Mercedes AMG G 63; if you want the most exclusive off-roader, you will need 173,700 euros

It will not reach the market until next June, but the brand’s dealerships are already taking orders for what is considered the most exclusive off-roader on the market: the Mercedes-Benz G-Class AMG G-63.

Equipped with the high-performance mechanical V8 twin-turbo engine of 4.0 litres specially prepared by AMG, the performance tuning specialist, this new version of the brand’s off-roader takes the Driving Experience concept that characterises the models developed by Mercedes-Benz’s sports division even further, taking it off the tarmac and making it possible on all kinds of terrain.

Faithful to the AMG 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine

The engine produces 430 kW (585 CV) of maximum power at 6,500 rpm and delivers 850 Nm of maximum torque between 2,500 and 6,500 rpm, which allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, an unusually strong acceleration for a vehicle of its characteristics and weight (over two and a half tonnes), and it reaches a top speed of 220 km/h, which can optionally be raised to 240 km/h with the Driver’s package.

The engine fitted to the AMG G-63 has two turbochargers located inside the V formed by the two cylinder banks, rather than on the outside. This layout makes for a more compact unit, while allowing a more spontaneous response from the turbochargers, which helps reduce emissions by providing more efficient airflow to the catalytic converters by eliminating exhaust back-pressure and improving the intake and exhaust cycles. AMG’s engineers have also modified the pistons, optimised the function of the intercooler and introduced numerous improvements to the management software.

The G AMG G-63 consumes 13.2 l/100 km with CO₂ emissions of 299 g/km, reasonable figures for a model of its kind, designed for intensive use in genuinely rugged and extreme conditions.

Better off-road behaviour: more traction and more agility with the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive system

The new G-Class AMG G63 combines this engine with the AMG Performance 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system — with a priority torque split to the rear axle (40:60) and up to three differential locks — along with the AMG SpeedShift TCT 9-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and various driving modes (Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus); and with the new AMG RIDE CONTROL chassis, featuring adaptive adjustable dampers. For the first time in the G-Class, this extreme version features independent front suspension with a wishbone front axle, while the rear retains a rigid axle with five-link suspension.

The gear reduction of the transfer case is much shorter than in the previous model (2.93 versus 2.1 in the previous G AMG). Using the three switches on the centre console, the three off-road options can be selected. A new intelligently controlled multi-plate clutch acts as a self-locking differential with automatic adjustment which, in addition to improving manoeuvrability off the tarmac, gives the driver more leeway before having to manually engage the differential locks. These can be engaged individually while driving, at speeds of up to 40 km/h in Low Range and 70 km/h in High Range, in the following order: centre differential, rear differential and front axle differential.

The improved behaviour resulting from these modifications is complemented by the more enjoyable driving experience provided by the exclusive AMG Cylinder Management selective cylinder deactivation system, which allows one of the cylinder banks to be deactivated while the engine is running at part load, significantly improving efficiency as well. Selective cylinder deactivation takes place over a wide rev range (from 1,000 to 3,250 rpm) provided the driver has previously selected the Comfort driving programme.

The result is greater stability of the vehicle, both when driving off-road and on tarmac, where it now handles with greater agility, while also offering better dynamic and ride comfort conditions for its passengers.

Striking, sporty and exclusive exterior design

In terms of design, it adds new elements that give it greater expressiveness, such as the AMG-specific radiator grille at the front, the wider wheel arches, which can now accommodate wheels up to 22 inches, and the new and striking exhaust outlets. The new AMG G-63 retains its classic angular silhouette, external door hinges, round headlights with superimposed indicators, and the spare wheel mounted externally on the rear door that characterise its design. At the front, in addition to the aforementioned grille, the bumper is also specific to this version, and Mercedes also offers optional Multibeam LED headlights, which allow the light beams of the left and right headlights to be configured independently.

As for the interior of the G63, it retains elements characteristic of the G-Class, such as the locking differential buttons on the centre console or the grab handle on the dashboard in front of the front passenger, combined with new technological features added to its equipment, such as the dual digital screen (optional). The instrument panel is also specific to this version and allows the integration of the widescreen digital driver’s display that Mercedes offers as optional equipment.

Interior spaces have also been redistributed. All passengers benefit from this, but especially those in the rear seats, which now have 15 cm more legroom. The front seats offer better support and numerous comfort features. In front of the driver, the G-Class AMG G-63 comes as standard with the new AMG Performance steering wheel, with a flat-bottomed section, nappa leather trim, intuitive touch-control switchgear and galvanised paddle shifters for gear changes.

As we said at the beginning, the G-Class AMG G-63 will go on sale next June, although the brand’s dealerships are already taking orders. At a price that makes this model one of the most exclusive off-roaders on the market: 173,750 euros.