Circuit Mont Tremblant, QC - Bigger is better right? That鈥檚 not usually the case when it comes to track-ready vehicles. Small, lithe and nimble are all adjectives you鈥檇 rather be associated with your ride; not behemoth, large or oafish. However, when it comes to the likes of the large 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG it鈥檚 truly 鈥渟 mall鈥?at heart. It鈥檚 safe to say that the GL63 AMG put my fears to rest -- and my right foot to the floor -- on more than one occasion. What is a Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG? Essentially, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG is a steroid-induced version of the GL-Class, a luxury crossover SUV. This truly is a track-ready family vehicle. Since 2006, the GL-Class has graced our streets with its big, bold looks. Its second-generation (unveiled in 2012) is even larger, but lighter. Offered in both diesel and gas variants, the GL-Class is a bit of a bruiser, but the ideal weekend warrior for family trips to the country and just as comfortable in the city. With three rows and plenty of room in the trunk, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG seems to be the farthest thing from a track-ready vehicle.

Circuit Mont Tremblant, QC - Bigger is better right? That鈥檚 not usually the case when it comes to track-ready vehicles. Small, lithe and nimble are all adjectives you鈥檇 rather be associated with your ride; not behemoth, large or oafish. However, when it comes to the likes of the large 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG it鈥檚 truly 鈥渟mall鈥?at heart. It鈥檚 safe to say that the GL63 AMG put my fears to rest -- and my right foot to the floor -- on more than one occasion. What is a Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG? Essentially, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG is a steroid-induced version of the GL-Class, a luxury crossover SUV. This truly is a track-ready family vehicle. Since 2006, the GL-Class has graced our streets with its big, bold looks. Its second-generation (unveiled in 2012) is even larger, but lighter. Offered in both diesel and gas variants, the GL-Class is a bit of a bruiser, but the ideal weekend warrior for family trips to the country and just as comfortable in the city. With three rows and plenty of room in the trunk, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG seems to be the farthest thing from a track-ready vehicle.

However, I鈥檒l let these numbers change your mind: 5.5L biturbo V8 good for 550 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque handled via a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT automatic transmission, with a 0-100km sprint completed in just 4.8 seconds. 125,900 (base). Quite a bit of pocket change, but if you can afford it, I say: Why not? I was not expecting the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG to do at all as well as it did on the track. I鈥檝e never been more wrong in my life. Press that start/stop button and the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG鈥檚 V8 roars to life in a fabulous manner, warning of things to come. Pop the retro-style column shifter in 鈥淒鈥?and it鈥檚 as if you鈥檝e been transported into a C-Class. My first few corners in the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG were handled with care -- after all, it鈥檚 a top-heavy SUV with significant body roll, isn鈥檛 it? Um, no. It鈥檚 not at all.

In fact, it handled the track as well as the C63 AMG Coupe I鈥檇 driven mere moments before. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG blissfully rev-matches all downshifts to the tune of the V8鈥檚 angry exhaust note out the rear quad tailpipes. I was surprised with how easily the GL63 AMG handled any corner I threw its way, until I remembered the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM that features active stabilizers that help control the vehicle鈥檚 body lean. Bringing this big beast to a stop is no trouble at all thanks to massive brakes that feature Adaptive Braking Technology that predicts your braking needs. Lift off the throttle quickly and it鈥檒l prime the brakes for you. Sitting atop 21鈥?AMG twin 5-spoke rims, in black with brushed chrome accents and AMG badging in all the right places; this is one good-looking SUV. Intimidating and aggressive from nose to tail, it鈥檚 clear this vehicle means business when you see it in your rearview. Inside, Mercedes-Benz spared no luxurious expense in the 2013 GL63 AMG. Truthfully, there鈥檚 not much out there in the realm of the GL63 AMG. Some would say that鈥檚 because Mercedes was mental to build a supercar SUV. However, if you are in the market for a GL63 AMG , you鈥檒l want to take a look at the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, BMW X5M and Range Rover Supercharged -- all worthy opponents to the big AMG track-killer.

Other examples of trailblazing safety innovations include: Active Lane Keeping Assist, which alerts the driver by simulating rumble strip vibration in the steering wheel if the car drifts from its lane without the turn signals on. It operates at speeds above 37 mph via a system that recognizes lane markings, thanks to a small camera in the windshield and a computer that analyzes the video images. Active Lane Keeping Assist incorporates an intervention feature, in which ESP braking automatically helps correct the car鈥檚 course if the driver doesn鈥檛 heed the initial warning. Active Blind Spot Assist monitors both blind spots behind and to the side of the vehicle. Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot, the driver gets visual and audible warnings. Active Blind Spot Assist also incorporates the ESP intervention feature, which automatically helps correct the car鈥檚 course if the driver doesn鈥檛 heed the initial warning.

The new COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system monitors the distance to vehicles in front and to stationary objects with a dedicated radar sensor. If the system senses a risk of imminent collision, it alerts the driver with a warning beep and flashing light on the dash. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST also networks with standard Brake Assist to prepare for emergency braking, so that maximum power assist is available as soon as the driver applies the brakes. Standard on the new GL, PRE-SAFE is a revolutionary safety system that can actually sense an impending collision before it happens and take measures to protect occupants during those valuable seconds before impact. The PRE-SAFE system automatically tightens the front seat belts before a possible impact, and, on some models, the front passenger seat moves to a position that can provide better protection. Side windows close to provide better support for the curtain air bags, and if the system senses an impending rollover, the sunroof also closes. The exterior appearance of the new GL line includes sleek bumpers and front grille, chrome window trim and front and rear skid plates.