The 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63: The Ultimate Family Luxury SUV Means V8 Power and an Effortless Ride
The luxury SUV class may have a new trendsetter with the 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63. All of the company's competitors should be paying especially close attention.
Mercedes is on a roll lately. I recently got to tour the upcoming 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS with a Kris Jenner-esque facelift, updated technology, and more customization options. Designers and engineers have now turned their attention to the performance-focused rendition, the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4Matic, which comes with equally important tweaks to the styling to add points to the luxury performance aesthetic.
But this makeover goes much deeper than appearances. To add to the luxurious feel of power under food is an extensively redeveloped twin-turbo V8 engine that pushes out incredible power. The engine also has an updated cooling system and the company’s predictive air suspension setup (more on that later), all of which add to a buttoned up, refined and quiet driving experience.
Before you picture yourself in the driver’s seat for a perfect summer getaway or a weekend escape, here is a breakdown of what’s new and why splurging on this extra-posh SUV will treat the driver while keeping the whole family connected.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. I was a guest of Mercedes-AMG for this sneak peek, but all opinions and impressions are my own.
Bejeweled Colors and an Assertive New Look Bring This Icon to Life
Mercedes-AMG is taking a bolder approach with the new GLS 63, making its performance influence apparent from first glance. There is intention with each part of the front end from the wheels up to the Affalterbach crest and emblem on the hood. The engine is hand-built, complete with a signature from the man or woman who designed and built it just for you. These are the “little” things that buyers expect from such a luxe, performance SUV.
The new grille has large air vents to maximize engine cooling, and the exclusive LED lighting with its own signature illuminates the front and gives Maybach vibes without the upgrade. I immediately noticed another clear indication you’re driving in this icon: clearly visible dual exhaust tips, which have a diffuser-inspired design. I like the sporty design, and this sits pretty with the sharp lines and AMG heritage details throughout.
Buyers can personalize their SUV with an expansive selection of gorgeous MANUFAKTUR details; just the names of the paint finishes set the tone:
- Cirrus Silver Magno
- Patagonia Red Metallic
- Mystic Blue Metallic
- Moonlight White Metallic
- Alpine Grey Moonlight
- White Magno Silicon
- Grey Côte d’Azur
- Light Blue Metallic
- Ireland Mid Green Metallic
For an even more customized look, any of these shades can be paired with the AMG Night Package Plus, which adds sleek, dark chrome accents.
Masterful Engineering for a Confident, Capable Drive
Even with a large, three-row luxury family SUV you shouldn’t have to compromise on performance. The heart of the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 is a heavily modified twin-turbo V8 engine delivering a massive 603 horsepower and 627 pound feet of torque. It now features motorsport-derived engineering for better acceleration, along with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that contributes an extra 23 HP of lag-free acceleration.
All this translates to absolute confidence when you need to switch lanes or accelerate through traffic safely, even when carrying a full load of luggage and your most precious cargo. Even though this is a grand, commanding SUV, the highly adjustable seating position makes it easy for drivers of all sizes to command an excellent view over the hood.
The standard all wheel drive, 4MATIC+, when paired with the suspension, or AMG Active Ride Control, improves your drive in the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 with comfy, stable maneuvering along twisty roads, changing lanes and over damaged roads without feeling your SUV slip or jut down into the potholes underneath. The sensors detect these driving conditions along the road surface 1,000 times per second, so with this stabilization, it feels like you’ll never need to acknowledge a pothole with a back ache or groan ever again. Money can buy happiness in the form of less bumpy, noisy drives.
What We Loved
The Mercedes-AMG GLS 63‘s cabin, which blends luxury materials and designs with three high-quality screens packed with the company’s new software, also includes key upgrades like:
- Premium Upholstery Choices: Choose from classic elegance or vibrant colors, including Exclusive Nappa leather (in Black, Macchiato Beige, and the new Beech Brown), Style Exclusive Nappa leather with Diamond stitching, or ultra-premium MANUFAKTUR shades like Yacht Blue, Truffle Brown, and Carmine Red.
- Ambiance: Accented by striking AMG carbon fiber or aluminum trim elements and an available Microfiber headliner.
- Family Utility: Generous second-row legroom, seamless entry and exit to the third row, accessible LATCH points and top tethers for easy car seat installation, and plenty of dedicated device connectivity and rear air vents to keep passengers comfortable.
What You Need to Know about the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63
Mercedes-AMG hasn’t shared details about pricing yet, telling us only about the upgraded styling, interior upgrades, technological perks, and standard features. However, we do know a few things from our visit with the Benz version. Here’s what we know:
- Mercedes’ updated GLS lineup will arrive at US dealerships later this year, as the 2027 model year
- We estimate pricing will start around $93,000 and go well north of six figures. The AMG version will likely start much higher. We wager around $150,000, since the outgoing model starts around there.
- The updated V8 is rumored to drastically improve acceleration
- Comes with a “Trail” mode to use the AWD system off-road, and it increases ground clearance by 2.2 inches
- Google’s Gemini technology works behind the scenes with MB.OS via the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant to enable natural, conversational control. Instead of using rigid, specific commands, you can just say you’re stressed and cold, and the AI will automatically turn on the seat heaters and activate a calming seat massage.
- Speaking of AI, it’s Gemini that analyzes the road ahead to prep the suspension for incoming potholes or imperfections. This is how AI integration should be.
Less Bumps, More Comfort, Endless Power
When a standout luxury SUV manages to blend striking curbside appeal with effortless driving capability, advanced navigation, and endless family entertainment, everybody wins. Thanks to the supple leather upholstery, the incredibly responsive MB.OS screens and highly supportive seating, you can focus entirely on the journey ahead. There’s no need to overthink the weather or the road conditions.
With everyone relaxed in their respective places, you can skip the massage appointment and let the vehicle do the heavy lifting. The sophisticated AMG suspension and robust V8 powertrain give you a family vehicle that is as composed as it is quick. The only noise you’ll have to worry about is the kids asking for a pit stop, because they definitely won’t be asking, “Are we there yet?” The 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 ensures that your toughest decision on the road will simply be choosing your ambient lighting color to match your driving mood.
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