2019 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 Interior and Cargo

Unfortunately, the interior of the GLS is where the model's age starts to become very apparent. It can be seen in the lower quality of buttons, knobs, and even the steering wheel, all of which have made a big leap forward in more modern Mercedes. But that doesn't mean the cabin isn't a nice place to be. Nappa leather and black piano lacquer trim gave this GLS a dark and elegant look, while AMG carbon fiber trim asserted this machine's status as a performance machine. So did the DINAMICA suede-wrapped steering wheel for that matter, though the cheap-feeling plastic buttons placed as awkwardly as the air vents are features we would have liked to see done differently.

When utilizing all of the AMG's seating rows, you'll be left with a humble 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space, it's not gigantic, but it's enough for a decent grocery shopping run. The power-folding 50/50-split third-row seats are easily folded flat to create a more practical 49.4 cubic feet of space. That is enough room for some serious travel packing, or about four golf bags and their accompanying carts. With the second row of seats folded down, the GLS becomes a truly cavernous SUV. Space now increases to 93.8 cubic feet, just about as big as you're likely to find anywhere on the large SUV market. Personal storage space didn't blow us away, especially for an SUV of this size. The center console and glove compartment are big enough for personal effects only.

Sitting at the top of the GLS pile, the AMG 63 gets the bulk of features usually offered as optional extras on the lower models. On the outside, the AMG GLS gets LED head- and taillights, keyless start and remote locking, a power liftgate and 20-inch alloy cross-spoke wheels. Inside, the driver and front passenger can enjoy heated, ventilated and power-adjustable seats, while three-zone climate control keeps all occupants comfortable. Driver convenience features such as auto-dimming drivers side and rearview mirror, rain-sensing window wipers, and a surround-view camera system that makes the large AMG GLS a pleasure to pilot. The GLS shows off its premium status with the inclusion of small details such as soft closing doors, illuminated door sills, and an integrated garage door opener.

The absolute worst part about the GLS 63 we borrowed from Mercedes was its infotainment system, which, from the start, refused to work properly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, but plugging in a smartphone and cueing up the connectivity menu caused the system to glitch until we unplugged the phone, barring us from getting to use any smartphone interface on the cramped 8-inch infotainment screen. Aside from that, our main gripes have to do with the infotainment system itself. It's an earlier version of Mercedes' COMMAND system, which is lightyears better in its later iterations, and is distracting, slow to respond, and almost impossibly frustrating. At one point, after spending 10 minutes trying to input a single address into the onboard navigation system and having the system either fail to register inputs or take us to confusing menus, we gave up and resorted to using a smartphone dash mount. At the very least, the Harman Kardon sound system could pipe crisp sounds into the cabin using Bluetooth audio.