MERCEDES-BENZ GL63 AMG Review

This brings us to the offroading part of the deal. Yes, this is a rare side for most customers, but we couldn't help spinning the wheels in mud a bit. While the three-diff drama of the G63 is absent, the GL63 AMG does a nice job at tackling plowing through the rugged terrain. The combination between the massive structure and the proper control is pleasing.

Back on the road now and willing to talk about the Active Curve System, this has bespoke settings for the AMG version of the GL. Apart from that, we have air springs combined with AMG-calibrated adaptive dampers.

Actually, Active Curve, which is only standard on the AMG model, does a little more than help with the handling. You see, Mercedes' Airmatic air suspension has the problem of creating a specific kind of roll and pitch movements that tends to make rear passengers sick. This becomes especially problematic on Mercedes SUVs. Well, the Active Curve solves most of the problem, so we wouldn't go without it.

In the end, the most interesting thing about the GL63 AMG driving experience is perhaps a comparison with that of the Mercedes S-Class. The comfort isn't all that far to what Merc' flagship sedan offers. The driver feels more isolated in the S-Class than in the GL63 AMG.

But enough with the bends, the straight line stretching behind and in front of us demands some powertrain talk. With people aboard, the GL63 AMG may be no stranger to a three-ton (6,600 lbs.) weight, but the thing still accelerates like crazy.

Courtesy of AMG's twin-turbo V8 delivering 550 HP (557 PS) and 560 lb-ft (759 Nm) of torque, the 0 to 60 mph sprint sits at 4.8 seconds. Now that's deep into sports car territory.

Nonetheless, figures are mostly irrelevant. That's because what really conquers you in the GL63 AMG is that effortless torque. Yes, the exhaust isn't quite as present as in the G63 AMG, but the nature of the car doesn't demand it.

Still, thanks to the voice of the thing, you feel the G63 AMG as being faster than the Range Rover Supercharged. Both will cover the quarter mile in a little over 13 seconds. However, in the acceleration process, the Benz feels livelier.