Used 2019 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG GLS

With a hand-built twin-turbocharged V8 under its hood, the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 is the pinnacle of the GLS-Class fleet, and one of the most powerful SUVs in the world. Although it retains the basic layout and 7-passenger capabilities of the other GLS models, the AMG version gets some serious upgrades, including a sport-tuned suspension, revised chassis and unique wheel-and-tire packages all designed to make the GLS63 a corner-carving champion. Trailering remains a respectable 7,500 pounds, and like its performance credentials, the GLS63 ramps up both its luxury features and price of entry, making this particular premium SUV more expensive than the Land Rover Range Rover and Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

The V8 engine in the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 offers up 577 horsepower, which gets routed to all four wheels through a quick-shifting 7-speed automatic transmission. The suspension provides this big beast with the kind of handling that no 5,700-pound vehicle should have. The steering is sharp and nicely weighted, the throttle response is spot-on, and the engine itself roars like a sports car. It’s ridiculous that something this big is so powerful, but that’s what makes it so much fun.

Of course, there’s a dose of reality: This is still a big, heavy, 7-passenger SUV, so if you’re expecting it to handle like an AMG GT, you’ll be disappointed. AMG’s engineers are good at what they do, but even they have to obey the laws of physics. The good news is that when you’re not foot-to-the-floor, the GLS63 is just as comfortable, quiet, refined and luxurious as the rest of the GLS lineup.

There’s enough room in the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 for up to seven passengers, and nobody is going to suffer. There’s good legroom for everyone, which isn’t as common as you’d think, even for big SUVs like this. Best of all, since it’s the top-of-the-line version, the accouterments are first-rate. There’s standard Nappa leather on all the seats; the trim, fit and finish are all top-notch; and the GLS63 comes standard with most of the things that are optional on the rest of the GLS-Class lineup. Dedicated audiophiles won’t hesitate to spring for the $5,400 Bang & Olufsen BeoSound system.

Although the 2019 AMG GLS63 is clearly based on the classic GLS-Class, there are still enough AMG additions to make it stand out in a crowd. Up front, the large bumper is fitted with a revised grille, oversized air vents and a stylized lower air intake. Around back, the bumper is revised as well, housing quad rectangular tailpipes that deliver a menacing sound. As with all AMG upgrades, the wheels are unique, wrapped in performance tires for improved grip. The color palette remains the same as the standard GLS-Class lineup, but we’d go with the designo Cardinal Red Metallic, which really pops.

HAND-BUILT V8
At AMG, a single craftsman is assigned to build each twin-turbocharged V8 engine, bringing a lost craft to a mechanized world and making the GLS63 all the more rare. Each engine is personally signed by the master technician, so just in case you want to thank them, you’ll know where to look.

LUXURIOUS PRACTICALITY
Whereas many performance cars require some sacrifices in the areas of comfort, interior room or practicality, the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 makes no such demand. With room for seven and every imaginable luxury feature, this is one SUV the entire family will enjoy.

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 comes basically loaded from the factory, with most of the features that are optional on the rest of the GLS lineup as standard equipment. That means premium features like active cruise control, an around-view camera, active lane-keeping assist, push-button start and keyless entry are all included. Beyond that, each GLS63 gets premium Nappa leather upholstery, a COMAND infotainment system with navigation and an 8-inch color display, a Harman Kardon sound system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and heated and ventilated front seats that feature a massage function. Also standard: the wonderful V8, and the sport suspension with its AMG Dynamic Select adjustable drive modes.

Very little is left on the cutting-room floor when it comes to the GLS63. You can opt for more expensive paint jobs, including Designo Diamond White Metallic. A carbon-fiber interior kit adds to the price as well. There’s the Bang & Olufsen audio system, which is a must-have for us, and things like a rear-seat entertainment system. Accessories abound, and range from practical needs like a towing package or an iPad docking station for the rear-seat passengers, to the downright silly, like the $1,500 carbon-fiber engine cover.

Beneath the hood of every 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 is a hand-built twin-turbocharged V8 displacing 5.5 liters and producing 577 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque. This massive motivational force is routed through an AMG-tuned 7-speed automatic transmission, which then sends it to all four wheels via the 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. Because this is a high-compression engine with twin turbos, premium fuel is required, although if you can afford a GLS63, we doubt high gasoline prices will elicit much anxiety. However, with a 13-mpg city fuel economy rating, you’ll definitely be ringing up a pretty large fuel tab by month’s end.

5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8
577 horsepower @ 5,250-5,750 rpm
561 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-5,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18 mpg