Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class

Mercedes-AMG G 63 – Overview

The G-Class SUV from Mercedes-Benz is one the longest-produced vehicles in Daimler’s history, and was first introduced in 1979. Even with 40+ years of history, the large SUV has only recently entered its second generation in 2018, and was given the chassis number W464. The popularity of the SUV mimics the recent trend toward these tall vehicles, with the 400,000th unit delivered in December 2020, with the 300,000th delivered in 2017. That’s a lot of Gs in the span of 3 years.

Just like the rest of the prolific stable under Mercedes-Benz, the G-Class – sometimes fondly called the G-Wagon, which is shortened from Geländewagen – has also received the full AMG treatment. This latest Mercedes-AMG G 63 made it onto Malaysian shores in November 2018 with a price tag of RM1.5 million, and for 2021 the super-SUV has been given subtle updates to keep up with the ever-moving automotive landscape.

Mercedes-AMG G 63 – Exterior

Just like the G-Class of old, the second generation Mercedes-Benz G-Class still sits on a ladder frame chassis, albeit one that is made out of high-strength steel. Together with other high-strength and ultra-high strength steel body parts, the marque claims a 55% increase in torsional rigidity and weight savings of 170 kg. That’s not insignificant, especially considering that the already large car become a little bit bigger as a well – it’s 101 mm longer, 121 mm wider, and 40 mm taller.

As for the rest of the exterior, the 2021 update brought nothing to the table and the second generation G-Class remained as it is. The iconic rugged boxy shape is still as handsome today as it is decades ago. Since this is the full AMG model, it has many details visually distinguishing it from the standard variant. 

It has a trapezoidal Panamerica front grille with vertical slats, noticeably larger front intakes, flared wheel arches, and quad side-exit exhaust tips. These big wheel arches can house humongous 21 or 22-inch wheels, and all lights use LED technology. Optional MULTIBEAM LED headlamps are available to light up the night, as is a Night Package that will darken many exterior trim for that stealthy-brick look. 

Mercedes-AMG G 63 – Interior

As is expected, the interior is luxurious, which is an obvious contrast to the rugged exterior. However, some of the ‘tough design’ elements still make it in here too, as shown by the chunky grab handle in front of the front passenger. For any who have ever been inside a G-Wagon, this space is a familiar once with all its straight, upright lines, but it has also been given a big dose of modernity. The hallmark of this is the Widescreen Cockpit with its twin 12.3-inch displays. This is an option in most markets, but in Malaysia it is a standard option.

New to the 2021 update is wireless smartphone charging pad, and new options to the G manufaktur customization service, but that’s all. After all, a recipe such as this does not need constant tweaking. Interior room also benefits from the vehicle’s increased dimensions. Front legroom has increased by 38 mm, while the rear by 150 mm. Shoulder room in front and rear increased by 38 mm and 27 mm respectively, while elbow room in front and rear is up by 68 mm and 56 mm respectively.

For extra cargo space, the rear seats can fold down in a ratio of 40:60, and for extra comfort an optional Active Multicontour Seat pack is available. This is an AMG model after all, so drivers get to play with the new AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather and steering wheel-mounted galvanised shift paddles. The wheel has integrated touch control buttons, of which the left regulates the instrument cluster and the right takes care of multimedia. 

Mercedes-AMG G 63 – Features

In Malaysia, many of the optional features are already included in the price as standard, like the Multibeam LED headlights and the Active Multicontour Seat pack. Other standard equipment includes triple-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, the COMAND Online navigation system, a Burmester sound system, a 360-degree camera system, and the aforementioned Widescreen Cockpit.

As for safety, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 gets the full Driver Assistance package with Active Brake Assist, Distronic adaptive cruise control, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist. The SUV also has Pre-Safe, a tyre pressure monitoring system and a Tirefit tyre repair kit.

Mercedes-AMG G 63 – Powertrain

The engine is mated to a 9G AMG Speedshift TCT, which can be controlled via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
With this powerplant, the 2.5 tonne SUV can hit 100 km/h from standstill in 4.5 seconds, and then on top speed of 220 km/h, or 240 km/h with the Driver’s Package.

Mercedes-AMG G 63 – Driving Performance

As for the all-wheel drive 4MATIC system, it is biased towards the rear in a 40:60 ratio for greater agility on the road and improved traction whilst acceleration. However, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 has real off-roading capabilities as well. Its off-road reduction gear reduction ratio is now 2.93 for those especially difficult off-road hill climbs. For comparisons sake, the preceeding model had a ratio of 2.1. This off-roading ratio is the LOW RANGE setting, while the HIGH RANGE’s reduction ratio is 1.0.

New to this generation’s Mercedes-AMG G 63 is an intelligent multiplate clutch that behaves like an automatically-controlled locking differential. The three differentials – front, centre, and rear – can also be locked manually, which Mercedes-Benz proudly says is unique in production vehicles of its class.

Mercedes-AMG G 63 – Ride Comfort

The potential of the engine can be tapped in a blink however, which will bring the large car up to speed in no time at all. The Mercedes-AMG G 63 is, however, shaped like a box, and so wind noise is very obvious at speed, as is road noise from the gigantic wheels.

Mercedes-AMG G 63 – Fuel Economy

Mercedes-AMG G 63 – Conclusion

In terms of on-the-road refinement, rivals like the Range Rover Vogue have noticeably better manners, but in terms of charisma and road presence, there’s nothing street legal that even comes close to the expansive, and almose primal even, allure of the Mercedes-AMG G 63.