Mercedes GLS AMG. The fastest GLS in history
Mercedes GLS AMG is a powerful sports version of the full-size all-wheel drive luxury S-class SUV from Mercedes-Benz (Germany), which has been produced since 2015. In 2020, the second generation of this luxury SUV could be purchased on the Israeli market.
The AMG GLS SUVs are stand-alone models. In 2015, the company restyled the second generation GL and changed the name of the series to GLS. From this point on, the official countdown of generations of Mercedes GLS SUVs and their AMG versions goes.
The first generation
It was produced from 2015 to 2019. The ‘charged’ Mercedes AMG GLS 63 was equipped with a 5.5-liter eight-cylinder engine producing 584 hp. Thanks to 8 cylinders and 584 hp, the SUV managed to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, and its top speed was 250 km/h. The power train was paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission with three control modes: Controlled Efficiency, Sport and Manual. The active air suspension AIRMATIC was equipped with the AMG RIDE CONTROL function and also had three modes: Comfort, Sport and Sport plus. The AMG version featured 5-spoke 21-inch alloy wheels, perforated high-performance brakes, ARTICO upholstery, AMG leather adjustable sports seats, signature floor mats, plenty of electronic assistants, etc.
The second generation
It has been produced from 2020. With the change of generations, the luxury GLS 63 SUVs have lost their 5.5-liter M157 engines. Now the ‘charged’ car is equipped with a M177 4.0 V8 biturbo engine, typical for many other AMG models. The 2020 Mercedes AMG GLS 63 seven-seater SUV is still available as a single version without the letter S.
First presented at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the new AMG GLS 63 features an original AMG body kit, vertical grille and custom rims. It is powered by an electrified 4-liter twin-turbo petrol engine producing 612 hp. The 2020 SUV is capable of accelerating in 4.2 seconds. Compared to the previous generation, the new model has become faster in acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour by 0.4 seconds. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h, but the AMG Driver Package can push the limiter up to 280, making it the fastest GLS in history. The new generation is equipped with more efficient brakes and an advanced chassis. The ‘filling’ of the 2020 AMG GLS 63 is almost identical to the ‘younger’ AMG GLE 63. The engine is assisted by a hybrid EQ Boost system, a 22 horsepower starter-generator with a torque of 250 Nm saves fuel, assists the engine in the first seconds of acceleration and is responsible for the ‘start-stop’.
The 2020 AMG GLS 63 is capable of accelerating in 4.2 seconds. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h, but the AMG Driver Package can push the limiter up to 280, making it the fastest GLS in history.
The 4Matic+ all-wheel drive transmission is based on a nine-speed classic automatic transmission AMG Speedshift, the standard brakes have given way to reinforced mechanisms with discs with a diameter of 400 millimeters in the front and 380 millimeters in the rear. The standard equipment includes a chassis with air bellows, complemented by active anti-roll bars with independent roll suppression for the front and rear axles. The torque converter and all-wheel drive 4Matic+ with permanent rear-wheel drive and multi-plate front axle clutch are complemented by an electronically controlled rear differential lock. The AMG Ride Control+ air suspension has its own settings and can lower the body by 10 mm in Sport mode or raise it by 55 mm when conquering the off-road. The optional AMG Active Ride Control chassis is complemented by active anti-roll bars: electromechanical actuators to combat rolls that operate independently on the front and rear axles from a 48-volt mains supply.
The 2020/2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 is distinguished by the branded radiator grille with vertical chrome crossbars, a developed front splitter, massive front bumper air intakes, optional 23-inch ten-spoke wheels, trapezoidal twin exhaust tips, diffuser and information code plate. The interior of the ‘charged’ version boasts new graphics of virtual instruments, a sports steering wheel, as well as AMG Track Pace on-board telemetry. The 2020/2021 AMG GLS 63 has six driving electronics modes: road Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual, as well as Trail and Sand positions for off-pavement driving.
