GLS 63 armoured INKAS

The GLS 63 is the flagship SUV in the AMG range: same X167 body as the Maybach, seven seats as standard, a completely different powertrain. The car is post-facelift, unveiled on 4 April 2023, which redesigned the bumpers, integrated the quad exhaust into the diffuser, and updated the LED rear lights and MBUX.

The engine is the hand-built M177 4.0-litre biturbo: 450 kW (612 hp) from 5,750 to 6,500 rpm, 850 Nm from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm, plus an extra 16 kW (22 hp) and 250 Nm from the 48 V system. AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G gearbox, AMG Performance 4MATIC+ variable all-wheel drive, AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL active anti-roll with electromechanical actuators on both axles. In standard specification: 0-100 km/h in 4.2 s, 250 km/h limited, 280 with the AMG Driver's pack.

The INKAS armouring brings the body up to CEN 1063 BR6, which stops 7.62 x 51 NATO with a lead core. The cabin perimeter is sealed 360 degrees, including roof and floor, with ballistic steel and lightweight composites; multi-layer glazing with original curvature, door overlap system at joints, rear ballistic partition, protection for the fuel tank, battery and ECUs, reinforced structural points and hinges, wheels with polycarbonate run-flat inserts, opening driver's window. From the pavement, the car still looks like a standard GLS 63.

The weight and performance figures are those of the standard model and do not take into account the INKAS armouring, which significantly increases the vehicle's weight and reduces acceleration, speed and fuel economy.

The tax position is determined at registration. The CO2 penalty is calculated according to the scale in force at the year of first registration, including abroad: for 2025, this scale is capped at 70,000 euros from 193 g/km, while a GLS 63 is type-approved between 300 and 306 g/km. The amount is then reduced by the age-related depreciation in monthly bands of article L. 421-7-2, in force since 1 March 2025. Useful consequence: the capping of article L. 421-74 cancels the weight penalty as soon as the CO2 penalty already reaches this ceiling.

In terms of use, a 612 hp armoured car mainly costs in brakes and tyres: tyres compatible with an armoured run-flat setup are rare and must be ordered. The active anti-roll and air suspension are constantly working beyond their original calibration, which justifies close monitoring of these two components.