It is remarkably easy to get entirely rhapsodic when evaluating Mercedes-AMG’s newest iteration of the high-performance GLS 63. From its finely crafted, ultra-luxurious cabin and its versatile three rows accommodating six or seven occupants, to its bold, head-turning presence characterized by towering 23-inch rims and a striking new illuminated grille, this flagship utility vehicle demands attention. Yet, at its very core, the true appeal of this massive machine is fundamentally about what lies beneath the hood.
For the 2027 model year, Mercedes-AMG has extensively redesigned its signature 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine. It now packs a formidable 603 horsepower and 627 foot-pounds of torque. That immense output provides more than enough muscle to launch this 6,110-pound heavyweight from a complete standstill to 60 miles per hour in a blistering 4.0 seconds, a feat aided significantly by a newly implemented launch-control feature.
This updated power plant represents Mercedes-AMG’s new-generation M177 EVO engine, enhanced and enlivened by the incorporation of a flat-plane crankshaft—a design feature traditionally associated with shrieking, high-revving supercar engines rather than luxury family haulers. According to AMG engineers, this architecture successfully lowers internal mechanical mass, delivers substantially sharper throttle response, and makes the V-8 remarkably eager to rev toward its redline. Furthermore, this sophisticated redesign assists the automaker in meeting increasingly stringent global emissions regulations without sacrificing the visceral performance that enthusiasts demand.
If this more potent engine were not enough on its own, the 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 bristles with fresh technology and advanced engineering enhancements designed to sharpen its overall driving dynamics. It also arrives with a significantly more distinctive exterior design and even higher levels of luxury packed into its cavernous interior. Together, these updates give this latest high-performance GLS substantially more room to stand out from an elite group of rival three-row performance S.U.V.s, including Cadillac’s formidable Escalade-V, BMW’s refined X7 M60i, and Audi’s brand-new SQ9.
What’s New
The current-generation style of the GLS 63 has been a fixture in the luxury market since 2020, making this latest iteration a midlife facelift. However, it is an exceptionally significant one, with a reported 40 percent of the vehicle’s components being entirely new. Visually, it cuts a much bolder profile from the outset. It adopts a revised, Panamericana-style grille featuring vertical chrome bars that pay direct homage to the historic 1952 Mercedes 300 SL race car, which famously competed in the grueling Carrera Panamericana road race across Mexico.
The exterior lighting array has also been thoroughly updated. The vehicle now features a distinctive ring of bright-white LEDs encircling the larger, thicker-framed grille. Enlarged headlights incorporate striking three-pointed-star running lights, while fresh taillights boast additional three-pointed stars integrated seamlessly into their luminous motif.
Down at the rear, observers will notice a new AMG Performance exhaust system featuring a quartet of ovoid pipes protruding menacingly through a revised rear diffuser. At all four corners, drivers can choose from newly designed wheels, including a multi-spoke 23-inch version and a distinctively styled five-spoke 23-inch monoblock option that evokes classic AMG heritage.
Stepping inside reveals a heavily redesigned dashboard, further enhanced by the brand’s expansive, full-width MBUX Superscreen featuring a trio of 12.3-inch displays, including a dedicated screen for the front-seat passenger. The cabin is governed by the new MB.OS operating system, which features enhanced "Hey Mercedes" voice commands backed by advanced artificial intelligence searches and integrated Google Maps functionality. Reassuringly, amidst all the digital integration, Mercedes has retained plenty of physical buttons for essential controls.
The cockpit also features a wonderfully thick-rimmed AMG steering wheel available in a choice of premium coverings. Naturally, buyers are treated to an expansive array of new upholstery and trim choices sourced from the automaker’s ever-expanding Manufaktur personalization program. Less universally appealing, however, is the vibrant, multicolored ambient cabin lighting scheme, which can give the interior a glowing aesthetic reminiscent of Tokyo by night.
Design
The full-bodied GLS 63 remains the largest model within the continuously expanding fleet of Mercedes utility vehicles. Measuring more than 206 inches from nose to tail, it still falls slightly short in overall length compared to Audi’s new SQ9 at 209 inches and Cadillac’s massive Escalade-V at 212 inches. Even so, standing 70 inches tall, drivers will never mistake it for anything other than an absolute automotive behemoth.
Yet, thanks to these latest exterior design modifications, the vehicle possesses a more distinctive and aggressive stance than ever before, particularly when rolling on those oversized 23-inch wheels. AMG-exclusive styling cues amplify its commanding road presence, including a heavily contoured power-domed hood, a bolder front fascia featuring enlarged lower air intakes, and striking new paint colors such as Mid-Green Metallic, Moonlight White Magno, and the Mystic Blue Metallic seen on test models.
Powertrain and Hardware
While the introduction of the M177 EVO V-8 profoundly strengthens the GLS 63’s performance credentials, it is supported by a comprehensive suite of mechanical hardware. Among these is a sophisticated mild-hybrid system featuring a new-generation integrated starter-generator. At lower engine speeds, this system supplements the internal combustion engine with an additional 23 horsepower and 151 foot-pounds of torque. While it does not offer pure electric-only driving capability, its primary functions are to dramatically improve off-the-line responsiveness and make the automatic stop-start system virtually imperceptible.
To ensure this massive Mercedes handles twisting corners with the same competence it demonstrates in a straight line, the 63 is equipped with AMG Active Ride Control+ active-roll stabilization, which actively combats body roll to deliver stable, precise handling. This system works in tandem with standard air suspension. When navigating unpaved paths or rough terrain, the vehicle can raise its ride height by 2.2 inches. Furthermore, the adaptive damping system delivers a firmly controlled ride in Comfort mode, and a noticeably stiffer setup when switching to Sport or Sport+, rewarding the driver with significantly reduced body roll during aggressive maneuvers.
Performance
For a vehicle that tips the scales at over 6,000 pounds and stands nearly six feet tall, the comprehensive array of AMG performance enhancements makes the latest GLS 63 an undeniable thrill to pilot. Straight-line acceleration is nothing short of exhilarating. Moreover, the new AMG exhaust system, combined with the flat-plane-crank architecture of the large V-8, generates an urgent, sharp soundtrack that feels entirely uncharacteristic of a traditional utility vehicle as the engine winds its way toward a 6,800 rpm redline.
This is a sensational engine defined by immense character, offering seemingly endless reserves of low-end and midrange muscle for effortless passing maneuvers, alongside surprising smoothness and refinement during high-speed cruising. Selecting Sport or Sport+ mode via the drive-mode selector awakens a palpable layer of raw energy.
Naturally, physics dictates that anything weighing upwards of 6,000 pounds will never handle quite like a dedicated sports car. Nevertheless, the GLS 63 makes a remarkably valiant effort, utilizing its electronic-locking rear differential effectively to transfer all 603 horsepower directly to the pavement. The steering is also well-judged; while it can initially feel slightly too light, it quickly proves to be exceptionally precise and communicative.
The primary trade-off for this athletic capability is a firm ride quality, which remains stiff even when left in Comfort mode. The sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires provide exceptional mechanical grip, though they do generate a noticeable amount of road noise over coarse asphalt, and deep potholes are best avoided entirely.
Is It Worth It?
Arguably, the most formidable challenges facing this latest GLS 63 originate from within the Mercedes lineup itself. Many performance-oriented buyers might find complete satisfaction in the exceptional GLS 580, which utilizes a similar 4.0-liter V-8 engine and delivers a still-impressive 530 horsepower. Alternatively, for buyers willing to forgo third-row seating entirely, the lighter and more compact, AMG-tuned GLE 63 shares the exact same 603-horsepower output.
However, for those consumers who specifically require three functional rows of seating along with the capacity to tow up to 7,700 pounds of heavy cargo, boat trailers, or track-day car haulers, this Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 delivers a level of capability and performance that fully justifies its starting price of approximately $157,000.
