If you’re in the market for a high performance luxury SUV, chances are you’ll be looking at the 5.0-litre V8 Range Rover, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, BMW X5 M, or indeed Mercedes’ own ML63 AMG.

But, what if you also require a third row of seats to go with the stratospheric performance? Well in that case there’s this… the most powerful incarnation of Mercedes’ GL Class. Redesigned for 2013, the new GL63 AMG packs a 5.5 litre twin-turbo V8 motor, producing 550 bhp and 760 Nm of torque – good for a 0-62 sprint of 4.9 seconds and an electronically limited speed of 155 mph, or 174 mph if you plump for the £2,820 AMG Driver’s package.

The GL 63 AMG is visually distinguished by AMG body styling, flared wheel arches housing 21 inch light-alloy wheels with a titanium grey finish, silver-painted AMG high-performance brake calipers, and aluminium-finish running boards with rubber studs and LED illumination. At the rear, two chromed twin tailpipes, and chromed bumper insert give this pumped up SUV a menacing appearance.

As soon as you hit the starter button, the hand built eight cylinder engine beats into life with a strong bassy soundtrack. Stomp on the throttle and the big motor erupts with a mighty roar that’s more befitting of an old school American muscle car than a German SUV. Along with the noise is the propulsion: you’re quickly pinned back in your seat as the 7G-Tronic seven-speed dual clutch auto whips through the gears, while the speedo needle rapidly climbs around the dial. Mercedes claim an official combined 23 mpg, but expect considerably less in real-world conditions.

The ride is pretty comfortable, considering the necessary chassis stiffening required to make this 2580 kg heavyweight accommodate corners. There are three suspension modes: Comfort, Manual and Sport: the latter two settings feeling noticeably firmer. Brakes are very strong and the steering is well weighted, but doesn’t have a huge amount of feel, although the GL63 always seems planted, secure and stable.

On the subject of safety, in addition to its strong body and six airbags the GL63 AMG has a plethora of electronic driver aids, including: Attention Assist, Collision Prevention Assist, Downhill Speed Regulation, and Hill Start Assist.

Inside you’re greeted with a spacious cabin that’s luxuriously appointed with comfortable leather seating and a swanky dashboard trimmed with leather and brushed light aluminum. The £4,335 optional B&O system certainly impresses with its high-fidelity sound, but you’d think this would be standard fit on a car wearing a £92,330 price tag.

The view of the road from the helm is superb, thanks not only to the raised driving position, but also the large glass area and the GL’s boxy shape. This serves to offer a spacious rear cabin and a huge 2300 litre cargo area, with all rear seats lowered. An electrically automated ‘fold and tumble’ feature, takes the chore out of this task, while also giving easy access to the third rear row.

Verdict:

Dynamically it may not be the best premium performance SUV on the market: the Range Rover Sport and Porsche Cayenne Turbo see to that, with a sharper, more engaging drive. But these rivals can’t compete with the big Mercedes’ blend of incredible pace, space, and seven-seat versatility.

Tech spec:

Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
OTR Price: £92,330
Engine: V8, 5461cc, petrol, twin-turbo
Power: 550 bhp @ 5250 – 5,750 rpm
Torque: 760Nm @ 1600 – 2,400 rpm
Gearbox: AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic
0-62mph: 4.9 sec
Top speed: 155mph (174 mph with AMG Driver’s Package)
Economy: 23 mpg
CO2: 288g/km