Line up, line up because the new Mercedes-AMG G 63 is here and it’s bringing updates fit for the driveways of the top Hollywood stars. Key changes help reassert the infamous G-Wagen as the ultimate choice for the local school drop-off but also update it in line with other products in the Mercedes-Benz range.
While there’s a surprising amount to unpack for a vehicle that looks fundamentally the same, the Geländewagen (“cross-country vehicle”) has added more tech inside, more power to the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine courtesy of a 48V mild-hybrid system, and AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension as standard. However, you can take things to the next level now because the options packages are endless, including the new AMG Performance Package, which adds RACE START for a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 4.3 seconds. Let’s take a closer look!
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Like every model before it, the overall style remains the same, but those with a keen eye will notice the revised air intakes on the lower section of the front bumper with three vertical louvres. They’re very Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II, aren’t they?! This is joined by a new AMG crest badge on the bonnet, new cladding on the A-pillar, a small spoiler lip on the roof edge at the rear, and a silver-chrome fuel filler cap with AMG logo.
Larger 22-inch wheels are fitted as standard, as is the AMG Night Package, which adds dark design elements including a radiator shell finished in dark chrome, darkened bumper inserts, mirror housings, simulated underguard, headlight units and exterior trim strips, spare wheel fitted to the rear door, and side running boards. You also get red brake calipers as standard, but stealthy black can be optioned at no-cost.
Now, very few G-Wagen owners want to keep their vehicle stock standard, and the options list is suitably extensive. Here’s exactly how much everything will cost you on top of the $368,400 plus on-road costs purchase price. Pricing (MRLP) for optional packages:
- AMG Performance Package – $12,800
- AMG Night Package II – $4,000
- AMG Carbon Fibre Package – $17,700
- Superior Line Interior Plus Package – $14,200
- MANFAKTUR Exterior Package – $4,100
- AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension – $9,000
- AMG carbon fibre interior trim elements – $7,400
The first option package we want to draw your attention to is AMG Night Package II which adds more dark-accented elements over the standard AMG Night Package. This includes the side-mounted twin tips of the AMG exhaust system, the side running boards, and on badges and typography.
We’re pleased to see the legendary door handles with push-button action return, and they’ve copped the black paint treatment too and have the letter ‘G’ inscribed on the button. Mercedes-Benz says this will “emboss itself into the owner’s fingertip each time they open the door in a very personal reminder of the special vehicle they have chosen,” and yeah, sure.
When imprinted G logos on your hands are not enough, the AMG Carbon Fibre Package adds carbon to both the interior and exterior of the G 63, including a simulated underguard at the front and rear, AMG Performance steering wheel, and even the spare wheel cover, which has been clear design focus for the brand on this updated generation, including the all-electric G580.
Exterior options are rounded out by the MANUFAKTUR Exterior Package (when you select either metallic paint or MANUFAKTUR magno finish) that can be optioned to add obsidian black or night black magno to the roof, bumpers and wheel arches.
Maybe the most noticeable change to the updated G 63 is on the inside where you’ll find the MBUX multimedia system. However, it’s not in the layout that we’ve become accustomed to in cars like the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance because the side-by-side upper screen layout remains in the G from before.
It’s a touchscreen unit, but strangely the touchpad in the centre console also remains. Of course, you can still use the haptic controllers mounted on the flat-bottom AMG Performance steering wheel if that’s your preference.
If you’ve had a chance to drive a new AMG vehicle then you will appreciate the addition of the two AMG rotary buttons fixed to the lower section of the steering wheel that gives you access to drive modes and pre-selected favourite functions. It’s our favourite drive mode selection system in any car right now.
This is joined by an impressive list of standard features as part of the Exclusive Line interior package, which includes a sliding glass sunroof, Burmester audio system, MICROCUT microfibre roof liner, interior air ionisation, and cabin elements in MANUFAKTUR black flamed open-pore ash wood and piano black lacquer.
The G 63 is the top-of-the-range model, so you also get the Parking Package with a 360° camera, Driving Assistance Package with Blind Spot Assist, DISTRONIC active distance assist, and Active Steering Assist. PRE-SAFE accident preparation system and GUARD 360° Vehicle Protection Plus are also included. Finally, in a first for the G, KEYLESS-GO is featured as part of the standard Comfort Package.
Last but not least is the powertrain. It’s the same 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine with 430 kW of power and 850 Nm of torque as before, but it’s being fed electrons now, too. It’s paired to the same AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission and it retains all three differential locks and the same 4WD system, but that’s not a bad thing.
The engine is being brought into the future with an Integrated Starter Generator (48-volt electrical system) that can add 15 kW and 200 Nm. However, it’s worth noting that most of this additional power will be felt from launch and in torque-filling applications, such as overtaking, as the peak output remains the same.
Rather impressively, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds – or 4.3 seconds utilising RACE START (part of the optional AMG Performance Package).
Rounding out the driving aspects is the standard AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive adjustable damping at each wheel that makes this very conventional suspension move like it has no business doing. It can be configured based on the driving style, road conditions and the selected suspension level, but most importantly, it keeps the offroad credentials in place.
“The G-Class is an automotive icon, and the Mercedes-AMG G 63 has been the most popular model for many years. This is both an obligation and an incentive for us,” said Michael Schiebe, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH and Head of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class business unit.
“Our aim was therefore to make the enhanced performance even more tangible – both on and off-road. One of the ways we have achieved this is through improvements to the V8 engine and our new AMG suspension, which combines agility, driving dynamics and comfort. We are thus catering even more to our customers’ wishes. The new G 63 is more AMG than ever before.”
More information can be found on the brand’s website, which is linked below. The updated 2025 Mercedes-AMG G 63 will go on sale from Wednesday, 27 November 2024 at Mercedes-AMG retailers with a price of $368,400 (MRLP) before on-road costs.
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