“2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS 63 4MATIC SUV”
Large and In-Charge Luxury Ride
OVERVIEW
Not quite as big as a Chevy Suburban, but sexier and lots more powerful, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS 63 4MATIC is a very high performance, full size SUV capable of accommodating seven (or six with optional second row captain’s chairs). It delivers a Mercedes S-Class level of interior luxury, rapid acceleration along with a plethora of state of the art technological features and equipment.
The gurus of performance tuning at Mercedes AMG have executed their magic on this full size GLS –Class SUV in the creation of the 2021 GLS 63, which draws its rapid transit motive force from a 4.0-liter, bi-turbo V-8, supported by an available semi-autonomous driving mode, along with a 48-volt hybrid system that helps to boost its performance.
NEW FOR 2021
The GLS63 is all-new for 2021, arriving after a brief pause when the 2019 model year’s production ended. The starting price ventures deep into the realm of six figures nicely equipped, but there are a couple of worthwhile options remaining that are highly desirable: the Warmth and Comfort package is ideal for northern climates, adding heated door panels and armrests, along with a heated center console. Another nice touch is the Energizing package that includes an in-cabin fragrance diffuser and the Acoustic Comfort package, which adds more cabin insulation resulting in a quieter interior. also offers There is also a host of stand alone optional features offered by Mercedes-AMG including the awesome 23-inch multi-spoke forged wheels that are stunning nestled within the GLS63’s athletic wheel wells.
FORMIDABLE POWER PACKAGE
Lying beneath the bonnet is a longitudinally front mounted 4.0-liter handcrafted twin-turbocharged and intercooled, DOHC, 32-valve W4. engine, with GDI and integrated EQ Boost starter-generator, that cranks out a blistering 603 horses at 6,500 rpm while also developing a whopping 627-pound feet of torque at 2,500 rpm, aided by the 48-volt hybrid system. Energy is geared to the ground via an AMG Speedshift TCT 9-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters to Mercedes’ 4MATIC+ AWD system with fully variable torque distribution.
It is capable of out-accelerating several hot sports cars hot sports cars, recording a most impressive 3.6-second zero-to-60-mph run.
BOLD AGGRESSIVE STYLING
Despite its massive form, the 2021 GLS 63 AMG is without a doubt, the most attractive SUV in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. It leads off with a bold grille featuring vertical bars, unlike any others in the Benz camp. In profile, the front and rear overhangs are short and the greenhouse is blacked out from the “B”-pillar to the rear sail panel. The wide look of the rear is enhanced by the horizontal trim and the twin dual exhaust outlets.
AS TESTED
My test 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS 63 wore a rich, dark Emerald Green metallic exterior finish that appeared almost Black. The interior was executed in AMG Macchiato Beige and Black exclusive leather with natural grain brown walnut trim accents. The base price was set at $132,100., while the final tally a=came to $149,115 after factoring in the optional packages and features and the destination and delivery fee.
INTERIOR ACCOMMODATIONS
The interior styling and three row seating is both sportier and more sumptuous than other GLS –Class trims. The GLS63 is richly appointed throughout. The cabin is generously covered in soft leather surfaces and control knobs and buttons are done in an appealing metallic finish. Front-seats provide a massage feature along with heating and cooling. There are also power sunshades. Third row of seats can prove to be tight for adults but are fine for children. Cargo space equals the standard GLS-class.
CONNECTIVITY AND INFOTAINMENT
The GLS63 comes standard with the same dual-screen infotainment setup found in non-AMG models. Two 12.3-inch screens, are positioned side-by-side in a shared bezel, forming the digital gauge display and center infotainment display. Mercedes-Benz’s The GLS63 comes standard with the same dual-screen infotainment setup found in the non-AMG variant. form the digital gauge display and center infotainment display. Mercedes-Benz’s new may be controlled by voice, touchscreen, or the clickwheel mounted on the center console. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration comes as standard fare, along with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
SAFETY AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE FEATURES
Mercedes-AMG offers several safety and driver assistance features as standard, with more advanced features including a semi-autonomous driving mode optionally available. Key safety features include: standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection; standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist; available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode.
Other available optional features: Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX); MBUX Interior Assistant; AMG DYNAMIC SELECT with six drive programs: Comfort, Sport, Sport +, Individual, Trail and Sand; Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC®; Active Stop-and-Go Assist; Active Steering Assist; Latest-generation Advanced Driver Assistance Systems; Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC®; Active Stop-and-Go Assist; Active Emergency Stop; Active Lane Change Assist; Active Speed Limit Assist; Route-Based Speed Adaptation; Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function; Turn-off function of Active Brake Assist: Evasive Steering Assist; Active Blind Spot Assist; Active Lane Keeping Assist ; Car-to-X Communication; PRE-SAFE® PLUS; PRE-SAFE® Sound; PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side; ENERGIZING Comfort; and ENERGIZING COACH.
PERFORMANCE
First off, a vehicle this big shouldn’t be able to accelerate and maneuver with the agility and athleticism exhibited by the AMG GLS 63 4MATIC. It is not a sports car, but it performs like one on most levels with agile handling characteristics. The transmission could respond more definitively when downshifting with the paddle shifters, but it is acceptable. The ride quality is surprisingly smooth considering the hefty staggered 23-inch Michelin Pilot Sport rubber. It is firm and ”grippy”. Official fuel economy ratings are not yet available, but don’t expect an A+ rating here with its humongous power and massive size.
WARRANTY INFO
Mercedes-AMG’s standard warranty policies include: Limited warranty covering 4 years or 50,000 miles; a Powertrain warranty that also covers 4 years or 50,000 miles. There is no provision for complimentary scheduled maintenance
THE FINAL ANALYSIS
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS 63 may well be the ultimate Large and in charge muscle SUV with luxury accommodations for the whole family along with room for their lifestyle gear. It’s capable of generating lots of smiles form occupants and admiring looks from observers. Is it worth its lofty price tag? It is if you’ve got it.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS 63 4MATIC
Base Price: $132,100.
Price as Tested: $149,115.
Engine Type and Size: Handcrafted twin-turbocharged and intercooled 4.0-liter, DOHC, 32-valve W4 with GDI and integrated EQ Boost starter-generator.
Horsepower (bhp): 603 @ 6,500 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 627 @ 2,500 rpm
Transmission: AMG Speedshift TCT 9-speed automatic with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
Drive Train: Longitudinally front mounted engine / 4MATIC+ AWD with fully variable torque distribution.
Suspension: Front – Double wishbone Multilink control arms.
Rear – Multilink control arms.
Brakes: Power-assisted four wheel vented, cross-drilled grooved discs, ABS, ABA
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 3- 285/40R 23 111Y / 325/35R-23 115Y mounted on 10-“Y”-spoke silver metallic painted alloy wheels.
Wheelbase: 123.4 inches
Length Overall: 206.4 inches
Width: 79.9 inches – w/o mirrors / 84.9” with.
Height: 70.2 inches
Curb Weight: TBA lbs.
Turning Circle: 40.7 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 23.8 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: TBA mpg city / mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: Not listed.
0 – 60 mph: 4.1 seconds – top speed electronically limited to 174 mph with optional summer tires.
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