When Mercedes first revealed they’d be producing the GL63 AMG, many questioned whether or not that much power is really needed in a full-size SUV weighing some 5,800 lbs. But let’s face it – can a twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8 that puts out 550 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque really be wrong in any circumstance? While you may not be hitting the Nurburgring with it on a daily basis, there’s always that moment after you drop the kid’s off at soccer practice, hit the pedal and feel the 4.8 second 0-60 speed whip you back in your seat that you become completely convinced that the GL63 AMG has in every way earned the AMG badge.
As you can imagine, if some were skeptical of an AMG version of the GL, they’re likely to be even more skeptical when hearing that Brabus is coming out with a tuned version of the powerful land yacht, which they’re calling the Brabus B63 620 Widestar. But as you’ll see, Brabus, as always, did not disappoint.
Brabus first tweaked the 5.5-liter V8 Biturbo engine using their BRABUS B63 – 620 performance kit, the same kit that is also used on other AMG 63 eight-cylinder models. The engine is now capable of producing 456.3 kW / 620 hp (611 bhp). While not a huge gain, there’s no such thing as too much power.
Where the Brabus B63 620 Widestar really shines, however, is on the outside, where Brabus added more muscular features for an even sportier finish. The AMG SUV now sports massive fender flares in front and back, fits up to 23″ forged wheels, boasts larger air inlets in the front, and can now be lowered by up to 1.2″. In the rear, a new stainless-steel sport exhaust system makes the back look equally as great as the front. The system is not just for the looks, however, as it also manages to produce a heart racing V8 exhaust note. It’s a sound so pulse quickening that if it weren’t exceptionally high safety rating on the vehicle, it would easily get you out of carpool duty, as the other soccer moms will cower in fear at thought of their children strapped in to such a monstrously powerful vehicle.
For days when the ominous V8 sound isn’t what you want (which really should be never), an integrated butterfly valve also lets you choose a particularly quiet “coming home” mode as well.
From there, Brabus turned their attention to the new Mercedes GL63 AMG’s interior, offering stainless-steel scuff plates with back-lit BRABUS logo as well as a combination of the Mastik leather and Alcantara leather elements that have been stitched with perfect precision. This precision can be seen especially well when looking at the perfect squares sewn throughout the design pattern.
I urge you to check out the photo gallery for yourself to get a better look at the incredible details that went into the design and check out the video showing exactly why we love the GL63 AMG so much.