The world is still trying to get its head around the new Mercedes G63, as AMG strikes again with yet another high-powered, bonkers, super sport SUV. It’s the 2013 Mercedes GL63 AMG, based on the facelifted GL, and powered by the same .5 liter twin-turbo V8 that powers the big G and the rest of AMG’s family. This family bus has 557 hp and 750 Nm of torque.

With the ML63, G63, G65 and now GL63, AMG becomes the king of high-speed utility segment. Trouble is, most people think of these cars as completely pointless and wasteful toys. Well, they probably are, but you have to admit they’re such damn good toys. And anyway, AMG don’t make sensible cars. they make fun cars.

In order to be fun, this big SUV needs to be fast. And indeed it is. The GL 63 AMG manages the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds and its top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited). Still, it’s not like that it will drink petrol like its red wine. Average fuel consumption is said to be 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres (with 288 g CO2/km) which is not bad at all.

The engine is mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC with three driving modes that can be set for efficiency (C), or outright performance. In the Sport (S) and Manual (M) driving programmes the ECO start/stop function is inactive.

AMG cars not only get the big engine and beefed up chassis, they also benefit from a cool body kit. Now, AMG didn’t do so well with the new ML63, but with the GL they seem to have got it right. The car gets massive air in tkakes, big sports grille, side steps, flared arches, a cool rear diffuser and 21-inch wheels. Inside the cabin you get more leather and extra aluminum accents.

• AMG door sill panels in stainless steel
• AMG floor mats
• AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs
• Active Parking Assist
• ATTENTION ASSIST
• Bi-xenon headlamps
• Audio 20 CD radio with Bluetooth® and USB interface
• COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
• Electric EASY-ENTRY system in the rear compartment
• Electrically operated EASY-PACK tailgate
• Electric glass tilt/sliding sunroof
• Intelligent Light System (ILS) with new off-road lighting
• KEYLESS-GO
• Multicontour seats for driver and front passenger including a massage function and Memory package
• Crosswind Assist
• THERMATIC 3-zone automatic climate control

• 5-twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels (10 x 21 format) painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, fitted with 295/40 R 21 tyres
• AMG Performance steering wheel with DINAMICA microfibre in the grip area
• Brake callipers, painted red

• AMG sports seats in front and bench seats in the second and third rows in designo leather
• Upper and lower section of the dashboard, centre console, beltlines, door panelling, door centre panels and armrests in the doors in designo leather
• designo metal badges in the backrests of the front seats and the outer rear seats
• Velour floor mats with designo metal badges and edging in designo black leather

• 360° camera
• Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist
• Trailer coupling with electric unlocking
• Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system
• Becker® MAP PILOT
• Brake Assist BAS PLUS
• DISTRONIC PLUS
• Electrically operated EASY PACK tailgate
• Speed Limit Assist
• PRE-SAFE® Brake