Although there’s no official Mercedes-Benz GL-Class AMG safety rating from the experts at Euro NCAP yet, it’s likely it will achieve a very high score when it is.

The smaller M-Class, with which the GL-Class shares much of its structure, is already rated as a five-star car and Mercedes-Benz has an enviable record for produce very safe cars.

Packed with myriad passive and active safety systems, the GL63 AMG is equipped to deal with a variety of road and climate conditions with ease.

In addition to the standard four-wheel drive and ABS, the GL63 AMG comes fitted with traction control, electronics to keep the car stable through sweeping bends as well as a further system to mitigate against the effects of crosswinds. If you regularly tow a trailer or caravan then there’s a package to reduce the sway of that too.

The GL63 AMG will also do its best to avoid an accident in the first place with its collision avoidance system but in the unfortunate event of an accident the car primes all of the safety devices ready to be deployed, again providing valuable milliseconds which could prove life-saving.

Naturally, there are airbags all around the car to further cushion against impacts and the outer middle row seat positions are ISOFIX prepared to accept the child seats with the requisite fittings.

One key safety feature that 4x4 buyers appreciate is the high seating position which frequently allows drivers to spot hazards well in advance of those in conventional cars. And with the AirMATIC suspension system keeping the car level, you’ll be reassured that the GL63 AMG will remain stable if you have to take avoiding action at short notice.

With seven seats and enormous, upright bodywork there’s little doubting the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class AMG practicality levels.

Access to all the seats is made easier by the vast doors and convenient folding mechanism to access the third row, which is spacious enough to be used by adults.

When the rearmost seats aren’t required, they fold electrically into the floor to offer even greater boot capacity. Even with all seven seats in use the boot is 295 litres, which is better than most 4x4s in this class and about the same as a small hatchback.

Fold the back row down and it expands to 680 litres with a total capacity of 2,300 litres with five rear seats folded down. Impressive figures, although the five-seater volume is trumped by the Range Rover Sport’s 784-litre capacity and if outright volume is your goal the 4x4 with the roomiest all-seats-down boot is Land Rover’s Discovery with 2,558 litres on offer.

Additionally, for both convenience and practicality, the tailgate opens and closes electrically too.

Dotted around the colossal cabin are various covered cubbies and storage areas, including obligatory cupholders conveniently located for easy reach.