Mercedes-AMG GLS63 Brake Upgrades

Floating Steel Rotors & Carbon Ceramic Conversions by Triton Motorsports

The Mercedes-AMG GLS63 is a vehicle that defies physics. Combining full-size luxury SUV proportions with supercar-level power output, the GLS63 operates in a performance envelope that places extraordinary demands on its braking system. With curb weights exceeding 5,800 lbs and torque figures rivaling exotic coupes, braking loads on this platform are among the highest of any production performance vehicle.

While AMG equips the GLS63 with capable factory braking systems, they are ultimately designed to balance comfort, cost, and long-term usability across a broad customer base. For owners who demand more—whether through spirited driving, high-speed highway use, or performance modifications—the limitations of OEM braking components become evident.

At Triton Motorsports, we engineered a complete braking upgrade portfolio for the GLS63 platform, including:

• Floating steel 2-piece brake rotors

• Steel-to-carbon ceramic conversion kits

• Gen 3 carbon ceramic replacement rotors for factory CCM systems

Each solution is purpose-built to handle the unique thermal, mass, and performance demands of AMG’s flagship SUV.

Understanding the Braking Demands of the GLS63

Few vehicles stress their braking systems the way the GLS63 does. Key contributing factors include:

• Extreme curb weight

• High center of gravity

• Massive torque delivery

• High sustained cruising speeds

• Large wheel and tire rotational mass

Bringing nearly three tons of performance SUV to a halt repeatedly generates enormous thermal energy. Managing that energy—not just stopping power—is the true challenge.

Factory Steel Brakes on the GLS63

Most GLS63 models are equipped with large steel brake rotors paired with multi-piston AMG calipers. While powerful, these rotors are still limited by OEM production constraints.

Limitations of Factory Steel Rotors

• Quasi 2-piece constructionMany OEM rotors appear two-piece but are cast as a single structural unit with cosmetic hats.

• Heat retentionSteel retains heat longer, increasing the risk of fade under repeated braking.

• High rotational massHeavy rotors negatively affect suspension response and braking efficiency.

• Warping under extreme loadSustained heat cycles can lead to rotor distortion and vibration.

For daily driving, OEM steel brakes perform adequately. But for performance use—especially on tuned GLS63 builds—they reach thermal limits quickly.

Triton Floating Steel Brake Rotors for GLS63

Triton Motorsports developed true floating 2-piece steel rotors to address the shortcomings of factory steel systems while retaining durability and serviceability.

Mercedes AMG GLS63 Brake Rotors by Triton Motorsports

Engineering Design

• High-carbon steel friction rings

• CNC-machined billet aluminum hats

• Fully floating mounting hardware

• Directional internal vane cooling architecture

Unlike OEM quasi-2-piece designs, Triton rotors allow independent expansion between the ring and hat, eliminating thermal stress transfer.

Performance Benefits

1. Improved Heat Dissipation

Directional vane channels increase airflow, accelerating heat evacuation during repeated stops.

2. Reduced Unsprung Mass

Billet aluminum hats significantly reduce rotor weight compared to one-piece steel designs.

3. Fade Resistance

Better thermal management preserves friction consistency under aggressive braking.

4. Serviceability

Friction rings can be replaced independently, lowering long-term ownership costs.

For GLS63 owners seeking a performance upgrade without transitioning to carbon ceramics, floating steel rotors offer the ideal balance of durability and braking performance.

🔗 Explore Floating Steel Rotors AMG GLS63

Factory Carbon Ceramic Brakes (Where Equipped)

Certain GLS63 configurations are equipped with AMG carbon ceramic matrix (CCM) brakes. These systems use a carbon core with a silicon carbide friction surface and provide meaningful performance advantages over steel.

Strengths of AMG CCM Brakes

• Substantial weight reduction

• Reduced brake dust

• Improved corrosion resistance

• Consistent braking under moderate high-performance use

These systems perform well within their intended operational range and represent a premium OEM braking solution.

Technical Constraints of CCM Systems

Like all first-generation carbon ceramic architectures, factory CCM rotors rely on a thin SiC friction layer bonded to the carbon substrate.

This introduces certain performance ceilings:

• Limited thermal capacity during repeated high-energy braking

• Surface chipping risk under extreme load

• Reduced tolerance for sustained track temperatures

• Higher replacement cost once worn

These characteristics reflect design trade-offs between performance, comfort, and long-term refinement.

Triton Gen 3 CCB-H Carbon Ceramic Replacements

For GLS63 models equipped with factory CCM brakes, Triton offers direct replacement Gen 3 CCB-H carbon ceramic rotors engineered to exceed OEM performance thresholds.

Material and Structural Advancements

• Continuous T700 carbon fiber architecture

• High-density 3D woven core

• Deep homogeneous silicon carbide infiltration

• Thicker integrated friction structure

This design significantly increases thermal capacity and structural resilience compared to thin-layer CCM systems.

Performance Advantages Over OEM CCM

Feature	OEM CCM	Triton CCB-H
Fiber Structure	Chopped carbon	Continuous T700
SiC Layer	Thin surface	Integrated thick matrix
Heat Capacity	Moderate	Extreme (1,000°C+)
Fade Resistance	Moderate	Exceptional
Lifespan	Limited	Extended service life

The result is a rotor engineered for sustained braking loads consistent with the GLS63’s mass and performance envelope.

🔗 Explore Carbon Ceramic Brakeshttps://www.tritonmotorsportsusa.com/carbon-brakes

Steel-to-Carbon Ceramic Conversion for GLS63

For GLS63 owners equipped with steel brakes, Triton Motorsports offers a complete steel-to-carbon ceramic conversion system utilizing Gen 3 CCB-H rotors.

This conversion allows drivers to experience the full benefits of carbon ceramics without relying on OEM CCM technology.

Mercedes AMG GLS63 Carbon Ceramic Brake Rotors by Triton Motorsports

Benefits of the Conversion

Massive Weight Reduction

Up to 20–25 lbs reduction in unsprung rotational mass.

Improved Thermal Stability

Carbon ceramics dissipate heat faster and resist thermal saturation.

Fade-Free Braking

Consistent pedal feel even under repeated high-speed deceleration.

Reduced Brake Dust

Minimal residue compared to steel systems.

Extended Service Life

Carbon ceramics last significantly longer under street driving conditions.

Engineering Challenges Unique to the GLS63

Developing braking systems for the GLS63 required extensive platform-specific engineering due to:

• Vehicle mass exceeding traditional AMG sedans

• Larger hub assemblies

• SUV suspension geometry

• Increased rotor torque loads

Triton engineers conducted:

• FEA stress modeling

• Thermal expansion simulations

• Load distribution analysis

• Fitment validation testing

This ensures OEM-level integration with performance beyond factory systems.

Real-World Driving Benefits

GLS63 owners upgrading to Triton systems report:

• Shorter braking distances

• Increased pedal confidence

• Reduced brake fade

• Improved vehicle stability under braking

• Better suspension response due to weight reduction

On a vehicle of this size, braking improvements are not subtle—they are transformational.

Long-Term Ownership Value

Floating Steel

• Replaceable friction rings

• Lower maintenance cost

• Ideal for heavy street use

Carbon Ceramic

• Minimal wear under normal driving

• Long service intervals

• Lower lifetime cost vs repeated steel replacements

Both systems are engineered to outlast OEM counterparts under comparable driving conditions.

Compatibility and Fitment

Triton brake upgrades are engineered for direct compatibility with:

• Mercedes-AMG GLS63 (X167)

• Factory calipers

• ABS and stability systems

• OEM brake pad sensors

No modifications are required for installation.

Why Proper Brake Engineering Matters on Performance SUVs

High-performance SUVs generate braking loads that rival or exceed exotic supercars. Yet their braking systems must also maintain:

• Passenger comfort

• NVH refinement

• Daily drivability

Triton’s solutions preserve OEM refinement while dramatically increasing thermal and structural performance headroom.

Conclusion: The Definitive Brake Upgrade for the Mercedes-AMG GLS63

The Mercedes-AMG GLS63 demands braking systems capable of managing extreme mass, torque, and speed. Triton Motorsports delivers a complete portfolio engineered specifically for this platform:

• Floating steel rotors for durable high-performance braking

• Gen 3 carbon ceramic replacements for factory CCM systems

• Steel-to-carbon ceramic conversions for ultimate braking capability

Each system is designed to integrate seamlessly while delivering measurable performance gains in braking consistency, thermal management, and long-term durability.

For GLS63 owners seeking braking performance worthy of AMG’s flagship SUV, Triton Motorsports offers the most advanced solutions available.