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Introducing the Mercedes-AMG G63
14 Jul 2023
What makes something iconic? An image? An emblem? Something of legendary status? If we asked you to name the most iconic Mercedes-AMG, what model springs to mind?
This is a car that has stood the test of time. A car that is so recognisable, it simply couldn’t be mistaken for anything else. A car that is just as popular now – in its 45th year – as ever. According to Mercedes-AMG: “Wherever the G63 shows its face, it is met with nothing but awe. Its passion, perfection, and power make every journey feel like a victory.”
Known affectionately as the ‘G-Wagon’, the G-Class sits firmly at the top of the Mercedes-AMG food chain and is one of the most exclusive boutique models, with waiting lists often exceeding twelve months.
History of the model
In the early days, a former Mercedes-Benz engineer, who wanted to design an all-wheel-drive all-terrain civilian vehicle, created a concept following the Second World War known as the ‘Unimog’, an acronym for ‘Universal Motor Device’. Mercedes-Benz loved the concept so much they bought the founding company in 1950s, and have been making variations of the platform ever since.
First built as a utilitarian cross-country vehicle in the 1970s, the G-Class has transformed itself from being a rugged SUV to an iconic status symbol, popular among celebrities across the world; even the Vatican requested one for the Pope back in the 1980s, so he could publicly greet and bless his admirers in style. And, of course, you may have heard it mentioned more than a few times in modern rap music.
The first styling of the G-Wagon back in 1973 provided both military and non-military options, with the same aggressive and robust design that we know and love today. In fact, the G-Class is so legendary and beloved that when Mercedes-Benz attempted to replace it with a luxury SUV, which we now know as the GLS, the demand for the G-Class was so high that Mercedes-Benz couldn’t refuse it and re-released the model.
The Origin Story
- In 1979, Mercedes-Benz launched the BR 460, the first model series for the G-Class.
- In 1990, the BR 463 moved this model from a purely commercial vehicle to a comfortable vehicle for a broader target group.
- By 2000, the BR 463 received its first facelift, which included air conditioning and a new interior.
- On the 25th Anniversary of the G-Class, the AMG G55 Kompressor was launched, 476 PS, max torque of 700Nm and a shut off speed of 210Km per hour.
- By 2012, the model series 463 had a further facelift. During this model adjustment, the brand introduced a new designed centre console, along with COMAND Online and Linguatronic.
- In 2016, the G-Class was pre-destined for off-road use, evident in its rubber mats instead of carpet and fitted hand-cranks instead of a power window assembly.
- By 2018, numerous innovations was introduced to the BR 463, now known familiarly as the ‘G Wagon’ or ‘G-Class’, but retained parts adopted by previous model series.
Aesthetic design
The G-Class has seen a number of mutations over the years and, although the 2018 facelift was the most comprehensive to date, it retains a large number of exterior design features that are evident throughout the model’s history. For example, the unmistakable round headlamps, the attached indicator signal, the protective strips, and the roof trim. The recognisable rugged and classic door handles and spare wheel on the back with the robust cover complements the rest of the vehicle’s rustic aesthetic.
New features include the redesigned wing mirrors and optional sliding sunroof, which replaces the earlier steel roof and allows natural light to flood the cabin. The rear taillights use energy-saving LED technology, and you can opt for the Multibeam LED headlights on the front. If you want to add the Night Package, that will give you all of these features in a tinted variation, along with the incredible 22-inch black alloys and tinted windows. It gives the overall design a sportier and menacing look. This AMG variation, unlike the Mercedes-Benz G400d, is easily identifiable via the unmistakable radiator grille with vertical struts and the central star in high gloss black.
Build and construction
The 2018 facelift brought innovations to the body and frame as well, with aluminium added to the hood, bonnet, and boot to help lighten the weight of the predominantly steel frame. The proven concept of the ladder-type frame was retained but completely redesigned, with a new independent wheel suspension at the front axle, with increased torsional rigidity. The noise transmission from the suspension to the interior was also reduced, making it a practical off-road car that is still comfortable to drive every day.
Practicality
We know from its history that the G-Class has predominantly been designed as an off-road vehicle, so the fording depth of the model was increased by a further 100mm to 700mm and the ground clearance is now 241mm. The height, length, and wheelbase have also been increased, making it the biggest version of the model to date.
The rear passengers benefit from the larger dimensions of the new facelift, as the interior space has 15cm more accessibility in the rear compartment and additional headroom – a bonus when you are bumping around off-road.
From a practical point of view, with a roof rack, the G-Class can hold up to 150kg of dynamic load and 300kg of static load on the roof. You can add a trailer hitch to your customer specification, with a permissible towing capacity of 3,500kg, braked.
Interior design
The interior comprises a blend of rugged aesthetic with luxury finish. This includes the grab handles, which are practical when you’re off-roading and finished in that beautiful Nappa leather. If you’d like to, you can also add a wood or carbon trim. If you’re a fan of carbon trim, then you’ll love the new G63 Carbon Edition, which AMG released in the early part of 2022, with additional features including a Carbon Fibre Steering Wheel, interior Carbon Fibre trim and the AMG Night Package. At this point in 2022, the AMG team also added the additional Magno paint options, such as Hell Green Magno – named after the infamous corner on the Nürburgring. The Heated Steering Wheel comes as standard. As every order of G-Class is customisable to suit your preference, there are a plethora of colour options to choose from.
This particular model is the G63 Magno Edition, which the AMG team first released in January 2021. This Edition has an incredible array of additional features, including this stunning G Manufaktur Magno paint – seen here in Monza Grey – and Night Black Magno detailing on the bumpers and wheel arch flares. The overall look is more menacing and dominating.
On the interior, the Magno Edition spoils you with the Superior Line Interior package, with the diamond design on the seat centres, door panels and kneepads with coordinated topstitching. This is duplicated on the sides of the centre console and everything is finished in the smoothest Nappa leather to provide an extremely luxurious and tactile design.
As a no-cost option, you can choose to add colour to your topstitching and a coloured accent band, or choose single-tone Nappa leather across all seats.
The prominent interior feature to highlight has to be the seats, as the functionality on the G-Class really is top tier. The seats are fully electric with memory function, accessible using the familiar operating button on the front doors. Thanks to the Active Multi-Contour Seat Package with four-way lordosis support, the side profiles can be individually adjusted via the air chambers, accessible in the media display, but the beauty of this is how these chambers automatically adapt to the vehicle’s movements as you are driving. Additionally, the driver and front passenger benefit from the massage function.
You may recognise elements of the interior from other models across the Mercedes-Benz range, such as the Multifunctional Steering Wheel, first seen on the S-Class, or the widescreen cockpit, which we’ve seen previously on SUVs such as the GLE. The multimedia system currently available is the fully integrated COMAND system, which is controllable via the steering wheel or the dial in the centre console.
Of course, a Mercedes interior wouldn’t be complete without the Ambient Lighting, Burmester Surround Sound, and Driver Assistance Package.
Performance
In regards to performance, the 63 engine is the best performance engine the AMG team has designed to date – an iconic engine for an iconic car. It’s a 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo petrol engine, which is hand-built by one AMG technician. You may have seen us discuss the ‘one man, one engine’ principal before. With a BHP of 585 and 850Nm of torque, this beast will shift itself from 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds. A mean feat for a vehicle of its size and stature, and thanks to the illustrious AMG Performance Exhaust, it sounds incredible.
A new feature is the automatically controllable clutch, which is used as an inter-axle differential lock. This enables a variable distribution of drive torque across both axles ensuring optimal performance and off-roading capabilities.
The Mercedes-AMG G63
Powerful. Stylish. Iconic. The Mercedes-AMG G63 is everything you could ever want in a super- luxury off-road SUV. Its presence on the road is undeniable, thanks to the head-turning engine and rugged aesthetic. As each model is custom built from factory, you have the confidence of knowing your boutique model is as unique as you are.