is legitimately convinced that it is a sports car half the size of it.

As a variant of the GLS, the GLS63 has an independent suspension consisting of a four-link front and multi-link rear axles with air springs and adaptive dampers, but it features the addition of active anti-roll bars.

This is a really big bus that is legitimately convinced that it is a sports car half the size of it.

It's like magic: the GLS63 just doesn't shy away from corners, despite its sheer size and hefty weight of 2555kg (curb weight).

Active anti-roll bars make it much easier to drive the GLS63 quickly on twisty roads, almost eliminating body roll and removing one key variable for the driver from the equation. Active engine mounts are also fitted to help smooth things out even more.

The electric power steering on hand is also good. It is speed sensitive and has a variable gear ratio which basically makes tuning more direct when needed. It's also generally light in the hand until one of the sportier driving modes is turned on and extra weight is added.

Electric power steering on hand is good.

So the handling is hardly believable, which means the ride must be compromised, right? Yes and no. With the adaptive dampers in their softest position, the GLS63 is very docile. In fact, we'd say it feels luxurious compared to other high-performance SUVs.

However, our test car was fitted with optional 23-inch alloy wheels ($3900) that look decent but expose sharp edges and other road imperfections, not to mention the noise that's easily audible inside. Naturally, feedback is amplified in sportier driving modes.

In any case, the performance is greater, and the GLS63 has everything else in abundance. Its engine is powerful in every sense of the word. In fact, it's so powerful that it funny ducks to the ground or accelerates sharply at low speeds.

Naturally, feedback is amplified in sportier driving modes.

Thanks to the mild hybrid system, huge torque is available right from the start, ensuring highly responsive driving even in those rare moments when the engine is not running.

While the GLS63 isn't quite as distinctive as some of the other 63-series, it still makes some pretty funny noises, and its sports exhaust system crackles like crazy under acceleration.

All of these abilities are very good, but you need to be able to pull up quickly, and the high-performance braking package (400mm front and 370mm rear discs with six-piston fixed calipers and single-piston floating stoppers, respectively) does just that mercifully.

Verdict

The GLS63 is a fearsome beast from afar, but it rewards its passengers in almost every way. Yes, indeed there is no box that he would not deliver without serious compromise, such are his capabilities.

If ever there was a Swiss army knife among cars, then the GLS63 is certainly a title contender that makes it very hard to wipe a smile off your face. Just make sure you can install it in your garage first...