Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG

Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-...photo-6001998/

Call it a guilty pleasure; I love ridiculously fast SUVs. I sort of went head-over-heels for the new 2014 Range Rover Sport that I recently tested, and prior to that experience, I put some serious miles on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG pictured here. You probably don't realize this, but the GL63 is the quickest three-row SUV you can buy in the States – thanks to its 550-horsepower, 5.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the biggest and baddest GL will hit 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds.

Now, take a second to realize what that means. This is a seven-passenger SUV with all-wheel drive. It weighs 5,812 pounds – nearly three tons. And it's quicker to 60 miles per hour than a Porsche Cayman. That's insane. And I love it.

But there's far more to the whole GL63 AMG package other than pure straight-line acceleration. I picked up this GL in Chicago, drove it home to Detroit, and spent a week bombing around southeast Michigan with this massive brute. And while it's not perfect, it's a truly amazing feat of engineering.

Driving Notes

• I really like the design of the new GL, especially here in AMG form. From all angles, it looks downright commanding – more impressive than the smaller M-Class, for sure, and far more attractive than the aging Cadillac Escalade or bulbous Infiniti QX. Really, only the Audi Q7 gives it a proper run for its money in the department of three-row utility design.
• This isn't the first time you've heard me – or many other Autoblog scribes – say it, but I miss the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter AMG V8, though the new 5.5-liter twin-turbo unit is really good here. Power delivery is very linear and there's a great rush that starts low in the rev range.
• While some of us have complained about the lack of aural delight in the 5.5 versus the 6.2, I don't really find that to be the case here. There's an adequate and appropriate amount of engine growl that's filtered into the cabin, and it sounds terrific. Considering that this is first and foremost a luxury SUV over a proper performer, it's nice to have that AMG-spec roar reminding you what's under the hood every now and then.
• To that point, it's important to note that this isn't really your typical AMG in terms of ride/handling, either. As you'd expect, things are a lot softer here in the GL63, even with the adaptive suspension set to its most sporty setting. The body rolls in corners, and the steering is very obviously electrically assisted, often feeling numb at times.
• That said, in terms of driver engagement, the GL63 is one of the better seven-passenger SUVs you can buy. It's not quite as good as that new Range Rover Sport, but it's also larger and more accommodating for passengers, as well.
• Speaking of which, the interior on this thing is simply fantastic. The seats are incredibly comfortable and supportive – something I was indeed thankful for during the long, boring drive from Chicago to Detroit – and there's ample room for folks in the second and third rows. The whole cabin looks tré chic, too, with Mercedes' Designo interior treatment fitted here.
• The one gripe I have with the interior lies within the COMAND infotainment system. It's not that the system doesn't work well – it's the same **** I've used over and over again – but the screen is decidedly small in a cabin that's otherwise awash with larger features.
• I do like the built-in functionality of the GL63, though. Those third row seats raise and lower with the touch of a button, the tailgage is, of course, electronically operated, and the second row seats easily fold flat, even with the headrests extended.
• All in, the GL63 is pretty terrific, assuming you're not worried about things like cost or fuel economy (I averaged just shy of 15 miles per gallon during my week, for what it's worth). As tested, this loaded GL63 will run you just over $120,000. That's a good chunk of coin for what I consider a guilty pleasure, but for folks who want it, the GL63 will no doubt be a terrifically entertaining daily hauler.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/07/03/2...k-spin-review/

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Hmm I wonder if you can Renntech tune this bad boy..

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

amazing how fast that bad (huge) boy is.

RXSF

funny how the mercedes logo is so small in the huge grill

TangoRed

Thank God. The last-gen GL550 was ridiculous.

jbounnoi

iTrader: (7)

love this suv..

my parents have a GL350 Blue Tec with the sports package.. looks the same.. but 300 hp less lol

rominl

iTrader: (4)

haha you bet!

Blackraven

Weighs THREE TONS.........and yet gives you tons of adrenaline

With that said:
Do you guys think MB should make a GL 65 AMG with an M279 V12 BITURBO ENGINE (620+ HP and 1000 NEWTON METERS OF MAX TORQUE?

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Uh duh!!!!

rominl

iTrader: (4)

to be very honest though, my answer is no. i think 65 should be reserved for the the top and "flagship" of their lineup. s, sl, cl, and now we also have that for the g. the gl is a second level car imho below the g. kind of like why we are not seeing e65. would be cool, but kind of take the exclusivity factor out

kwr

Since you can't buy the G65 in the USA, MB might as well make a GL 65. Whether or not a GL 65 comes to life, I'll bet that the GL63 will have 600+ hp in a couple of years to remain competitive. I really wish MB would not have jacked up the price of the G out of fear of the GL cannabalizing the G's sales. The GL is a better all around vehicle; though, the G looks better.

TangoRed

Remain competitive with what? It's the only high-po 3 row luxury SUV on the market.

toyemp

I just participated in a marketing survey from AMG last week. The survey asked various questions about how moving towards smaller displacement engines and/or hybrids might affect my perception of the AMG brand. It also asked if having a V12 model was essential to the brand.

Reading between the lines, sounds like AMG might be considering dropping the V12 if not too many people cared...

kwr

Well the new Escalade will be out soon. I expect there will be a V version. Also there is much speculation that BMW plans to finally release the rumored X7. If released, I'd be shocked if an M version is not forthcoming.

Currently although not a direct competitor to the GL, the full size RR with less hp is faster than both the G63 and GL63. Not sure if the long wheeled base RR to be released will have 3 rows of seats.