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Issue link: http://ranchandcoast.uberflip.com/i/1510434
I RECENTLY SPENT A WEEK IN A NEW Jeep Wrangler, perhaps the first vehicle to ever claim the moniker "Sports Utility Vehicle." at description, SUV, now appears to label nearly every vehicle produced today except for the few sports cars and sedans still offered for sale. And with this proliferation of offerings, there's an SUV available for every need and budget, even the big, posh, and powerful variety for transporting one's family with proper alacrity. Fast-forward and that SUV largess of size along with AMG performance sits near the top of Mercedes-Benz offerings, with only the Maybach trim level surpassing its MSRP. e 17-foot-long, 5,800-pound, seven-passenger Mercedes AMG GLS 63 isn't necessarily ready for off-road duty, especially with its 23-inch wheels shod with low profile, high-speed-rated tires. Besides, the 0-to-60 acceleration of 4.1 seconds and 174 MPH top speed are not very useful on a trail in the wilderness. However, the big, hand-crafted 603 HP V8 with 627 pound-feet of torque easily enables 7,700-pound towing capacity — enough to pull a 30-foot Airstream in remarkable style. But, I'd urge that trailering adventure to keep under triple-digit speeds for the safety of the entire highway population around all that mass. While I didn't hook up a big load since the press vehicle was absent a tow package, I did my share of luxury performance motoring while nicely ensconced in the Bahia Brown/Black Napa leather seat. at lofty perch, along with the cupholders, are heated or cooled depending on the climate or your mood swings. e view includes two displays, the driver's with programmable functions from Classic to Discreet or Sporty along with a center display with touch controls available. I simply uttered "Hey Mercedes" and asked the friendly, feminine MBUX computer to do my bidding. After all, there's a reason you've laid out $153,000 for this grand conveyance. detour transportation A Big Benz Born to Run PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MERCEDES-BENZ e Mercedes AMG GLS 63 SUV is a lovely way to travel the Autobahn BY BRIAN DOUGLAS ranchandcoast.com 78 NOVEMBER 2023 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE