The first generation Mercedes-Benz GL was conceived largely with the American market in mind. With three rows of seats and the right dimensions to provide acceptable luxurious accommodation for plus-sized occupants, the GL’s second generation has also remained true to its founding principles.

But, while US car buyers have become a motley bunch of radical environmentalists and indifferent ‘truck’ owners, China has fast taken on the Mantra – ‘Bigger is Better’. So we have had XL versions with LWB, EWB appendages (long-wheelbase) from almost every car maker. The market for the GL has expanded and Indian buyers too have been warming up to it.

But, what can be better than a plush giant…a plush giant with Usain Bolt’s legs!

Not new to picking out Mercedes-Benz’s stock cars and making them insanely powerful and fast, AMG (Merc’s performance car brand) chose to give the GL its special touch. The result is the GL 63 AMG – a 2.5-tonne plus giant that eats up tarmac like a sportscar.

How fast, you ask? How does a 0 to 100 kmph sprint in less than five seconds sound? The GL 63 AMG does it in 4.9 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 250 kmph! And all the while the GL 63 continues to look like the plump, but handsome model that the regular GL looks like.

Burly clone Closer inspection will reveal modifications to the front fender and air vents, the variation in the double twin exhausts at the rear etc. But most of the changes are under the hood and of course, in an AMG, the badges are everything. So, apart from the AMG tag, there are badges like the V8 biturbo on the wings which warn the onlooker that there is nothing innocent about the GL 63.

You might be a bit blind to all the subtle changes that the folks at Affalterbach (AMG’s headquarters) have given to the GL 63 and also fail to appreciate the stout 5-spoked, 21-inch AMG alloys wheels and the massive brake callipers they hide. Stepping into the GL 63’s cabin might still leave you wondering about whether it is the stock car or an AMG, though there are enough badges to point out. The cabin feels plusher and the sports seats are a nice addition, but overall it is still the GL inside.

But, grab the wheel, reach out to the GL 63’s dashboard and turn the key to start the engine and there is this guttural warning from the exhaust after it comes alive. Tap the throttle a few times and it is not just the menacing exhaust note, but a warm pulsing at the seat of your pants that lets you know of the GL 63’s potential.

We were in Affalterbach to drive a few new AMGs and the GL 63 was our first pick. The roads around the area are a mix of desolate single lane roads with both straight and windy uphill stretches – perfect for testing the GL 63. The countryside is breath-taking and we even encounter a mix of late winter snowfall and early spring sunshine making the drive more interesting.

Blistering Performance The first reaction to the GL 63 will invariably be surprise. Imagine a 7-seater that seems to ‘eat lighting and crap thunder’ (like Mickey said to Rocky). Aside of all that drama from the exhaust, on the road, the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine propels the GL 63 forward with disproportionate urgency. There is 557 bhp available to exploit any kind of dynamic road or track condition that you would face. And there is 760 Nm of torque from a low 2,000 rpm to a wide band all the way to 5,000 rpm.

The AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-TRONIC transmission feels just a tad bit lazy at times, but with the manual input option and the Sport mode there should be enough to keep even the purists thrilled to bits. They may not appreciate the over-assisted steering and the pliant suspension setting in Comfort mode, though, owners driving in most Indian cities will find it a blessing. The other two modes to choose from are Sport and Sport Plus. The air suspension system is speed sensitive too. There is a long list of safety features and assistance systems that the GL 63 AMG is offered with, but we will focus on two aspects. The specially designed transfer case for the 4MATIC all-wheel drive, distributes power to the front and rear axle at a ratio of 40:60. There is also the Adaptive Damping System which combines with the Active Curve System for roll stabilisation. At high speeds this system employs active anti-roll bars on both axles to keep roll angle in control during cornering.

Bottomline Stepping up from the stock GL’s much improved cabin refinement levels, the GL 63 AMG’s cabin has enough chrome and polished wood trim to satisfying most buyers’ bespoke needs. And if the burbling exhaust note isn’t enough to entertain you during the drive, there is also the specially caliberated Bang & Olufsen BeoSound music system.

As a 7-seater performance crossover, the GL 63 AMG stands pretty much alone in its category. The only other options to consider are the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover Sport. But, if you want fast transport for your extended family and you have a budget of about Rs 1.6 crore, the GL 63 AMG will fit nicely into that plan.

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