If you want to get your kids to soccer practice faster, then AMG has the performance-tuned people-mover for you - the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG. We first learned about AMG's upcoming three-row, twin-turbo V-8-powered beast a few months ago, and now the automaker is using this week's Moscow auto show for the GL63's official world debut. As previously reported, the hood is stuffed with a twin-turbo, direct-injected 5.5-liter V-8 producing 550 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. It's essentially the same M157 mill found in the five-passenger ML63 with tweaks from the optional AMG Performance Package. Power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic. Mercedes claims it'll go from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, about 0.6 seconds quicker than the GL550 (we achieved 5.1 seconds during our most recent test of the 2013 GL550). Other performance tidbits include an AMG Ride Control sports suspension and an Active Curve System, both of which help make this 5500-pound (give or take) SUV more nimble. Russian auto show-goers will undoubtedly find the GL63's interior just as impressive as its spec sheet. Standard niceties include premium leather surfaces with contrast stitching, AMG sport seats with massage function, a flat-bottom steering wheel, three-zone climate control, and AMG badges. Outside, the GL63 is fitted with an aggressive front fascia, 21-inch multi-spoke rims, and quad-tip exhaust. Mercedes also announced initial pricing for the German market, slapping the GL63 AMG with a 130,305-euro price tag (U.S. The launch date in Europe has been set for November.

If you want to get your kids to soccer practice faster, then AMG has the performance-tuned people-mover for you - the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG. We first learned about AMG's upcoming three-row, twin-turbo V-8-powered beast a few months ago, and now the automaker is using this week's Moscow auto show for the GL63's official world debut. As previously reported, the hood is stuffed with a twin-turbo, direct-injected 5.5-liter V-8 producing 550 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. It's essentially the same M157 mill found in the five-passenger ML63 with tweaks from the optional AMG Performance Package. Power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic. Mercedes claims it'll go from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, about 0.6 seconds quicker than the GL550 (we achieved 5.1 seconds during our most recent test of the 2013 GL550). Other performance tidbits include an AMG Ride Control sports suspension and an Active Curve System, both of which help make this 5500-pound (give or take) SUV more nimble. Russian auto show-goers will undoubtedly find the GL63's interior just as impressive as its spec sheet. Standard niceties include premium leather surfaces with contrast stitching, AMG sport seats with massage function, a flat-bottom steering wheel, three-zone climate control, and AMG badges. Outside, the GL63 is fitted with an aggressive front fascia, 21-inch multi-spoke rims, and quad-tip exhaust. Mercedes also announced initial pricing for the German market, slapping the GL63 AMG with a 130,305-euro price tag (U.S. The launch date in Europe has been set for November.

The instrument cluster, meanwhile, is shared with every other AMG model on the market. That's great if you love the way Mercedes-Benz does its interiors, but it feels less special than the Range Rover's, which shares none of its parts with significantly less expensive models such as the Evoque or LR2. This was a common complaint against the GL63: It just doesn't feel significantly more special than a GL550. One bit we wish the GL63 would've gotten from elsewhere in the family is the front seats. We're big fans of the seats in cars like the SL63, but we found the ones in the GL63 less comfortable and less functional. Another point for the Rover here. Moving to the back, though, things get more complicated. We like the Rover's power-adjusting rear-seat backrests and the power lumbar setting, not to mention the snazzy remote-controlled entertainment system. The GL63 wins hands-down, though, when it comes to cargo handling. The power third-row seats move much more quickly than the painfully slow Rover's power second row. The GL63's manual second row, meanwhile, easily folds flat or tucks and tumbles like a Cirque du Soleil star to allow for easy access to the third row. Yes, the Range Rover Sport will have a third row, but it won't be as spacious or as easy to access. You've got yourself a tough call here, rookie. Both are very good SUVs, very luxurious, and very able to communicate your newfound success to anyone you pass. Neither is perfect, though, with the Range Rover suffering from a troublesome infotainment system and the GL63 deficient of features. We're going to recommend you go with the more luxurious Range Rover Supercharged with its longer list of features and better ride and driving experience. Your agent can handle our finder's fee.

Mercedes-Benz's largest SUV is now available in four model grades: the entry-level GL350 BlueTEC Limited Edition; GL350 BlueTEC Edition S; GL500 Edition S; and flagship GL63 AMG. There are no images of the new models yet, but buyers can see them in showrooms in the coming weeks. The entry-level diesel GL350 model has been updated with new gear such as metallic paint, a Harman Kardon stereo system with DAB digital radio, keyless entry and push-button start, a new 20-inch wheel design, and a new-look wood interior finish. 114,900 plus on-road costs. It retains the same 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo diesel engine with 190kW and 620Nm. Power goes to all four wheels through a seven-speed automatic gearbox. 20K to the price but uses the same diesel drivetrain. Its sporty additions include an AMG Sports Package with a body kit, flared wheel arches, 19-inch brakes (perforated front) and 21-inch alloy wheels finished in matt black.

On the ride side of things, it's a happy story. Imperfection-ironing girth and relatively long wheelbases make these six big guys, as a group, ride pretty well. The lone not-good-enough verdict goes to the Navigator. Benson Kong asks. Harsh? Sure is, but so is the Lincoln's ride when compared to others. The Navigator feels the most pickup-based. Now the good news. Here's what associate editor Christian Seabaugh has to say about the Land Rover: "I love the Range Rover's air suspension, as it rides wonderfully and doesn't easily upset." I couldn't agree more. The Mercedes-Benz also sports air suspension. Speaking of fancy suspensions, the Cadillac has magnetic dampers. Kong says, "the magnetorheological shocks seem way more oriented for sport (even in the Tour mode) than for luxury." But of course, giant 22-inch wheels and rubber band tires don't help the Escalade's case. Kong continues. Still, the Caddy rides well enough.