Unleashing the monster GLS
The Mercedes AMG GLS63s epitomises opulent luxury, and bruising performance melded into one unstoppable package. Not only is it packed to the rafters with comfort and tech features that make even the most laborious drive enjoyable, but under the bonnet is a powerplant capable of moving mountains.
Related: Mercedes-AMG GLS63 4Matic+ (2021) Review - Rolling with the Leviathan
The 2024 model has received a number of revisions inside and out that have turned the wick up on this monster, and the engineers have been busy under the bonnet as well. The addition of F1-derived E-performance technology means that the GLS63 is now even more powerful and economical.
Power figures
In the 2024 GLS63, the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine from Afalterbach has an output of 450 kW, but the addition of hybrid technology now produces an extra 16kW of electric boost, totalling 466kW. The standard 850Nm is now supplemented by the 48-volt auxiliary onboard electrical system and the integrated starter-alternator, which can deliver up to 250Nm of electric boost on demand, ensuring powerful propulsion.
The V8 engine is electrified with an integrated starter-alternator (ISG) and a 48-volt onboard electrical system. The ISG combines a starter and alternator in one powerful electric motor installed between the engine and transmission. The ISG also performs hybrid functions. These include boosting, recuperation, load point shifting, gliding, and almost imperceptible engine restarting with the start/stop function.
Explosive power delivery with finely controlled power output truly sets it apart. For this purpose, the twin-scroll turbochargers are located between the cylinder heads for better response. On the other hand, the cylinder shutoff system noticeably reduces consumption when less power is required. This means that the claimed figures of 13.2l/100km of fuel consumption are not just a fantasy and can be easily reached when cruising at highway speeds, returning well over 660 km on a fuel tank.
Don't let the efficiency fool you, though; the GLS63s is still capable of eye-watering speeds and performance, completing the 0-100km/h sprint in a swift 4.2 seconds and going on to an electronically limited top speed of 280km/h.
