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Circuit Mont Tremblant, QC - Bigger is better right? That's not usually the case when it comes to track-ready vehicles. Small, lithe and nimble are all adjectives you'd rather be associated with your ride; not behemoth, large or oafish. However, when it comes to the likes of the large 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG it's truly “small” at heart.
Dressed to the nines with a track-killing engine beneath the hood, I approached the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG with hesitation knowing I was about to take it out on the curvy, hard-to-master Circuit Mont Tremblant after driving the likes of the SLK, SLS and C63 -- all anorexic and race-ready compared to the ginormous SUV before me.
It's safe to say that the GL63 AMG put my fears to rest -- and my right foot to the floor -- on more than one occasion.
What is a Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG?
Essentially, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG is a steroid-induced version of the GL-Class, a luxury crossover SUV. This truly is a track-ready family vehicle.
Since 2006, the GL-Class has graced our streets with its big, bold looks. Its second-generation (unveiled in 2012) is even larger, but lighter. Offered in both diesel and gas variants, the GL-Class is a bit of a bruiser, but the ideal weekend warrior for family trips to the country and just as comfortable in the city.
The AMG version? Well, it's just madness; but a glorious kind of madness to the tune of over 500 horses...
Technicalities
With three rows and plenty of room in the trunk, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG seems to be the farthest thing from a track-ready vehicle. However, I'll let these numbers change your mind: 5.5L biturbo V8 good for 550 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque handled via a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT automatic transmission, with a 0-100km sprint completed in just 4.8 seconds.
All that fantastic power and capability can be had for just $125,900 (base). Quite a bit of pocket change, but if you can afford it, I say: Why not?
Driving the Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
I was not expecting the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG to do at all as well as it did on the track. As I'd just come from the smaller, lighter GLK 250 BlueTEC and felt it was soft, unresponsive, and offered up way to much body roll; I felt certain the behemoth that is the GL63 would be just as bad, if not worse.
I've never been more wrong in my life.
Press that start/stop button and the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG's V8 roars to life in a fabulous manner, warning of things to come. Pop the retro-style column shifter in “D” and it's as if you've been transported into a C-Class.
My first few corners in the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG were handled with care -- after all, it's a top-heavy SUV with significant body roll, isn't it? Um, no. It's not at all. In fact, it handled the track as well as the C63 AMG Coupe I'd driven mere moments before.
Throttle response is sharp and on point, and with Sport+ engaged rpms are pushed higher. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG blissfully rev-matches all downshifts to the tune of the V8's angry exhaust note out the rear quad tailpipes.
I was surprised with how easily the GL63 AMG handled any corner I threw its way, until I remembered the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM that features active stabilizers that help control the vehicle's body lean.
Bringing this big beast to a stop is no trouble at all thanks to massive brakes that feature Adaptive Braking Technology that predicts your braking needs. Lift off the throttle quickly and it'll prime the brakes for you.
Ins and Outs of the Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
Sitting atop 21” AMG twin 5-spoke rims, in black with brushed chrome accents and AMG badging in all the right places; this is one good-looking SUV. Intimidating and aggressive from nose to tail, it's clear this vehicle means business when you see it in your rearview.
Inside, Mercedes-Benz spared no luxurious expense in the 2013 GL63 AMG. From hand-polished wood to brushed metal trim, you'll be happy no matter where you sit in this 7-seater. However, I'd highly recommend the driver's seat...
Comparing the Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
Truthfully, there's not much out there in the realm of the GL63 AMG. Some would say that's because Mercedes was mental to build a supercar SUV. However, if you are in the market for a GL63 AMG , you'll want to take a look at the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, BMW X5M and Range Rover Supercharged -- all worthy opponents to the big AMG track-killer.
Dressed to the nines with a track-killing engine beneath the hood, I approached the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG with hesitation knowing I was about to take it out on the curvy, hard-to-master Circuit Mont Tremblant after driving the likes of the SLK, SLS and C63 -- all anorexic and race-ready compared to the ginormous SUV before me.
It's safe to say that the GL63 AMG put my fears to rest -- and my right foot to the floor -- on more than one occasion.
 |
What is a Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG?
Essentially, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG is a steroid-induced version of the GL-Class, a luxury crossover SUV. This truly is a track-ready family vehicle.
Since 2006, the GL-Class has graced our streets with its big, bold looks. Its second-generation (unveiled in 2012) is even larger, but lighter. Offered in both diesel and gas variants, the GL-Class is a bit of a bruiser, but the ideal weekend warrior for family trips to the country and just as comfortable in the city.
The AMG version? Well, it's just madness; but a glorious kind of madness to the tune of over 500 horses...
Technicalities
With three rows and plenty of room in the trunk, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG seems to be the farthest thing from a track-ready vehicle. However, I'll let these numbers change your mind: 5.5L biturbo V8 good for 550 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque handled via a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT automatic transmission, with a 0-100km sprint completed in just 4.8 seconds.
All that fantastic power and capability can be had for just $125,900 (base). Quite a bit of pocket change, but if you can afford it, I say: Why not?
 |
| The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG's V8 roars to life in a fabulous manner, warning of things to come. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone) |
Driving the Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
I was not expecting the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG to do at all as well as it did on the track. As I'd just come from the smaller, lighter GLK 250 BlueTEC and felt it was soft, unresponsive, and offered up way to much body roll; I felt certain the behemoth that is the GL63 would be just as bad, if not worse.
I've never been more wrong in my life.
Press that start/stop button and the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG's V8 roars to life in a fabulous manner, warning of things to come. Pop the retro-style column shifter in “D” and it's as if you've been transported into a C-Class.
My first few corners in the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG were handled with care -- after all, it's a top-heavy SUV with significant body roll, isn't it? Um, no. It's not at all. In fact, it handled the track as well as the C63 AMG Coupe I'd driven mere moments before.
Throttle response is sharp and on point, and with Sport+ engaged rpms are pushed higher. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG blissfully rev-matches all downshifts to the tune of the V8's angry exhaust note out the rear quad tailpipes.
I was surprised with how easily the GL63 AMG handled any corner I threw its way, until I remembered the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM that features active stabilizers that help control the vehicle's body lean.
Bringing this big beast to a stop is no trouble at all thanks to massive brakes that feature Adaptive Braking Technology that predicts your braking needs. Lift off the throttle quickly and it'll prime the brakes for you.
 |
| I was surprised with how easily the GL63 AMG handled any corner I threw its way. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone) |
Ins and Outs of the Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
Sitting atop 21” AMG twin 5-spoke rims, in black with brushed chrome accents and AMG badging in all the right places; this is one good-looking SUV. Intimidating and aggressive from nose to tail, it's clear this vehicle means business when you see it in your rearview.
Inside, Mercedes-Benz spared no luxurious expense in the 2013 GL63 AMG. From hand-polished wood to brushed metal trim, you'll be happy no matter where you sit in this 7-seater. However, I'd highly recommend the driver's seat...
 |
| You'll be happy no matter where you sit in this 7-seater. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz) |
Comparing the Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
Truthfully, there's not much out there in the realm of the GL63 AMG. Some would say that's because Mercedes was mental to build a supercar SUV. However, if you are in the market for a GL63 AMG , you'll want to take a look at the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, BMW X5M and Range Rover Supercharged -- all worthy opponents to the big AMG track-killer.