An already exclusive super SUV goes VIP-only with a bevy of special features and a low production run
The Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 already sits at the top of the Mercedes SUV food chain. The V8-powered monster commands an awesome $150,650 to start, with no shortage of ways to send that price tag even further into the stratosphere. But when you’re already spending that kind of money, why not opt for something less than 500 people worldwide can claim access to? We can’t really relate, but it seems Mercedes thinks there are at least a few hundred people who see it that way. Thus, Affalterbach introduced the 2026 AMG GLS 63 Manufaktur Arctic Silver Edition.
2026 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ MANUFAKTUR Arctic Silver Edition Mercedes-AMG
The special AMG GLS 63 is more than just a fresh coat of paint
As opulent as it is long-named, the 2026 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 Manufaktur Arctic Silver Edition touts tons of details that separate it from the flock of GLS SUVs you may or may not see on your morning commute. Perhaps most obviously, it wears Manufaktur Cirrus Silver Magno paint, a hue apparently exclusive to the model. Red and black accents dot the otherwise almost subtle exterior, with massive 23-inch wheels bearing red accents along the rim and center caps, accenting the red-painted calipers.
Mercedes-AMG
Other blacked-out accents come courtesy of the included AMG Night Package. While not exclusive to the 2026 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 Manufaktur Arctic Silver Edition, it goes a long way here with the special red accents. The tailpipes wear a dark chrome finish, and the roof rails are painted matte black. The 2026 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 Manufaktur Arctic Silver Edition also benefits from a front splitter, air inlets, and wing mirrors painted glossy black.
Inside, the red and black theme continues. Arguably, the prettiest highlight is the red-accented carbon fiber dash trim, exclusive to the Arctic Silver Edition. For upholstery, the special GLS 63 dons Carmine Red and Black Nappa leather. An AMG Performance steering wheel, Manufaktur black door sills with edition-specific AMG lettering, and ultra comfy deep-pile floor mats round out the ultra-special additions for the 2026 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 Manufaktur Arctic Silver Edition.
Mercedes-AMG
No changes to the GLS’s V8 — but that’s okay with us
In case you somehow forgot, the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 gets motivation from a rowdy biturbo 4.0-liter V8 making a respectable 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels, allowing the behemoth to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a Mercedes-estimated 4.1 seconds. Of course, in this arena, you gotta bring the big guns. Close competitors include the BMW ALPINA XB7, which manages 631 horsepower, and the Range Rover SV, which makes do with 606 horsepower. It’s crowded at the top.
Final thoughts
Mercedes has made it a tradition not to release pricing on these special Manufaktur Edition cars, and the 2026 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 Manufaktur Arctic Silver Edition is no exception. One thing is for sure: it won’t be cheap, as checking a few Manufaktur boxes on the regular SUV sends the MSRP deep into $170k territory. There is some comfort if you’re in the market, however. It seems unlikely that the AMG Manufaktur model will topple the Maybach GLS 600, which starts at $178,450 and permanently occupies the highest rung of the GLS ladder. After all, we don’t want any Maybach buyers thinking they’re getting the cheap version.
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