2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS 63

Mercedes offers the GLS-class in 4 trims: GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600, and we will talk about the AMG GLS 63 today. The AMG GLS 63 costs $132,100 and comes powered with a 4L bi-turbo V8 engine. The cabin can accommodate 7-people with enough room provided in all three rows. It comes loaded with modern safety and driver-assist programs that help in avoiding crashes.

Few new features have been introduced in the 2021 MY that comprise a new infotainment display, damage detection system, ventilated seats, four-zone automatic climate control, and new 22” wheels.

Additional Packages and important options:

• ENERGIZING Package Plus - $550
• Warmth & Comfort Package - $1,100
• Executive Rear Seat Package - $2,000
• Executive Rear Seat Package Plus - $3,700
• AMG Night Package - $750
• Acoustic Comfort Package - $1,100
• AMG High-Performance Ceramic Compound Brakes - $5,450
• 23" AMG Mono-block Forged, Matte Black aluminum wheels - $5,450
• 23" AMG Multi-Spoke, Forged aluminum wheels - $4,450
• Head-Up Display - $1,100

Which trim should you buy?

The AMG GLS 63 is the sportier variant of the regular GLS and comes with a more powerful V8 engine while the Maybach is a more deluxe variant of the regular GLS-Class. The AMG variant offers the best value among all the trims. We also recommend you fit the Executive Rear Seat Package Plus, AMG Night package, 23” AMG Multi-Spoke, Forged aluminum wheels, and the AMG high-performance ceramic brakes.

The 2021 AMG GLS 63 packs a “Handcrafted” AMG bi-turbo 4.0L V8 combined with a 48V hybrid system twinned with an AMG SpeedShift 9-speed automatic transmission. The engine generates a massive 603 horsepower and a whopping 627 lb-ft of torque that helps it with excellent acceleration. The power generated is sent to all the wheels via the 4MATIC AWD system. The GLS 63 can accelerate from 0-60 MPH at 3.6 seconds and cover a quarter-mile within 12.5 seconds. 

The higher torque also offers an excellent towing capacity of 7,700 lbs. so towing a boat or caravans for weekend trims is never a problem. The high power and torque churned by the engine are consistent and lag-free. The engine feels smooth and the lower-end revs offer an excellent punch. The 9-speed automatic gearbox offers hassle-free gear shifts and feels smooth. The 4MATIC system offers excellent traction in off-road and rough surfaces.

The BMW Alpina XB7 is the most expensive SUV in the class. It comes with the biggest twin-turbo engine that generates the most power of 612hp and offers the best acceleration and performance. Following it, the AMG GLS 63 offers the second-best power and torque that helps it stay behind the BMW in performance and acceleration. The Range Rover Sport SVR is the only SUV in the class that comes powered with a supercharged engine, but it produces the lowest outputs and is at least a second slower than its rivals. The Audi is the most affordable with respectable power and performance on offer considering the lower price.

How well does the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 handle?

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 is big and heavy, as a result, it is not easy to handle. The AMG Active Ride Control works well in decreasing the body roll, the body rolls are somewhat visible. Furthermore, the electronically controlled rear slip-differential further ensures an equal amount of traction in the wheels. The chassis comes fitted with AMG Active Ride Control with 4-wheel level control and driver-selectable or speed-based height control. 

The AMG Dynamic Select offers different driving modes for different driving dynamics like Comfort, Slippery, Sport, Sport+, and Individual Modes that you can choose accordingly. For braking, the wheels are equipped with AMG high-performance ceramic braking system that feels responsive and slows down the vehicle as soon as possible.

2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 Braking Performance

For slowing down the 603 horsepower beast, the front wheels come fitted with 15.7” disc brakes while the rear gets 14.5” disc brakes. The disc brakes are additionally equipped with Active Brake Assist, Adaptive Braking Technology, Predictive Brake Priming, Automatic Brake Drying, Hill Start Assist and Hold feature. The brakes feel responsive and work smoothly. The braking system helps to bring it to stop from 60-0 MPH within 125 feet. Mercedes also offers an optional AMG High-Performance Ceramic Compound Brakes for $5,450 that you can fit for better braking performance.

The Audi RS Q8 is fitted with the biggest brake rotors at the front and respectable ones at the back that help it achieve the shortest braking distance. It also has a lower curb weight compared to the Mercedes and BMW that helps it with a better braking capability. Following the Audi, the Range Rover is the lightest SUV among all that helps it with a good braking capability. The BMW comes third in braking followed by the Mercedes-AMG.

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 source of power is an AMG 4L bi-turbo V8 engine that churns out an enormous amount of power and torque. The high power and torque offer a thrilling acceleration and a track deserving performance but customary to such massive performance, you can’t expect good MPG figures. The GLS 63 manages to offer 14 and 18 MPG in the city and highways respectively and comes fitted with a 23.8-gallon that offers an impressive fuel range for the engine under the hood. 

The BMW Alpina XB7 offers the best fuel efficiency of 17 MPG, but it comes packed with the smallest tank that offers a smaller fuel range. On the contrary, the Land Rover comes with the biggest fuel tank and offers a similar mileage compared to the AMG, but offers the best range of 441 miles, due to the biggest fuel tank.

The Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 is considered the ‘S-Class’ of SUVs and it shows when you look at the cabin offered inside. The seats inside are wrapped with premium quality Nappa Leather and the cabin comes decorated with surfaces covered with Black Nappa Leather and Aluminum with Longitudinal Grain trim. As standard, the cabin comes fitted with soft-close doors that further add to the premium touch. The front comes fitted with 12-way power-adjustable sport bucket seats that offer a panoramic view of the road. 

The seats offer heating and ventilation functionalities. Additionally, the front seats offer a massage function. The cabin also comes fitted with 64-color Ambient LED lighting that you can set according to your preferences. Important features like 5-zone automatic climate control w/ air and odor filtration, ambient lighting, Nappa Leather-wrapped AMG performance steering wheel, power-folding rear seats, heated 2nd-row seats, and plenty more come standard in the GLS 63. In brief, the GLS 63 offers a sports car-like behavior, being seated in a premium cabin.

At the back, the AMG GLS 63 offers a 17.4 cu-ft. cargo trunk that is enough to accommodate a few bags and small-sized luggage. For the further need of space, the rear seats can be folded. The 3rd row can be folded in a 50/50 split for an additional cargo capacity of 42.7 cu-ft. and the 2nd row is folded exposes a massive 84.7 cu-ft. of cargo space that can come in handy in many situations. Land Rover and Audi offer only two rows of seating thus they have better standard cargo space. But with a usable set of third-row seats, the Mercedes feels like the most practical option. 

Standout Interior Features:

• 12-way power adjusted front seats with 3-position memory
• Nappa Leather wrapped front sport bucket seats
• Heated and Ventilated front seats
• Multi-contour front seats with massage function
• Heated 2nd-row seats
• 5-zone automatic climate control with air and odor filtration
• 64-color LED ambient lighting w/ illuminated vents
• Panorama roof

What’s there to keep you entertained 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63?

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 comes equipped with a 12.3” HD touch display twinned to the Burmester Premium Audio system. The buttons are of good quality and the hardware quality is up-market. The controls are placed ergonomically and well within the driver’s reach. The system comes installed with MBUX UI that can be accessed by touch screen or by voice control via the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant. Other standard features include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, MB Navigation, HD Radio, and plenty others.

Standout infotainment features:

• 12.3-inch FULL HD touch display with MBUX UI
• Console mounted touchpad with gesture recognition
• Voice assistant with natural language recognition
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Burmester Surround Sound
• SiriusXM with All-access trial for 6-months
• USB-C smart charging and storage
• NFC Pairing
• Wireless charging

The 2021 AMG GLS 63 had a major exterior revamping last year for the entry of the 3rd generation of the GLS Class. The exterior design now looks more fresh, dominant, and brawny. Despite its large dimensions, the GLS 63 easily impresses us with its chiseled body. The front fascia comes decorated with an AMG Panamericana grille that sits between the LED headlights. The hood is contoured with sharp body lines that make the fascia look more muscular. 

The GLS 63 being from the AMG line-up features AMG body styling that gives it a seasoned SUV look and makes it look sleek. At the rear, the tail-end comes fitted with a roof spoiler and a rear diffuser with an AMG Performance Exhaust integrated with it. Finally, a set of 21” AMG Spoke aluminum wheels adds to the SUV’s aesthetic looks. Moreover, we recommend you get the AMG Night Package and the larger 23" AMG Mono-block Forged Matte Black aluminum wheels.

The BMW Alpina XB7 is the heaviest SUV in the class and comes with the highest ground clearance. The GLS 63 on the other hand has the longest body and the largest wheelbase of 122.2 inches. The larger wheelbase brings excellent cabin comfort and aids it with better stability. The Range Rover Sport SVR is the lightest here and has a compact body with respectable ground clearance. The lighter and compact body with the smaller ground clearance makes it the best off-roader among all.

Standout exterior features:

• 21-inch AMG 10-Spoke Aluminum wheels
• LED DRLs and taillamps
• LED Intelligent Light System with Ultra Wide High beams
• Side-mirror logo projectors
• Privacy glass
• Illuminated running boards
• AMG body styling
• AMG Performance Exhaust System 

Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has crash-tested the 2021 AMG GLS 63 due to its ‘high value-low volume’ nature; however, that shouldn’t be a problem because if you closely follow Mercedes, you’ll know their vehicles come with the impeccable build quality and top-notch safety. The AMG GLS 63 is based on the chassis of the GLS-Class. Mercedes has installed all the modern safety features and driver-assist programs.

Standout safety features:

• Active Brake Assist with Radar-based Forward Collision Mitigation
• Attention Assist
• Active Blindspot Assist with Exit Warning Assist
• Active Lane Keep Assist
• Active Parking Assist
• Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function
• Active Lane-Change Assist
• Adaptive High-beam Assist
• Adaptive Braking Technology
• Crosswind Assist
• Emergency Sensing Brake Assist
• Evasive Steering Assist

2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 vs 2021 BMW Alpina XB7

The BMW Alpina XB7 costs almost $9,000 more than the GLS 63 and comes powered by a bigger engine that offers more power and performance. Apart from that, the mileage is superior to the GLS 63 and the cabin offered in the XB7 is more spacious and bestowed with more comforts and features. Despite being heavier than the GLS 63, the Alpina offers better driving dynamics. Additionally, the higher ground clearance helps it with better potential in off-roads. 

2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR

The Range Rover is the second-most affordable SUV in the class and offers better cargo space because it can seat 5 people. Compared to the GLS 63, the RR Sport SVR comes with an interior cabin that misses a 7-seating arrangement that the latter enjoys. The Supercharged engine trails in power and performance but offers better fuel efficiency. However, the cabin is smaller than the GLS 63, and materials are inferior in the RR Sport. Nevertheless, both SUVs shine in their respective areas. If you want a deluxe SUV, the GLS 63 is the best fit. 

2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 vs 2021 Audi RS Q8

Audi’s RS Q8 is the most affordable SUV in the class, is cheaper by $14,000, and performs similarly to the GLS 63. Though the mileage is lesser than the other, it comes packed with a large enough fuel tank for an adequate range. It is lighter than the GLS 63 in terms of curb weight and offers praiseworthy driving dynamics. The RS Q8 is not only the most affordable but also proves to be a no-nonsense option and we’d pick it over the other three.

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 has undergone a major transformation in the 2020 MY and the new design looks superior, pleasant, and brawnier. Being badged both by ‘AMG’ and ‘GLS’, 2021 Mercedes Benz AMG GLS 63 is a perfect blend of performance and deluxe SUV. The cabin inside offers everything you can ask for. The handcrafted AMG engine offers massive power resulting in laudable performance. Furthermore, the options and additional packages list are vast. The resale value and reliability ratings are impressive.