Mercedes-Benz AMG-up’s their full-size family truckster to make the GL63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz likes to make an AMG model out of pretty much anything, and this notion comes especially after the brand decided to AMG-up their Hummer H1 equivalent in 2005, the Gelandewagen, to make the G55 AMG. Now, Mercedes-Benz has decided to AMG their latest urban family truckster. So if the kids are driving you nuts and you want to shorten the duration of your trip as quickly as possible, then look no further.

The result is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG, and the recipe is rather simple. You start with a basic GL550, swap out the base V8 for AMG’s twin-turbocharged 5.5L V8 that churns out an earth-stopping 550hp and 560 lb-ft of torque, and channel that through Mercedes’ own seven-speed AMG Speedshift transmission. Sixty miles per hour comes up in just 4.9 seconds for a top run of the usual 155 mph.

“With the new GL63 AMG, our range of performance-oriented SUVs is now complete. Alongside the outstandingly versatile ML63 AMG and the recently launched G63 AMG and G65 AMG, the GL63 AMG sets clear accents in the fields of dynamics and style,” said AMG’s CEO, Ola Kallenius. “The GL63 AMG combines the first-class comfort of the S-Class with the performance of an AMG sports sedan and is utterly unique in its segment.”

– By: Chris Chin