What's the difference?
It’s fair to say Mercedes-AMG GLS63 buyers really want it all; good looks, cutting-edge technology, seven-seat practicality, leading safety and V8 performance to name a few key desirables. And, lucky for them, the new model is finally here.
Yep, the latest GLS63 is yet another exercise in excess, leaving very little to be desired by its buyers. Indeed, it ticks almost every box when it comes to a utility vehicle that well and truly puts the sports in Sports Utility Vehicle.
But, of course, this raises questions over whether or not the GLS63 is trying to do too much. And given this model does a whole lot more than its predecessor, these questions need to be answered again. Read on.
The Audi Q7 has come in for its second facelift as it enters its ninth year of production while the younger Q8 is in for its first refresh.
But these two aren't like the Mitsubishi ASX and Eclipse Cross pair; Audi's MLB underpinnings were cutting edge at their launch 2015 and remain stand-out in the class with advanced suspension and chassis tech, connectivity and refinement.
A host of small visual and performance tweaks aim to make the range-topping SQ7 we're driving even better. But should you make the sensible seven-seat decision or go a little rogue and choose the sloping-roofed SQ8?
The GLS63 is an intimidating beast from afar, but it rewards its occupants in almost every way. Yep, there really isn’t a box it doesn’t tick without serious compromise, such is its breadth of capability.
If there was ever a Swiss Army Knife of cars, the GLS63 is definitely a contender for the title, one that makes it very hard to wipe the smile off your face. Just make sure you can fit it in your garage first…
There are newer options than the current Audi SQ7 and SQ8, including those which use the same platform, but don't write these luxury large SUVs off just yet.
It's a rare thing that a vehicle costing $200,000 has an air of pragmatism about it, but the SQ7 does. Its sensible leather upholstery, decent practicality, towing capability and near-excess of interior space make it a great family wagon.
As a counterpoint, the sharper looking SQ8 has minimal trade-off in comfort and interior room (at least for five) and is the kind of statement piece you'd expect for the price — especially in one of its loud paint colours.
Whichever way you leap, it's true that while the SQ7 and SQ8 are ageing, they are doing so gracefully and remain a superb option in this segment.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.