Big Boy Toy: The G63

The new Mercedes G-Class is as unmistakable as it gets, and the AMG G63, with its 22-inch forged alloys, side exhausts, and extensive AMG decoration, is even more distinctive.

Design and History

There are two reasons for that. First, what else looks like it? The new Toyota Land Cruiser might, but its proportions aren’t as distinctly square as the G’s. The Defender adopted its mainstream-appealing look long ago, and the INEOS is still the new kid on the block. Second, the G-Wagen’s design has been refined over almost half a century, beginning with 1979’s W460 and followed up by the W463 that ran for nearly 30 years until Mercedes decided it was time for a new generation in 2018.

Performance and Specifications

Mercedes stuck with the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that made the 2018 car so interesting, choosing instead to improve the handling and dynamics. It produces 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, enough to propel its 2,640 kilograms of mass to 62 miles per hour in just 4.4 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 137 miles per hour, although you can lift it to 149 miles per hour with an optional pack. Forty-eight-volt technology and an integrated starter generator provide an extra 20 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque in short bursts.

Driving Experience

Bury the throttle and the nose veers up with ungodly acceleration heightened by the hot-vee soundtrack and a vague sense that speeding forward in something this large and heavy at this rate isn’t entirely wise. It’s an animal: wild and untamed. All that power is sent through AMG’s 9-speed automatic transmission with low-range and three mechanical differential locks for off-roading with four-wheel drive.

Off-Road Capabilities

In keeping with tradition, Mercedes stuck to the body-on-frame approach that has underpinned the G-Wagen’s existence so far, even for the electric G580 version. As with all Gs, you get independent double wishbone suspension at the front and a rigid axle at the rear. Ground clearance is 241 millimeters, wading depth is 700 millimeters, and approach and departure angles are 31 and 30 degrees, respectively.

Handling Improvements

If you want to take the road less traveled, everything we know about the G63 off-road has been gleaned from our first experience earlier in the year. It’s like no other G63 we’ve ever driven. In fact, it’s like no other two-and-a-half-ton monster we’ve ever driven. AMG has invested significant time and effort fine-tuning the handling of this new model, aiming to eliminate the understeer and body movements of the old one.

Technical Enhancements

Its solution to this is an entirely new hydraulic system, the AMG Active Ride Control, to replace the mechanical torsion-bar transverse stabilizers. The adaptive shocks get two hydraulic connections, one apiece for compression and rebound, while the damper chambers are connected via hydraulic lines. With AMG’s technical cap on, this means three things: a wide spring-rate spread, rolling movement significantly reduced, and higher camber stiffness.

Driving Dynamics

Usually, you can’t feel the extremes in a car like this. You get to the apex of a turn and your feel for the grip and weight ebbs away. Here, the G63 provides you with a tangible edge. The steering is quicker than on the regular G. There’s a hint of rear bias and the throttle response, more receptive here than on other more focused models, adds up to make the most capable G-Class ever. Essentially, an AMG GT on stilts. AMG also claims the active hydraulics benefit the ride and comfort of bumps and uneven surfaces. Generally, the G63 is firm but pliant, although potholes will still wreak havoc.

Interior and Features

You shouldn’t expect Bentley or Rolls-Royce levels of craft in this vehicle. On the dash, you’ve got a pair of 12.3-inch displays, running Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system for the first time. The haptic buttons on the steering wheel leave something to be desired, the screens are busy, the seat controls are awkwardly placed, and the overall look is gaudy. Mercedes gets away with that on the G63 more so than any other car it makes, but the heavy use of chrome already looks dated. Despite these less than desirable aspects, the seats are extremely comfortable.

Pricing and Options

When it was new, the old one started at $160,000, but six years have passed, and the landscape has changed massively. The price tag of a new G63 is about $207,060. That’s just for the ‘standard’ car with no options on it. The AMG Performance Package adds a lap-time tracker and telemetry, red brake calipers, and the 149 miles per hour top speed for $1,620. An AMG Night Package goes for $2,523. Included are keyless entry, a wireless phone charger, Burmester 3D surround sound, a sliding sunroof, ambient lighting, a Nappa leather steering wheel, heated steering wheel and windscreen, plus LED headlights with adaptive high beam assistance, an integrated dash cam and 360-degree camera, plus all manner of safety features and abundance of badges available. There are three other editions above the base car, peaking at the Mango Edition for $228,372.

Fuel Efficiency

The G63 scores 19.1 miles per gallon WLTP, and when you’re using the V8 to its full potential, that number will fall below 16 miles per gallon and keep on tumbling. Well over $112 per tank, then. It’ll drain your wallet once you’ve purchased it, but it’s a small price to pay for the most capable and stylish G63 yet.