The Perfect Storm? Getting to Grips with AMG’s Mad 600-HP GLS 63
It’s Precise and Shockingly Exact for the Behemoth it is
Handling and road holding instils supreme trust — once again. It’s precise and shockingly exact for the behemoth it is. Those giant 325/35R23 Michelin Pilot Sport 4s and GLS 63’s supreme suspension take everything you throw at them with absolute aplomb as it maintains a neutral tack. There’s no over or understeer and the big Merc never flinches. Even through tight and slippery mountain col bends in eye of that storm.
Braking is incredible thanks to mammoth 15.7 diameter by 1.5-inch thick internally ventilated and perforated integral front and 14.5 by 1.25″ rear AMG high-performance brakes. So, its ability to slow, is probably even more impressive than its anger to accelerate. In fact, this 600 horse GLS delivers an overall poise way beyond what you’d expect from a vehicle this size. No matter what the surface of the road.
Your first impression will no doubt be that this is a massive car. It is. Yet it’s solid, nimble and finely balanced to drive. So much so that it feels more like a GLC than the GLS it is. That sumptuous cabin makes you feel better than just at home in a plush, well-finished and comfortable space. And all those electronic settings and functions are simple to fathom, even though there’s quite a lot to take in.
AMG’s 600 horse GLS 63 is an Absolute Tour de Force
It has it all and a hell of a lot more too and of course it’s costly. Starting at $132,100 it devours a gallon of premium for every 16 miles driven on average. Which makes the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 something of an acquired taste.
But it is also an absolute tour de force, is blindingly fast and it’s an acutely capable all-rounder too. The perfect storm indeed.
ROAD TESTED: Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4Matic+ Engine: 603 hp 627 lb ft 4-litre biturbo petrol V8 Drive: 9-speed automatic AWD TESTED: 0-40 mph: 2.14 sec 0-60 mph: 4.07 sec 0-75 mph: 5.68 sec 0-100 mph: 9.39 sec 0-125 mph 10.73 sec 400m: 12.4sec @ 183 mph 80-120 km/h: 2.61 sec 120-160 km/h: 3.79 sec CLAIMED: VMax: 175 mph Fuel: 16 mpg MSRP LIST PRICE: $132,100 RATED: 9
Images: Michele Lupini