Being a back-to-back rugby world cup winner has its perks as Eben Etzebeth has discovered by scoring the colossally sized and V8-powered Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 as part of his friends of the brand partnership. 
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Mercedes-Benz South Africa is no stranger to rewarding some of the country’s most influential and winningest athletes with their latest and most technologically advanced wares. The latest to do so was Springbok number 4 lock Eben Etzebeth who has now driven off in the V8-powered GLS 63. This isn’t the recognisable giants first foray with a tri pointed star vehicle considering Etzebeth and his wife got the keys to a pair of Mercedes-Benz SUVs at the end of last year. The Springbok was given the keys to a GLE 400 d, and his wife Anlia Etzebeth the owner of the latest GLC 300 d model. In addition to the 117 kg player, his two teammates Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimp both drive the the C43 4Matic AMG as part of the same friends of the brand partnership deal.
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Following the historic back-to-back Rugby World Cup win in France in 2023, other Sprigboks also found rewarding sponsorship deals with Retshegofaditswe “Ox” Nché and Bongi Mbonambi receiving a Triton Xtreme and Pajero Sport respectively but the colossus that is the GLS 63 certainly serves as an appropriate fit for the player that measures over 2 metres in height.
Prior to folding himself into the full-size SUV, Etzebeth seems to make the GLS look like a compact and diminutive offering but under the bonnet is Mercedes-Benz’ revered AMG V8.
Mercedes-AMG GLS63 4Matic+ Fast Facts
- Price: R4 243 127
- Engine: 4.0-litre turbocharged petrol V8 mild hybrid
- Transmission: 9-speed, automatic
- Power: 466 kW (combined)
- Torque: 850 N.m (combined)
- 0-100 km/h: 4.2 seconds
- Top speed: 280 km/h
- Fuel consumption: 13.5 L/100 km
- Rivals: BMW X7, Lexus LX, Land Rover Range Rover
Related: Review: Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 d 4Matic
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