The new Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG

The new high-performance SUV, the GL 63 AMG Luxury and refinement, striking design, maximum safety and the dynamism so typical of the brand: the new high-performance SUV, the GL 63 AMG, combines compelling technologies with an extensive range of standard equipment and pure ride comfort for up to seven passengers.
Effortless superiority comes courtesy of the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine, which develops a peak output of 557 hp and maximum torque of 760 Nm. The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM roll stabilisation provides high-level driving dynamics and the comfort one would expect from the Mercedes brand.
Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: “The new GL 63 AMG completes our performance-oriented all-wheel drive offering. In addition to the ML 63 AMG all-rounder and the recently unveiled, characterful G 63 AMG the GL 63 AMG places particular emphasis on dynamism and style. Combining the first-rate comfort of the S-Class with the performance of an AMG sports saloon, the GL 63 AMG is unique in its segment.”
The AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine creates the perfect basis for AMG performance and a superior driving experience. A look at the technical data provides some powerful arguments. Peak output of 557 hp and maximum torque of 760 Nm result in first-class performance. The GL 63 AMG manages the 0 to 62 mph sprint in 4.9 seconds and its top speed is 155 mph (electronically limited). NEDC fuel consumption comes in at 22.9 mpg (288 g CO2/km).
The AMG M 157 eight-cylinder engine features an innovative, high-tech power package including spray-guided direct petrol injection, piezo injectors, biturbo charging, air/water intercooling, all-aluminium crankcase, a four-valve-per-cylinder design with variable camshaft adjustment, plus alternator management and the ECO start/stop system.
Power is transmitted to all four permanently driven wheels by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC. Featuring three modes and an automatic double-declutching function for downshifting, this seven-speed automatic transmission offers a fascinatingly broad scope of variability. In “Controlled Efficiency” (C) mode the ECO start/stop function is active, shutting down the eight-cylinder engine as soon as the vehicle comes to a standstill. “C” also stands for a gentle accelerator and transmission characteristic with early gear changes; start-up generally takes place in second gear here. A green “ECO” symbol in the AMG instrument cluster indicates to the driver that the ECO start/stop function is active.
In the Sport (S) and Manual (M) driving programmes the ECO start/stop function is inactive and the engine-transmission combination displays far greater agility with more spontaneous responses. A brief and exactly defined retardation of ignition and injection during upshifting at full load additionally provides for shorter shift times and an acoustic experience.
Enhanced efficiency and driving dynamics
To enhance efficiency, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission incorporates a fuel-economy converter with centrifugal pendulum, bearings designed for reduced friction loss and a transmission-oil thermal management system. Friction loss-minimised axle gears, electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, an optimised belt drive, and demand-responsive control of all ancillary units and pumps also help to enhance fuel efficiency.
Mercedes-AMG deploys a specially designed transfer case for the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, which distributes the drive power to the front and rear axles at a ratio of 40:60 in the interests of dynamic handling. As if that were not enough, the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with AIRMATIC package – consisting of air suspension, special damper struts, automatic level control and Adaptive Damping System (ADS) – is combined with the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM for active roll stabilisation. This system, which comes as standard and is specific to AMG, employs active anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles to reduce the body’s roll angle during cornering. Apart from enhanced agility and driving pleasure, the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM has the additional effect of increasing handling stability and therefore safety, particularly at higher speeds.
Roll stabilisation, damping and suspension adapt automatically to the prevailing driving situation, offering both optimum ride comfort and maximum stability. The GL 63 AMG driver is able to choose at the push of a button between the three suspension modes “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport plus”. The fully load-bearing air suspension system is speed-sensitive, lowering the body at higher speeds in order to minimise drag while increasing driving stability.
The AMG-specific elastokinematics at the front axle and the more robustly designed rear axle stabiliser bar are responsible for improved steering precision. The enhanced drive train delivers the best possible power transmission and hallmark Mercedes reliability. The 4ETS electronic traction control system which features as standard provides for optimised grip when friction coefficients vary.
AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, AMG high-performance braking system
Electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering features variable power assistance which responds in accordance with the chosen suspension mode. It also helps to save fuel, as the steering assist function only requires energy when the driver actually moves the steering wheel. The GL 63 AMG comes as standard with 5-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted titanium grey and with a high-sheen finish, fitted with tyres in size 295/40 R 21. The AMG high-performance braking system offers the shortest possible braking distances and high fade resistance with ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round in size 390 x 36 millimetres (front) and 345 x 26 millimetres (rear).
Performance-oriented design with masculine features
Striking, masculine, unmistakeable: these attributes describe the design of the GL 63 AMG. Mercedes-AMG has enhanced the main stylistic features of the new GL – powerful dynamism and sporty elegance – using specific elements that emphasise the top V8 model’s exceptional performance. The typically upright GL radiator grille with its central Mercedes star is adorned with high-gloss slats painted in black. AMG styling elements include the front apron with its large openings that ensure an effective air flow for the cooling modules. The bottom air intake takes the form of a typical AMG stylised “A” with a gap under the fine black fin through which air can flow optimally to the cooling ducts – the perfect blend of design and high-tech. The trim insert in matt silver chrome installed under it creates a sense of width and coordinates optimally with the borders of the LED daytime running lamps in the side air openings.
The AMG front apron elegantly merges into the exclusive wheel-arch flaring. In order to accommodate the large 53.3 cm (21-inch) AMG light-alloy wheels with the wide-base 295 tyres, the flaring widens the vehicle by 22 millimetres on each side. From the side, observers will notice the V8 BITURBO logos on the wings and illuminated running boards with an aluminium finish. The rear wheel-arch flaring blends into the AMG rear apron which is again adorned with a striking trim insert in matt silver chrome and the suggestion of black air openings. Creating both a visual and acoustic highlight are the two chrome-plated, exposed twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system.
Exclusivity and dynamism dominate in the interior
Great attention to detail, excellent ergonomics and a generous amount of space available – exclusivity and dynamism also dominate in the interior of the GL 63 AMG. All seven seats in the high-performance SUV are covered in high-quality leather, as is the centre armrest. Electrically adjustable AMG sports seats feature double topstitching in a contrasting colour and AMG badges on the front seat backrests and outer rear seat backrests. The dashboard, armrests and door panelling come in ARTICO man-made leather with double topstitching. As part of the optional designo Exclusive package, these components can be covered in high-quality designo leather.
The flattened bottom AMG Performance 4-spoke steering wheel with perforated leather in the grip area, and aluminium shift paddles ensures optimal vehicle control. Four round instruments on the AMG instrument cluster provide the driver with information. The central colour TFT screen incorporates the AMG welcome logo and AMG main menu.
Other standard equipment of the GL 63 AMG includes:
AMG door sill panels in stainless steel
AMGfloor mats
AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs
Active Parking Assist
ATTENTION ASSIST
Bi-xenon headlamps
Audio 20 CD radio with Bluetooth®and USB interface
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
COMAND Online
Easy-Pack Electric Tailgate
Electric EASY-ENTRY system in the rear compartment
Electrically operated EASY-PACK tailgate
Electric glass tilt/sliding sunroof
Intelligent Light System (ILS) with new off-road lighting
KEYLESS-GO
Multicontour seats for driver and front passenger including a massage function and Memory package
Crosswind Assist
Speed Limit Assist
THERMATIC 3-zone automatic climate control
Exclusive optional extras are available from the AMG Performance Studio:
5-twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted in
titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, fitted with 295/40 R 21 tyres
AMG Performance steering wheel with DINAMICA microfibre in the grip area
Brake callipers, painted red
The designo Exclusive package allows the exclusive feel and perceived quality to be enhanced further. This comprises:
AMGsports seats in front and bench seats in the second and third rows in designo leather
Upper and lower section of the dashboard, centre console, beltlines, door panelling, door centre panels and armrests in the doors in designo leather
designo metal badges in the backrests of the front seats and the outer rear seats
Velour floor mats with designo metal badges and edging in designo black leather
Additional optional extras (selection):
360° camera
Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist
Trailer coupling with electric unlocking
Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system
Brake Assist BAS PLUS
DISTRONIC PLUS
PRE-SAFE® Brake
The new Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG will launch in the UK in 2013.
Pricing and specification are still to be confirmed.