Mercedes GL 63 AMG revealed

For the first time Mercedes-Benz has added a range-topping AMG performance version to the GL Class – the Mercedes GL 63 AMG.

Many would ask whether the Mercedes GL has any point when the perfectly good M Class is a more sensible offering. After all, it’s the size of the Albert Hall and not the most dynamic SUV on the planet.

Even more will probably ask the same question about the new Mercedes GL 63 AMG, the first proper AMG offering in the GL which comes with the twin turbo 5.5 litre V8 we know so well from almost every other Mercedes AMG.

Does anyone really want a 550bhp SUV that’s longer than a Q7 or a full size Range Rover, even, probably, the new 2013 Range Rover? Mercedes obviously thinks so.

On the plus side, you do get the new GL look which is less like a battleship and a bit more like a battle cruiser, and you do get the wonderful 550bhp V8 to throw the Mercedes behemoth at the horizon at a pretty rapid rate – 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds.

Sensibly, Mercedes has given the GL 63 a fighting chance of stopping properly and going round corners without falling over by fitting big AMG brakes, adding AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, air suspension, special damper struts, automatic level control and Adaptive Damping System (ADS) combined with the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM.

You also get lots of toys in the GL63 as well as lots of options. The options include everything from titanium grey alloys and red callipers to designo interiors, B&O AMG sound, DISTRONIC PLUS and PRE-Safe.

Mercedes hasn’t come up with a price for the GL 63 AMG yet, but they have a bit of time; it won’t arrive in the UK until 2013.