New addition to AMGpowered large SUV lineup
As far as SUVs go, there is perhaps none so individual — and slightly unhinged — in character as Mercedes-Benz’s G-Wagen (or G-Class as the manufacturer insists on calling it these days, although no one pays attention to that).
Especially in “Eastern European Gangster spec” AMG G 63 trim, the brutalist box is cut from a different cloth; an SUV that remains steadfastly square, unapologetically loud and wears its military origins on its stylishly cut sleeve. It’s mad, but unlike the American Hummer, it’s not stupid.
The G 63 isn’t for everyone. Barely anyone in New Zealand buys a G-Wagen in anything other than AMG guise, and the oldschool DNA apparent in every slab-sided body panel comes with its share of compromises.
But, being Mercedes-Benz, there is an AMG alternative if it’s a large SUV you’re after. And the
next-gen update of the secondshoutiest XL-sized people-mover in the Benz range has been snapped by Brit motoring outlet, Auto Express, hiding in plain sight in a carpark.
Still wearing a bit of camouflage tape around key areas, the test mule was spied just after Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers hinted an AMG version of the latest edition of the GLS luxoSUV is something customers remain keen on.
We love that AMG appears to be allowed to continue working away on its own horsepowerhappy machinery, while the EQ electric brand exists over on the other side of the carpark.
The vehicle parked in the carpark has had the AMG treatment front and rear, with more aggressive bumpers, larger sports alloys and twin exhaust pipes.
According to Auto Express, the GLS 63 will also feature a reworked traction control system and larger brakes, as well as uprated performance suspension and fourwheel-drive systems.
And if all that seems too shouty for such a luxuriously minded SUV, the other rumour bubbling around the GLS is that it might form the blueprint for a super-luxurious Range Rover-baiting Maybachbadged SUV. The dimensions are certainly right . . . but we’d still want that 4-litre V8 up front.