Mercedes GL 63 AMG launch on April 15

Mercedes continues its AMG onslaught in India. Its latest entrant will be the GL 63 AMG with a launch slated for April 15. The only GL model on sale in India till now was the GL 350 CDI. After launching the SUV in May 2013 local assembly of the GL commenced in August. Now its time for the AMG version.

The GL 63 AMG as the name suggests gets the 5.5-litre 565 PS biturbo V8 that’s also in the E 63 AMG in current state of tune. The high torque output of 760 Nm propels the GL 63 AMG from 0-100 kmph in 4.9 seconds and can reach a electronically limited top speed of 250 kmph. For a SUV with a kerb weight of over 2.5 tonnes, that’s some blisteringly quick time. 

The GL 63 AMG sends drive to all four wheels via the speedshift 7G-tronic gearbox. Three driving modes are on offer – comfort, sport and manual. In comfort mode, the start-stop system stays active, gear changes happen early and starts take place in second gear. In sports and manual mode, stop-start is deactivated and shift times get shorter. The transfer case for the 4Matic all-wheel drive system distributes power in 40:60 ratio to the front and rear axles respectively. 

Coming to the suspension, the massive GL gets airmatic suspension with adaptive damping system. To top that up, the GL 63 AMG also get active roll stabilization with AMG’s Active Curve System. Much needed for a car of this size and performance, the system employs active anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles to minimize body roll while cornering. The suspension too gets three modes – comfort, sport and sport plus. It is also speed sensitive which means it lowers the body at higher speeds to reduce drag.

The massive GL 63 AMG gets wider footprint courtesy 295/40 R 21 tyres all round and massive 390mm discs up front and 345mm discs at the back provide ample stopping power.