2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63

A zero-to-60 time of 4.1 seconds may not be the most blistering acceleration time in the modern automotive world, but for a vehicle that weighs in at more than two tons, that's nothing to sneer at. Of course, the SUV in question isn't just any big vehicle, it's the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63.

Under the hood of the GLS 63 sits a twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V8 capable of 603 horsepower and 627 lb.-ft. of torque. If that's not enough, however, the integrated EQ Boost system can add up to 21 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque to the equation. So, in the right conditions, the GLS 63 can deliver up to 624 horsepower and 811 lb.-ft. of torque—that's almost double the stock torque output of our F-250 project truck's V10 powerplant.

That kind of power comes with a starting price of $132,100. The rather loaded model we reviewed was optioned out to $153,035.

What’s it like to drive this 5600-pound luxury rocket ship? Keep reading to get the full review below.

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Colin made a meme. 

In reply to David S. Wallens :

I have to admit, it's not very often I get a message like this when I'm working:

The answer is yes, we do have time to make a meme.

325/35ZR23! That's a big tire (and wheel). The only option on Tire Rack is $462 per tire.

Crazy. But if you can afford the $150k SUV they came on, $462/tire should be nothing to worry about.

I do like that subtle dark green though.

I know on the wheel size. I had to take a photo. 

At the same time, ironically, I was selling some old 10-inch Mini wheels on eBay.

You guys get the weirdest press cars.

Also, sports cars now need to get to 60 in under 4.1 seconds to be considered fast?

This thing seats seven, is super luxe inside and is fast as hell.  600+ hp?  800+ tq?  Growing up in a world of slow and tacky malaise-era family haulers, I would never have imagined that such a vehicle could exist.

I love the dicotomy coming out of today's vehicle manufacturing plants. 

Green/electrified by 2035!!!! YES PLEASE!

Want to see how many turbochargers it takes to make this streamlined boat do 185 mph? GET'ER DONE!!!

The only tire in that size at tire rack:

P Zeros??? Who the hell wants to buy those garbage pieces of E36 M3?

nderwater said:

This thing seats seven, is super luxe inside and is fast as hell.  600+ hp?  800+ tq?  Growing up in a world of slow and tacky malaise-era family haulers, I would never have imagined that such a vehicle could exist.

I know, right? And it drove sooooooo nicely, even with the big tires. Be neat to talk to the engineers who make that all happen. 

David S. Wallens said:

nderwater said:

This thing seats seven, is super luxe inside and is fast as hell.  600+ hp?  800+ tq?  Growing up in a world of slow and tacky malaise-era family haulers, I would never have imagined that such a vehicle could exist.

I know, right? And it drove sooooooo nicely, even with the big tires. Be neat to talk to the engineers who make that all happen. 

Is this foreshadowing? Because it sounds like foreshadowing.

Can someone let me live with them for 3 years for free and provide me meals so I can drop 5k a month on one of these? I'll let you drive it whenever you want.

Is the GLS the car that took the spot of the GL? When Mercedes changed the SUV names a few years back it really screwed with me. ML, GL and GLK are still stuck in my head. Now we have GLA, GLC, GLE and GLS?

buzzboy said:

Is the GLS the car that took the spot of the GL? When Mercedes changed the SUV names a few years back it really screwed with me. ML, GL and GLK are still stuck in my head. Now we have GLA, GLC, GLE and GLS?

GLK -> GLC

ML -> GLE

GL -> GLS

I believe they switched over to the current name format in 2015.

GLA is the "SUV" version of the A-class. We didnt get the A-class here until recently but we've had the GLA for awhile. To be honest I rarely see them and dont know the point of them. I do know the GLA45 is a bitchin hatchback tho!

In reply to Keith Tanner :

No, sadly. At least as far I know. Guess I could make a call, though. I know a guy. 

yupididit said:

buzzboy said:

Is the GLS the car that took the spot of the GL? When Mercedes changed the SUV names a few years back it really screwed with me. ML, GL and GLK are still stuck in my head. Now we have GLA, GLC, GLE and GLS?

 

GLK -> GLC

ML -> GLE

GL -> GLS

I believe they switched over to the current name format in 2015.

 

GLA is the "SUV" version of the A-class. We didnt get the A-class here until recently but we've had the GLA for awhile. To be honest I rarely see them and dont know the point of them. I do know the GLA45 is a bitchin hatchback tho!

GRM AMG GLC review.

GRM AMC GLE review.  

And the reviews, I know, are a little basic: They're the AMG of SUVs. Do less expensive options exist? Totally. But do they have that same feel? No, not really. A Benz is its own animal. 

yupididit said:

Can someone let me live with them for 3 years for free and provide me meals so I can drop 5k a month on one of these? I'll let you drive it whenever you want.

Same, please. 

yupididit said:

buzzboy said:

Is the GLS the car that took the spot of the GL? When Mercedes changed the SUV names a few years back it really screwed with me. ML, GL and GLK are still stuck in my head. Now we have GLA, GLC, GLE and GLS?

 

GLK -> GLC

ML -> GLE

GL -> GLS

I believe they switched over to the current name format in 2015.

 

GLA is the "SUV" version of the A-class. We didnt get the A-class here until recently but we've had the GLA for awhile. To be honest I rarely see them and dont know the point of them. I do know the GLA45 is a bitchin hatchback tho!

GLA's are everywhere around here. Apparently they're the "compact commuting SUV" for the Washington DC set who actually may have to park in a standard-size spot. I probably see a half dozen on my daily commute, and several of them are the AMG version. I think it actually looks pretty cool, no idea what the other specs are.

yupididit said:

Can someone let me live with them for 3 years for free and provide me meals so I can drop 5k a month on one of these? I'll let you drive it whenever you want.

Sorry man, the Mrs. says no.  Something about not moving in a stranger just to have limited access to gobs of horsepower.   I tried.

Also, the P Zeros would suck in the snow.  

EDIT:  I should explain, "It would suck in the snow" is how we comfort ourselves here in Michigan when we can't have nice things.

ShawneeCreek (Forum Supporter) said:

325/35ZR23! That's a big tire (and wheel). The only option on Tire Rack is $462 per tire.

Crazy. But if you can afford the $150k SUV they came on, $462/tire that need to be replaced every 12,000 miles should be nothing to worry about.

I do like that subtle dark green though.

Fixed that for ya!  

Dear lord and I thought $1,100 bucks for 4 Continentals for the Mustang was bad. But then I’m a cheap bastard...  Also, 4.1 seconds to 60 is pretty quick from where i came from!

In reply to kazoospec :

I have driven P Zeros in the snow, you are not wrong.