New Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG Is Fit for the Fastest of Families

HAVERHILL, MASS. (06/14/2012)(readMedia)-- The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class already showcases an intimidating profile on its way to soccer practice, but a new high-powered trim of the full-size luxury SUV will be just as speedy as it is strapping. Set for release in the United States in the first quarter of next year, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG will feature a series of drivetrain and suspension upgrades to deliver new levels of capability and sports-car-like acceleration.

Designed by AMG, Mercedes-Benz's high performance division, the GL63 AMG builds upon the all-new 2013 GL-Class that arrives at dealerships this September. The most significant change from AMG comes under the hood, where a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 will churn out a massive 550 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. Mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT seven-speed automatic transmission, that advanced powerplant can propel the GL63 AMG from zero to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, the fastest time of any seven-passenger SUV on the market.

"Mercedes-Benz has already come out with an AMG trim of the M-Class SUV, and the G-Class will get its version this summer, but a high-performance GL-Class has long been anticipated by enthusiasts with bigger families," said James Buckley, general manager of Smith Motor Sales, a Mercedes-Benz dealer in Massachusetts. "The thought of a full-size SUV being able to safely reach a speed more than 150 mph is astounding, but the GL63 AMG is fully capable. Even at the speed limit, it will certainly make family road trips a lot more interesting."

Though it is packed with power and speed, AMG engineers were still mindful of fuel efficiency when creating a sportier GL-Class. The GL63 AMG's transmission includes a Controlled Efficiency mode featuring an ECO start/stop function, which shuts down the engine when the vehicle is fully stopped. Controlled Efficiency mode also tweaks throttle response and enables earlier shifts to further improve gas mileage.

Yet another new AMG vehicle will be arriving this November in the form of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT supercar. Boosting output by 20 horsepower over the SLS AMG that it will replace, the SLS AMG GT produces a total of 583 horsepower while maintaining its predecessor's 479 pound-feet of torque. That extra thrust from the 6.3-liter V8 engine helps the GT knock a tenth of a second off the current SLS AMG's 0 - 60 mph time, resulting in a 3.6-second burst. Once it is unleashed, the SLS AMG GT can accelerate up to an electronically limited top speed of 197 mph.

To help drivers handle its abundance of power, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT includes additional adjustments to its drivetrain and suspension. Steering-wheel-mounted alloy shift paddles ensure quicker and cleaner manual shifting, while a new AMG Adaptive Performance Suspension features stiffer and more aggressive tuning in the springs. Inside, the SLS AMG GT is available with an AMG designo STYLE package, which offers designo leather upholstery with contrast stitching in three different color combinations.

"Whether they are juicing up a large SUV or packing even more horsepower into a supercar's engine, Mercedes-Benz and its AMG team are always finding ways to raise the bar on performance," noted Buckley. "Creating a modern high-performance car means making sure that every component is built with power and efficiency in mind, and that line of thinking carries over across Mercedes-Benz's entire lineup."

About Smith Motor Sales:

For more than 75 years, Smith Motor Sales has brought Mercedes-Benz ownership to customers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Smith Motor Sales has remained an elite Mercedes-Benz dealer throughout the years through their commitment to customer service and their wide selection of new and used Mercedes-Benz vehicles, as well as their expert service and parts staff. Browse their inventory online at www.smithmercedesdealer.com, stop by their showroom at 420 River Street in Haverhill, Massachusetts, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SmithMercedes, or reach them by phone at 978-372-2552.