2018 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG Full Review | Specifications, Price

Overview

The Mercedes G-Class (G-Wagon) is a mid-size luxury SUV built by Magna Steyr in Austria and marketed by Mercedes-Benz. This luxury SUV is one of the longest produced Mercedes with a span of 35 years. The first production was back in 1979 and it was used as a military vehicle. Later the same year, a civilian version was also made available to the general public. The manufacturer wanted to stop production of the G-Class several times but the market really loves it and as each year passed, sales increased. Mercedes-Benz brought various updates to the G-Wagon over the years while still keeping the original boxy style. Among the many versions of the Mercedes G-Wagon are the G63 4x4 squared, G63 6x6, G500 AMG, G800 AMG.

This year, the second generation of Mercedes G-Class was launched at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 14, 2018. This new generation has the G63 AMG and the G500 AMG. The new SUV features a lot of improvement from its predecessor. The designs, however is mostly the same boxy style but the lines are smoother now and the front of the car has changed. A major improvement has happened under the hood and according to Mercedes-Benz, the new G63 will handle much better on road while still being the king of off-roading.

Specifications

Designs

Exterior

The designs of the Mercedes G63 AMG has been kept the same but there are some slight changes. The headlights are new and they are LED, which means that visibility at night will be improved. The front bumper has completely changed also, making the car looks a bit more stylish. The new AMG-specific Panamericana grille design definitely separates the new G63 from the older ones. The lines on the side of the G63 AMG are smoother now compared to its predecessor but you have to take a good look to be able to notice it. The wheels are wider now and up to 22-inch wheels can be fitted on the G63 AMG. The ground clearance has also improved to 9.5 inches.

An optional AMG Night Package is also available for the Mercedes G63 AMG. The package includes darker headlamp, tail-light and indicator lenses. Black-painted side mirrors, parts of the spare-tire cover, the trim from the front to the rear bumper and the wheels are also in the package. 

Interior

The interior of the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG has completely changed. The dashboard has been fitted with one large panel of glass split into two, replacing the traditional instrument cluster and the navigation and infotainment. The multi-functional steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls for the infotainment system is also new in the G63 AMG. The old handbrake has now been replaced with an electric one and a gear selector stalk is also added. 

Another major improvement in the new Mercedes G63 AMG is that it is lighter by 170 kg compared to the older version. Good news for those who complain about the space inside the cabin. This new G63 AMG is 53 millimetres longer and 121 millimetres wider, which means that there are more legroom and shoulder room for both front and rear passengers than the older G-Class. 

Engine

Under the hood lies a 4.0L Twin-Turbo (BiTurbo) V8. The all-wheel-drive G63 AMG makes 585 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque to the wheels. The car uses a new AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission. The G63 AMG will accelerate to 60 mph in 4.4s, nearly a full second faster than its high-performance predecessor. Quarter mile figure not available as the car has not yet been driven by anyone. The Mercedes G63 AMG can achieve a top speed of 137 mph (220 km/h) while with the AMG Driver's Package, it will reach up to 149 mph (240 km/h). 

The Mercedes G63 AMG, for the first time ever, comes equipped with five driving modes: Comfort, Sport, Eco, Individual and G-Mode. These modes not only adjust the damping, steering and throttle response but G-Mode also activates the car's low-speed transfer box. A new improved suspension, chassis, engine, gearbox and driver assistance package have been fitted in the new G63 AMG. This car does not use the old rack-and-pinion steering from the traditional recirculation ball set-up that the older version was using. The new steering system will improve the on-road precision.

Good news for all those who complain about the bad fuel economy. Mercedes-Benz has promised better fuel efficiency with the new G63 AMG. It will now do 13.1L per 100 km, which is not that much of an improvement from the older version but still, it is a bit better.

Price

The new Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG has an entry price of at least $125,000. The price is still in the range of its predecessor but now with all improvements, this car is worth every penny according to me. The G-Wagon has always been loved by everyone and this love is not going to decrease anytime soon. 

Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz, has said during the launch of the new Mercedes G63 AMG that an electric version of the SUV might be available soon on the market. That will be interesting to see and definitely, Tesla will get another direct competitor. 

We reinvent it all the time while keeping the character and remaining true to ourselves. Our indestructible classic is now ready for more adventure, in more comfort for driver and passengers - Mercedes-Benz