First Benz GL63 AMG odds-on for Oz

Mercedes-AMG has worked its magic on the mammoth GL-Class seven-seater for the first time, and the bahnstorming new GL63 AMG appears almost certain to join the second-generation GL range that is due in Australia by March next year.

“The GL63 is not confirmed for our market,” Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Corporate Communications Manager Jerry Stamoulis told motoring.com.au. “But considering how popular the ML63 is, we’re seriously considering it.”

Based on the third-generation M-Class launched here this month, the redesigned GL made its global debut at the New York Auto Show in April and Mr Stamoulis said it will replace the outgoing model – some GL450 CDI variants of which remain available here – in Australia late in the first quarter of 2013.

The new range is once again expected to comprise the entry-level GL500 V8, two grades of the GL350 CDI diesel and the range-topping GL450 CDI diesel.

However, like the recently revealed ML63 and G63 AMGs, the first GL63 ups the ante considerably on these garden-variety models, by offering up AMG’s latest M157 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, which in this application slams out no less than 410kW of power and a beefy 760Nm anywhere between 2000 and 5000rpm.

Channelled to the tarmac via a standard seven-speed AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic automatic transmission and a permanent, 60 per cent rear-biased four-wheel drive system, that’s enough to accelerate the 2.5-tonne wagon to 100km/h in a sports sedan-like 4.9 seconds.

At the same time, the GL63, which arrives in European showrooms in November, returns combined fuel consumption of 12.3L/100km and emits 288g/km of CO2 with the aid of a fuel-saving idle-stop system.

The GL63’s not inconsiderable braking chores are performed by ventilated and perforated brake discs all round, measuring 390 x 36mm up front and 345 x 26mm at the rear, gripped by red brake calipers.

Other standard GL63 equipment will include suspension comprising self-leveling AMG Ride Control and the dynamic roll-bar Active Curve System, and massive titanium-grey 21-inch five-spoke alloy wheels fitted with fat 295/40-section tyres that lurk within specifically flared front wheel-arches.

Naturally, the newest 63 is also differentiated from lesser GL models by a full AMG body kit, including a high-gloss black grille, aggressive front bumper with larger air-intakes and LED daytime running lights and a twin-outlet AMG exhaust.

Inside, all seven seats are swathed in unique leather trim and there’s also powered AMG sports front seats with memory, a flat-bottom AMG Performance four-spoke steering wheel, stainless steel AMG door sills, AMG floor mats, brushed stainless steel AMG pedals and ARTICO faux-suede trim for the dashboard, armrests and door panelling.

Standard equipment comprises bi-xenon headlights, Crosswind Assist, Active Parking Assist, Attention Assist, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, Collision Prevention Assist, the Easy-Pack powered tailgate, Easy-Entry cargo compartment, an electric glass sunroof, Thermatic three-zone climate-control, Keyless Go and Intelligent Light System (ILS) with new off-road lighting.

Optional equipment will include a 360 degree camera, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, trailer coupling with electric unlocking, a Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system, Becker Map Pilot, Brake Assist Plus, Distronic Plus, Speed Limit Assist and Pre-Safe Brake.

“The new GL63 AMG completes our performance-oriented all-wheel drive offering,” said Mercedes-AMG Chairman Ola Källenius. “In addition to the ML63 AMG all-rounder and the recently unveiled, characterful G63 AMG and G65 AMG models, the GL63 AMG places particular emphasis on dynamism and style. Combining the first-rate comfort of the S-Class with the performance of an AMG sports saloon, the GL63 AMG is unique in its segment.”

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