MERCEDES-BENZ GL63 AMG Review

The morning commute around us seems to be treating our Mercedes GL63 AMG tester with respect. This may not be as elegant as a Range Rover, but perhaps this is what earns it points here. People in the city look at a GL and see a driver who needed practically, but couldn't go without the luxury.

Despite being larger than then the G63 AMG, the GL63 AMG is a bit more cooperative on urban roads. This comes thanks to its electrically-assisted power steering. Or, better said, due to the G-Class' recirculating ball steering.

The GL also feels more agile than a Range Rover here in the middle of the traffic. Thanks to its Active Curve (active stabilizer bars), the GL63 AMG simply moved around where the Range Rover Supercharged body roll made its tires scream.

Navigating the thing through the city is manageable and the car has plenty of rewards for you. We'll stick to naming the suspension comfort and the safe feeling of isolation. Saying things like "unstoppable" would've made matters a bit too arrogant.

We'll leave this job to the exhaust, which is always present, even at the light loads used inside the city. We couldn't settle for that though. We're exploring the complex range of aural thrills on the highway at the moment.

The soundproofing in here is mighty impressive, so out on the open road the exhaust's voice is the only thing allowed inside the palace.

Even in the firmer setup of the GL63 AMG, the car wafts nicely over the road. The ride is spectacularly good, so it's pretty difficult to upset the body, be it on the interstate or on some back roads. The comfort beats that of the G63 AMG, matching the Range Rover's offer.

And thanks to the use of the aforementioned active stabilizer bars, the GL63 AMG tackles the corners with plenty of confidence for such a large and heavy beast. The body's movements are much better kept in check when compared to both the Range Rover Supercharged and the Mercedes G63 AMG.

Still, you can feel the heavy nose of the car, an area where the Range Rover Supercharged felt a bit more neutral. In case you're wondering the GL63 AMG comes with a 60:40 (front:rear) default torque split. As for the rest of the power delivery, going for the optional Off Road Pack brings you two locking differentials.