Mercedes-Benz has given its most-luxurious SUV, the GLS, the AMG treatment.
The Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4Matic is equipped with a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with an integrated starter alternator. It combines a starter motor and an alternator in a single, powerful electric motor compactly integrated between the engine and the transmission. The briefly and additionally available 16kW of output and 250 Nm of torque allow particularly fast sprints from a standstill and intermediate sprints, e.g. when overtaking.
Moreover, this innovative component not only supplies the 48-volt electrical system, and is not only used as a power generator, but also performs hybrid functions. These include boost, recuperate, load point shift, gliding and the virtually imperceptible restarting of the engine with the start/stop function. For the first time, the EQ Boost starter-alternator is also responsible for idle speed control. This allows fuel savings that were previously reserved for high-voltage hybrid technology.
In the GLS 63 it develops an output of 450 kW. The performance of the V8 biturbo engine is enhanced by a further 16 kW courtesy of the integrated starter-alternator – resulting in impressive torque of up to 850 Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 4.2 seconds, while the top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited). 280 km/h is possible with the optional AMG Driver’s package.
The AMG Speedshift TCT 9-speed automatic transmission ensures highly dynamic acceleration with short shift times.
The standard-fit AMG Ride Control + air suspension with special spring/damper set-up and adaptive adjustable damping ADS+ (Adaptive Damping System) is claimed to combine outstanding driving dynamics with high ride comfort. It forms the basis for a driving experience that is characterised by a high level of agility, neutral cornering behaviour and optimum traction. The damping characteristics can be preselected in three stages – “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+”, allowing a much more obvious distinction between high long-distance comfort and sporty vehicle dynamics.
