Mercedes-AMG GLE63 (W167) and GLS63 (X167)

The titans of the Mercedes-AMG SUV lineup, the GLE63 and the GLS63, are back in their newest versions but they're not what they sound like because the folks from AMG introduced a little something under the hood speedo boys served as a forewarn to what plans ahead in the future.

The GLE63 AMG range, starting at 122,079 Euros plus additional costs, and the GLS63 AMG, priced at 146,572 Euros, are not the kind of big guns you are familiar with. Sure, they sure have the same 4.0L V8 BiTurbo as the other guys but unlike them, both the GLE63 and the kingpin GLS63 got their engines fitted with a 48-volt EQ Boost starter-alternator first applied on the 53 AMG models. 

That sounds like witchcraft for AMG conservatives but more with that later on but first, what's like to get to know about them? On the GLE side, you get the choice of two different bodystyles such as the normal and the coupe with the sliced roofline a la X6. Of course, the normal-shaped GLE63 is the better pick because of the spacing issues but either way, they've gotten macho because of its AMG treatments all over, inside and out.

The GLS63 boasts itself of being the most powerful and fastest seven-seater in the AMG stable and although too much crude humor and strong language not suitable for family use, the macho-looking GLS63 is fit for the super-rich speedo boys who love to stand out in the streets of Beverly Hills or at Route 66, whatever it is.

With their macho impressions put a shine on the super-rich speedo boys looking for style, performance, and utility that can haul just about everything, it's time to find out the mild hybrid witchcraft beneath them.

The 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine is bolted with the integrated EQ Boost starter-alternator for the first time. When switched on, it grants an additional 16kW of power and 250Nm of torque into the V8 BiTurbo engine, giving it a whopping 634PS of power and 850Nm of torque. Mated to a 9-speed AMG Speedshift TCT, they're capable of going from 0-100kph in almost four and a half seconds and electronically limited to 250kph.

Sure, both the GLE63 and GLS63 are bulky in size but they're like magnum revolvers held in a well-balanced manner courtesy of their AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL roll stabilization, AMG speed-sensitive sport power steering, high-performance braking systems, and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. Not quite as fun as its other guys but with such capability at all kinds of roads, these guys sure know how to keep themselves enjoyable and balanced at their own pace, although the added driver assist systems will make the experience look regular.

Like them or not, these high-powered heavyweights from AMG really mean business.

Photo: Daimler AG

Mercedes-Benz GLS (X167)

Mercedes-Benz's flagship SUV, the GLS, is now regenerated for the second generation and it promises to deliver the ruggedness, spaciousness, and S-Class riding comfort this flagship SUV delivers and this is something to watch out for if you see one stopping by the city hall like a real boss.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The all-new Mercedes GLS is undoubtedly the S-Class of the Mercedes SUV range and with its ruggedness, spaciousness, and S-Class riding comfort this flagship SUV delivers, this 85,923.95 (plus OTR) Euro mammoth prepares to break new grounds in a way no other car ever done before. Whether if its for family use (which is too expensive for a family mover), escorting clients to their points of interests (be it a celebrity or a politician alike), or for plain outdoor use on Sunday mornings, the new GLS does it all because this is a full-size crossover that does serious things everyday.

Starting at the design, the new GLS is starting to look like a case of "Honey, I grew up the GLE" because it looks pretty much like an enlarged GLE of course. That's the Russian doll effect plaguing most luxury carmakers today but anyway, enough of the exterior design because let's shift focus on the interior, where the GLS's true beauty comes into play.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS interior

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS interior

The interior is where the new GLS shines and the tech-laden dashboard is worth being toyed by trigger-happy drivers who want to enjoy every feature offered as well as the MBUX with the rather annoying voice command that works like the Amazon Alexa nonsense at home. Yes, the voice command can be rather annoying because it's like Alexa on wheels, the seating configuration can accommodate either six or seven passengers, depending on the optional extras you're carrying. Not only it's spacious enough for the VIP to relax, the boot space is surprisingly roomier than the previous model as well, meaning there's enough room to squeeze yourself at the third row seats if you are itching yourself to get inside by the back door like some people do. With all that space and all that comfort the new model offered, the new GLS really puts a shine on the inside where it matters.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The range-topper of the new GLS is the GLS 580 4MATIC with its 4.0L V8 Bi Turbo engine producing 490PS of power and 700Nm of torque and with the 9G-TRONIC mated on it, it does 0-100kph in 5.3 seconds and electronically limited to 250kph. Of course, the new model comes with diesel engines which are Euro 6d-compliant but Europeans wouldn't want one of course.

Despite being made by the Americans, the new GLS still works rather well in German roads, even offroad, with its 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. With the standard AIR MATIC air suspension, it feels good to tackle through tarmac, gravel, and snow with ease, but with the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL, drivers will like the new GLS even more because it gives them near-perfect off-road capabilities fit for the elephant in the room. Not as good as a Range Rover but this system's hopeful, giving them plenty of reasons to exploit the new GLS's capabilities as well as its American blood flowing through its German steel.

On the trip home, the new GLS offers the most cutting-edge safety tech offered on a full-size SUV, making it worth confident that they will make everyone back home safe and secured. No questions asked.

The GLS is  the S-Class of the Mercedes SUV range that delivers the ruggedness, spaciousness, and S-Class riding comfort it needs and for the second-generation, there's so much to love or hate about the newest version. In fact, what's to hate about the full-size Mercedes SUV that does all the things an average S-Class can't do?

Photo: Daimler AG

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Today's problem with today's Mercedes SUVs is that even though they're classified as SUVs, their status as low-life crossovers never meet our driving expectations. Even though they're made to be all-weather multipurpose vehicles, crossovers are not made to go offroad. Not for this one though because the brand new GLS-Class is a full-blooded Mercedes SUV that can go anywhere in style and comfort, no doubt.

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

As some may remember, this full-sized behemoth used to be called the GL-Class but thanks to Mercedes' new naming policy, it's now been renamed as the GLS-Class, hence calling it the S-Class of SUVs because this is the flagship in Mercedes' SUV range. From every angle, you can really notice that traces from the old GL-Class remained but with some revised looks to distinguish it from the old GL. This SUV shows authority but what else do you want more for the GLS?

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class interior

The interior, that's what that is, and that's why beneath its tough looks comes with first-class comfort like you expect from the S-Class. Even though the GLS's convenience is well-suited for family outing, its luxury features can cater even the most astute EU bureaucrats after a harsh meeting with the high-ranking officials at the round table. There's also an available rear-seat entertainment system where the big shots in the back can whistle while their chauffeur's busy fiddling with the high-tech stuff implemented on the dashboard. There are so much use for the GLS's rough but noble personality and I can't think of any rich people's lifestyles to come up with but either way, how you use it is up to you.

Under the hood, the new GLS comes with a choice of turbocharged 3.0L V6, turbocharged 4.6L V8, and a 3.0L V6 diesel engine. The V8 version produces 455PS of power and 700Nm of torque while the diesel version has the lowest CO2 emission of the range with 185g/km as well 7.1L/100km fuel consumption combined. All of the models are equipped with a 9G-Tronic gearbox and nine gears sound too much for an automatic gearbox.

Don't worry though because if you're not bothered with any of these, Mercedes-AMG will offer you the GLS63 4MATIC, packed with the classic 5.5L V8 BiTurbo engine producing 585PS of power and 760Nm of torque, rigged with an AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic. Sounds beastly but even though this is AMG-made, don't think about using it for the track because its weight can really give you a challenge but if you're really up for the challenge, why not give it a try. It's a luxo-barge with the interior smells like the locker room of a championship-winning rugby team so it's definitely a rough houser on four wheels.

2017 Mercedes-AMG GLS63

Anyway, whichever GLS you're on, except for the GLS63 anyway because all high-performance SUVs are not made to go offroad, the dynamics for this heavyweight is more S-Class-ish on the road and when driven offroad, you can really feel why this SUV was made, to be as rough and as noble as its direct rival, the Range Rover. It has the nifty load of gadgets that can be well suited for any condition including the DYNAMIC SELECT, AIRMATIC with enhanced ADS and ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM.

The GLS is definitely the right SUV that is not afraid to take on risks unlike its low-life crossover relatives who prefer to do a little lifestyle check more than anything else. This SUV truly deserve some respect for the offroad enthusiasts because it performs what a real SUV should.

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

In terms of safety, the GLS is always abiding the rules of the road with its high tech safety features such as driver assistant systems, PRE-SAFE, Brake Assist BAS, electronic all-wheel drive traction system 4ETS, ESP, and cruise control.

Should you buy one? The GLS starts at 76,666 Euros, which sounds very expensive but affordable to own than the Range Rover. Despite the high price tag, the GLS is still the Mercedes-Benz SUV that makes sense on and off the road unlike its crossover relatives. With its rough but noble personality, the GLS is truly one of the most respectable SUVs only the rich and famous can afford for and this bulk should not be taken for granted.

Photo: Daimler AG